ENCINITAS — Over 500 participants braved the 11-mile shoreline trek from La Jolla Shores to Cardiff-by-the-Sea on Jan. 11 for the 4th annual King Tide Challenge, enjoying a scenic winter constitutional while helping raise money for skin cancer research.
Organized by the King Tide Challenge Foundation, the event takes advantage of January’s extreme low tides, allowing walkers to pass landmarks like Flat Rock at the base of the Torrey Pines bluffs, which is typically inaccessible during higher tides.
Co-founded by Cardiff residents Chris Swanner and Julie Thunder, the foundation raises money for skin cancer research and education, with proceeds going to the Moores Cancer Center at UCSD Health.
The two friends, who met walking their dogs 30 years ago, launched the event to combine their love for the ocean with their desire to make a difference.
Early figures show that donations from 684 individuals totaled nearly $36,000, nearly doubling last year’s contributions of over $18,000.
The event also benefited from 18 corporate sponsors, whose support allows the walk to remain free for all participants, and a silent auction featuring items donated by local artists and businesses, including an autographed surfboard from Encinitas surfing legend Rob Machado, raised an additional $6,000.
Swanner and Thunder greeted walkers at the start with instructions to “head north and don’t turn left,” and welcomed them at the finish line with leis and smiles.
The event concluded with a celebration at Tower 13 Beach Bar, where participants enjoyed live music by the Sloppy Sixths — a band of UCSD medical professionals — alongside inspiring speeches from individuals sharing their personal experiences with skin cancer.
“I have tremendous gratitude for the walkers who participated for themselves or in honor of loved ones,” Swanner said. “The generosity of San Diegans has allowed us to donate twice the amount to Dr. Daniel’s Immunotherapy Clinic at Moores Cancer Center this year.”
Thunder described the walk as a “bucket-list item” featuring iconic views such as Scripps Pier, the Mushroom House, and the remoteness of Black’s Beach, as well as glimpses of wildlife, including dolphins, whales and seabirds.
“I love sharing this experience with others,” Thunder said.
First-time participant Mary said the walk was a rare opportunity to enjoy uninterrupted time with friends.
“How often do you get four hours without cell phones, TVs, or other distractions, just walking and talking on a beautiful day,” she said.
The King Tide Challenge Foundation encourages participants to share their experiences on social media using @kingtidechallenge. The next walk is scheduled for Jan. 3, 2026, when the tide is expected to reach -1.86 feet at 3:34 p.m.
