Volunteer beach cleanup Saturday at Will Rogers State Beach

The April Nothin' But Sand beach cleanup  will take place Saturday from 10 a.m. until noon at Will Rogers State Beach in Pacific Palisades.

Hosted by Heal the Bay, the cleanups are held on the third Saturday of each month at different locales and are an opportunity to help keep our local shores tidy.

Volunteers should plan to meet at the Heal the Bay tent that will be on-site. All cleaning supplies will be provided, so volunteers are welcome to just show up (those younger than 12 need to be accompanied by a parent).

Attendees should plan on wearing closed-toe shoes and bringing their own drinking water and snacks as well as a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. More information on what to wear and bring is available on the Heal the Bay website.

Liability waivers can be printed in advance and must be signed before pitching in. Participants 17 and younger must have a parent or guardian sign their form.

Groups of 10 or more are asked to email Eveline Bravo or call (800) 432-5229, Ext. 148, to let organizers know they plan to join in.

-- Kelly Burgess
Twitter.com/latimesoutposts

Photo: Children play with their dog at Will Rogers State Beach. Credit: Los Angeles Times

Volunteer beach cleanup Saturday in Playa del Rey

The March Nothin' But Sand beach cleanup will take place Saturday from 10 a.m. until noon at Toes Beach in Playa del Rey.

Hosted by Heal the Bay, the cleanups are held on the third Saturday of each month at different beaches and are an opportunity to help keep local shores tidy.

Volunteers should plan to meet at the Heal the Bay tent that will be onsite. All cleaning supplies will be provided, so volunteers are welcome to just show up (those younger than 12 need to be accompanied by a parent).

If it is raining steadily at the start time, the cleanup will be canceled. However, if the rain has stopped or it is just raining lightly, the cleanup will continue as scheduled.

Attendees should plan on wearing closed-toe shoes and bringing their own drinking water and snacks as well as a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a jacket. More information on what to wear and bring is available on the Heal the Bay website.

Liability waivers can be printed in advance and must be signed before pitching in. Participants 17 and younger must have a parent or guardian sign their form.

Groups of 10 or more are asked to e-mail Eveline Bravo or call (800) 432-5229, Ext. 148, to let organizers know they plan to join in.

-- Kelly Burgess
twitter.com/latimesoutposts

Photo: A beachfront location that the locals call Toes Beach. Credit: Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times

Volunteers needed for dead fish cleanup in Redondo Beach's King Harbor

Heal the Bay has put out word that volunteers are needed from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. to help clean up the massive amount of dead fish in Redondo Beach's King Harbor.

Anybody with even a couple of hours to lend a hand would be helpful, as Redondo Beach officials said it will take several days to clean up the millions of fish after the sudden die-off that began Monday evening.

Water, food and sunscreen will be provided to volunteers. No experience or supplies are required.

Volunteers should check in at the old Red Onion site at 655 N. Harbor Drive, just north of the Cheesecake Factory in Redondo Beach. There will be other volunteers there giving directions on how to help.

"The quicker we remove the decaying fish, the better opportunity we have for recovery," Bill Workman, Redondo Beach's city manager, told The Times' Tony Barboza. "Time is of the essence; we have to move quickly."

-- Kelly Burgess
twitter.com/latimesoutposts

Photo: Some of the millions of dead fish floating in King Harbor marina in Redondo Beach on Tuesday. Credit: Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times

Once-paralyzed supercross rider Jimmy Button to bicycle cross-country to raise money for spinal cord research

 

Supercross rider Jimmy Button vividly remembers the accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down. Remembers it as if it happened only yesterday, instead of 11 years ago.

"I can still remember it clear as day. It was one of those basic little falls -- I wasn't going very quickly at all -- I just fell down very slowly and hit at the wrong speed and at the wrong angle. It pinched my spinal cord and I had instantaneous paralysis," Button told Outposts.

Button, then 26, was starting his 11th season as a professional motocross rider. However, on Jan. 22, 2000, his life would drastically change in an instant. While practicing for the evening’s AMA Supercross Series race at San Diego's Qualcomm Stadium, Button went down in the whoop section and immediately went numb.

"The second I hit the ground I knew, I instinctively knew what was wrong, and when medic workers and various track workers got to me I basically told them that I was pretty sure I just paralyzed myself because I can't feel anything or move anything below my neck."

The injury sustained was a pinched spinal cord in the C-2 to C-6 region of his neck -- his second and third vertebrae -- leaving Button paralyzed from the neck down and considered an incomplete quadriplegic.

"A complete injury is when the spinal cord is severed; an incomplete injury is where mine is, where it's a bruise where there's always a glimmer of hope that something might come back to you, you may regain some function," said Button.

Still, doctors didn't hold out much hope, and told family that Button would likely never walk again.

"My records, which we have, say on the very first page 'give family zero hope for recovery.' I think there were maybe some people in the rehab center thought I had a chance but not the initial doctors," Button said.

'Ride with Larry' filmmakers surpass fundraising goal; will document 300-mile ride across South Dakota by cyclist with Parkinson's disease

The filmmakers of the "Ride with Larry" documentary are thrilled to report that they successfully reached their funding goal on Kickstarter.com, raising a total of $62,695 by the Tuesday deadline.

"We made it to the Kickstarter Hall of Fame as the 15th most-successful project of all time out of 4,000 funded projects since the website began," co-producer/co-director Andrew Rubin told Outposts.

The team's excitement and appreciation of those who contributed is apparent in this "Ride with Larry" blog post:

THANK YOU SO MUCH TO EVERYONE! YOUR SUPPORT MEANS THE WORLD TO THIS TEAM OF PASSIONATE ADVOCATE FILMMAKERS, TO LARRY, AND THIS CAUSE!

We LITERALLY couldn’t do it without you.

Featured in a Jan. 25 Outposts item, Vermillion, S.D., resident Larry Smith, 61, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease when he was 42, is the focus of the documentary that aims to put a human face on the day-to-day fight against Parkinson's. He's planning to bike 300 miles from Aberdeen, S.D., to his home in Vermillion, stopping along the way each night to speak with local support groups about the benefits of cycling, staying active and keeping positive with Parkinson's.

Smith continues to train for his June departure, albeit indoors because of the South Dakota snow keeping him from riding his recumbent bike around town. Both he and his wife, Betty, have been hitting the gym, where Smith is now clocking 17 miles in 40 minutes.

RELATED:

'Ride With Larry': Cyclist with Parkinson's disease to bike 300 miles across South Dakota

-- Kelly Burgess
twitter.com/latimesoutposts

Photo: Larry and Betty Smith riding in Vermillion, S.D. Credit: Andrew Rubin / Ride with Larry

Fly-fishing clubs hosting 'FlyBuy 2011' fundraiser Saturday at Long Beach Casting Club

In the market for fly-fishing gear or instruction on casting or fly-tying? If so, you definitely want to check out FlyBuy 2011, being held from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday at the Long Beach Casting Club.

This second annual event, a fundraising project of the Southwest Council Federation of Fly Fishers, will offer an abundance of hand-tied flies, used tackle and clothing for sale as well as casting lessons, fly-tying demos and auctions. 

Members of the 24 fly-fishing clubs that comprise the Southwest Council have donated rods, reels, clothing and accessories to the veritable buyers’ carnival and demonstration of the art at the 86-year-old casting club, located at 4901 E. 7th St. in Long Beach.

Funds from the event are earmarked for Southwest Council FFF conservation-related projects, including the California Department of Fish and Game's "Trout in the Classroom" program, monofilament recovery tubes (placed throughout the Sierra for discarded fishing line), work with disabled veterans, and other educational activities. 

"About a dozen fly-tiers -- some of them international award winners -- will demonstrate their skills," said Council president Michael Schweit. "Fly-tiers include Maria Rivas, Peter Koga, Lee Baerman, Bill Blackstone, John Van Derhoof, Mark Kirchner, Dean Endress, Naomi Okamoto and Steven Fernandez."

Certified casting instructors also will be on hand giving lessons for fly-fishermen of all skill levels at the club’s casting pond. 

Silent and live auctions will be conducted throughout the day for books, artwork, fly plates, fly rods, reels, vests and other accessories. "This is a great opportunity to pick up lightly used tackle and tools at a great price while helping a great conservation cause," said Schweit.

-- Kelly Burgess
twitter.com/latimesoutposts

Photo: Fly-tiers Maria Rivas, front left, and Mark Kirchner (in orange) demonstrate their skills at FlyBuy 2010. Credit: Michael Schweit

'Ride With Larry': Cyclist with Parkinson's disease to bike 300 miles across South Dakota

   

Avid cyclist Larry Smith was 42 when he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Now 61, the retired police captain is an inspiring sight around his hometown of Vermillion, S.D., because of his attitude and refusal to just stop living.

Smith, who owns Mister Smith's Bakery and Cafe in Vermillion, has become a familiar sight as he heads to work on his red recumbent bike.

"I know people that got diagnosed with Parkinson's, and they just gave up. Sat in a wheelchair and refused to get up," Smith said. "I'll never give up. Some day this will probably take me, but I'm not going to walk away from life."

He is now taking his message to the street -- about 300 miles of it. In June, Smith is planning to ride from Aberdeen, S.D. to his home in Vermillion, stopping along the way each night to speak with local support groups about the benefits of cycling, staying active and keeping positive with Parkinson's.

Outposts looks back at 2010: Unusual news

With the year ending, it is worth looking back at memorable posts of 2010. Each day this week through Friday, Outposts will recount some of the records broken, the achievements reached, the notable passings and the downright unusual during 2010 in the outdoors, action and adventure world.

Toddler using Barbie fishing pole lands 20-lb. muskie

Two-year-old Ella Haag was fishing with her grandparents at Round Lake near Randall, Minn., on May 15 when she landed her first fish, using her pink Barbie fishing pole.

Her grandfather grabbed a net and soon they pulled in a 30-inch muskie weighing in at a little under 20 pounds -- a fish bigger than the angler who caught it.

Screen grab: Fox 9 News Minnesota video

 

American adventurer crosses English Channel using helium balloons and a chair

In a stunt definitely from the "don't try this at home" category, American adventurer Jonathan Trappe crossed the English Channel on May 28 in a chair attached to a cluster of helium balloons, touching down safely in a French field.

When asked what had inspired him to make the journey, Trappe replied, "Didn't you have this dream, grabbing onto a bunch of toy balloons and floating off?"

Photo: Gareth Fuller / Associated Press

 

Wingsuit base-jumping video well worth watching

This video, on YouTube since June, is awesome to watch. The wingsuit base-jumper displays some daring moves as he navigates cliffs and mountaintops before opening his parachute.

One thing I keep wondering is: How does one test such a suit to make sure it works as intended before jumping?

Screen grab: YouTube.com/JokkeSommer

Outposts looks back at 2010: Achievements

With the the year ending, it is worth looking back at memorable posts of 2010. Each day this week through Friday, Outposts will recount some of the records broken, the achievements reached, the notable passings and the downright unusual during 2010 in the outdoors, action and adventure world.

Kelly Slater clinches historic 10th ASP World Tour title

Kelly Slater made sporting history on Nov. 6, claiming an unprecedented 10th Assn. of Surfing Professionals World Tour title.

Culminating a 20-year effort, Slater, 38, accomplished an incredible feat that will undoubtedly remain at the top of the ASP record book for a long time.

"I feel relieved, honestly," Slater said. "It’s been the most stressful title I’ve ever had, because it’s sort of an unknown place and you know at my age people say, 'You shouldn’t be doing this.'"

Photo credit: Kirstin Scholtz / ASP

Lance Mackey wins fourth consecutive Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race

With 11 dogs in harness, musher Lance Mackey rode into Nome, Alaska, at 2:59 p.m. March 16, passing under the burled arch and the Widow's Lamp hanging from it to win the 38th Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

The 39-year-old Mackey, from Fairbanks, Alaska, also rode into the record books, becoming the first to win the "last great race on Earth"  four times in a row.

Photo credit: Bob Hallinen / Anchorage Daily News

 

Irvine woman with rare disease conquers Mt. Everest

Cindy Abbott lives with adversity. The Irvine resident started losing vision in her left eye more than 15 years ago, and began having a slew of mini-strokes and vertigo. Finally, in 2007, Abbott was diagnosed with Wegener's Granulomatosis, a rare and potentially deadly disease of uncertain cause.

Abbott, 51, has no idea how long she has left to live because of the incurable disease. But she did not let the debilitating affliction hold her back, and on May 23, became the first person with Wegener's Granulomatosis to reach the top of Mt. Everest.

Photo credit: Bill Allen

Tennis great Martina Navratilova recounts having to give up Kilimanjaro climb after becoming seriously ill

Times sports columnist Bill Dwyre was one of a handful of reporters who spoke to Martina Navratilova by  telephone Sunday morning following her release from a hospital where the tennis legend had been after becoming seriously ill during her attempt to climb Tanzania's 19,341-foot Mt. Kilimanjaro.

"We began climbing Monday," Navratilova, 54, said.  "Immediately, it started to rain, then snow. It was foggy. I brought binoculars and never used them. It was so bad that I got lost trying to find my own tent at base camp.

"This was supposed to be fun, but nobody had fun. It was just survival. It is not an experience one would enjoy."

And that was before she got sick.

Navratilova, who was leading a team of 27 climbers to raise funds for the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation charity, was taken ill on the fourth day of the climb. She was assisted down the mountain by porters and driven to nearby Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre for assessment, then flown to a Nairobi hospital for further tests that showed she was suffering from pulmonary edema, excessive fluid in the lungs.

During the early-morning phone conversation, Navratilova was asked whether she'd consider trying the climb again.

Her response, as well as Dwyre's full column, can be read here.

RELATED:

Martina Navratilova begins Mt. Kilimanjaro climb

Martina Navratilova's Mt. Kilimanjaro climb reaches toughest going yet

Martina Navratilova suspends Mt. Kilimanjaro climb

-- Kelly Burgess
twitter.com/latimesoutposts

Photo: Tennis legend Martina Navratilova rests during her charity attempt to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro. Navratilova suspended her climb after becoming ill. Credit: Chris Jackson / Getty Images

Martina Navratilova suspends Mt. Kilimanjaro climb

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova has suspended her first attempt to climb Tanzania's 19,340-foot Mt. Kilimanjaro after feeling unwell on the fourth day of the ascent.

Navratilova, 54, was assisted down the mountain by porters and driven to the nearby Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre for assessment. The statement released by Laureus, the sponsor of the climb, said Navratilova was in good spirits as she left the campsite at Horombo but disappointed to have to leave the mountain.

The nine-time Wimbledon champion, who was leading a team of 27 climbers to raise funds for the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation charity, had reached 14,763 feet during the day, the highest point of the climb so far.

The Laureus team has faced unseasonal weather of blizzards and mists during their ascent, which began Monday. The rest of the team, which includes German Paralympic cyclist Michael Teuber and British Olympic badminton star Gail Emms, are continuing with the climb and are expected to reach the summit on Saturday.

RELATED:

Martina Navratilova begins Mt. Kilimanjaro climb

Martina Navratilova's Mt. Kilimanjaro climb reaches toughest going yet

-- Kelly Burgess
twitter.com/latimesoutposts

Photo: Tennis legend Martina Navratilova, left, and German Paralympic cyclist Michael Teuber during their charity attempt to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro. Navratilova suspended her climb after feeling unwell. Credit: Chris Jackson / Getty Images

Martina Navratilova's Mt. Kilimanjaro climb reaches toughest going yet

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova has reached Day 4 of her attempt to summit Tanzania's Mt. Kilimanjaro and is finding the ascent, and the weather, more challenging thus far than she imagined it would be.

Here's an excerpt from Navratilova's most recent post on The Laureus Blog:

The weather is a little better, but the going is getting tougher and tougher. It seems to be constantly steep and as we started to approach the highest point yet, 4,500 metres above sea level, sheer exhaustion sets in for much of the group, and with heavy legs and chests pounding due to a lack of oxygen, every step becomes an effort.

We have two days to go before we reach the summit and the group’s mood is fluctuating between exhaustion and exhilaration. It has been tougher than I imagined, but that is when everyone has come together to support each other.

Navratilova, 54, embarked Monday on her summit attempt of the 19,340-foot Kilimanjaro in an effort to raise funds for the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, a charity helping disadvantaged youth worldwide through sports-based projects.

The nine-time Wimbledon champion is joined on the challenge by a group of 27 fundraisers, including German Paralympic cyclist Michael Teuber and British Olympic badminton star Gail Emms.

RELATED:

Martina Navratilova begins Mt. Kilimanjaro climb

-- Kelly Burgess
twitter.com/latimesoutposts

Photo: Tennis legend Martina Navratilova is encountering snow conditions sooner than she expected during her attempt to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro. Credit: Chris Jackson / Getty Images