On August 12, 2011 look for Fire Science Prof. Kevin Nelson paddling around New York City on his sea paddle! The event “SEA Paddle NYC” is sponsored by the Surfers Environmental Alliance to raise money and awareness for Autism and the Surfers Environmental Alliance’s environmental causes. This is the 5^th annual paddle around New York City event. The 26.5 mile paddle around New York City brings Prof. Nelson and others to the waters to raise funds for well needed organizations.

Professor Nelson is a 1996 fire science graduate of New Jersey City University when it was still Jersey City State College. A firefighter with the Bloomfield Fire Department, he is currently ranked #2 on the promotional list for Captain.

“Being fit and healthy is an important part of being a fire fighter and fire officer”, says Nelson. Nelson trains year round whether it’s at the fire house or on the waters. Bloomfield fire fighters and officers can participate in a fitness program held at the fire house. Though, not a mandatory program, many including Nelson take advantage of this opportunity. Kevin works out at the fire house year round, and then once March comes around, he’s back in the water.

Kevin an avid surfer has been surfing for as long as he can remember. Spending his summers down the shore in Chadwick Beach and working as a lifeguard in Seaside Park from 1989 – 1996, only added to his quest to stay fit and enjoyment of the water. (He also met his beautiful wife Brooke while guarding).Then about three years ago he was introduced to Standup Paddling and took an immediate liking to the sport. Now, once March rolls around, he starts to practice three days a week paddling 6 – 7 miles each time either in Barnegat Bay or in the Atlantic Ocean. He enjoys practicing in the ocean as “the ocean is a more challenging environment, but in March you don’t want to fall in when you’re training. That water is cold!” stated Kevin.