Four South Florida watermen successfully crossed the mighty Gulf Stream in August in a Crossing-For-A-Cure Challenge to raise public awareness and money to support the battle against cystic fibrosis.
At times battling fatigue and heavy seas and nine-foot swells, the paddleboarders completed the 90-mile journey in 16 hours. Two chase boats and a paramedic followed the foursome during the crossing.
Team leader and Crossing-For-A-Cure founder Travis Suit conceived of the unique fundraiser after his daughter, Piper, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis in 2011.
Suit and paddlers Shane Pompa, Joseph Morel and Kyle Igneri shoved off from the docks of the Bimini Big Game Club Resort and Marina on Friday afternoon and arrived next morning (August 10) at the Riviera Beach Marina at 8:45 a.m., where family, friends and five-year-old Piper were stationed for a celebration.
So far Crossing-For-A-Cure, according to organizers, has raised more than $15,000.
Sponsors for the crossing include the Bimini Big Game Club Resort and Marina, Tropically Impaired, Paddle Boarding Palm Beach, Sun Bum, Iron Lion Fitness Studio, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Venture Boat Company, Jimmy Lewis, Reflekt, NEILPRYDE, Power Design, Keiser University, and Blueline Stand-Up Paddle Surf & Clothing.
For more information on Crossing-For-A-Cure and how to donate for the cause, visit www.crossingforacure.com. For information on the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, visit www.cff.org. For information on Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina, visit www.biggameclubbimini.com.