Crossing For CF Explainer Video
#X4CF
BOLD IN THE FACE OF FEAR.
The Crossing For Cystic Fibrosis is a long-distance endurance paddle challenge and international championship race that takes paddlers 80 miles across the Gulf Stream from Bimini in the Bahamas back to the Florida mainland. The event was inspired because of the incredible health benefits of the Ocean for those living with cystic fibrosis, a terminal lung disease. Travis Suit's daughter Piper was diagnosed with CF when she was four years old.
OUR STORY
INSPIRE EVERY BREATH.
In November 2011 my daughter Piper was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at the age of four. Piper has double DF508 genes, which can be a very progressive form of CF. At Piper's first CF clinic appointment, we learned about the incredible healing benefits of the ocean for people with CF; and not too long after, the idea of The Crossing was born.
In the summer of 2013, Shane Pompa, Kyle Igneri, and Joseph Morel joined myself (Travis Suit) as we paddled from the Bahamas to the Florida mainland to raise awareness and funds for everyone living in the CF community. It was a non-stop paddling trip with a landfall in Palm Beach County. It took approximately 15 1/2 hours to cover about 90 miles. The Crossing provided a great opportunity to show that no matter what adversity we face in life, we can always use the gift of choice to persevere.
Now with our 2023 event here and gone, I encourage you to join me on our next long-distance endurance paddle challenge as we embark on a 80 mile journey across the Gulf Stream from Bimini in the Bahamas back to the City of Lake Worth Beach, Florida.
Travis Suit
Founder & Executive Director
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CYSTIC FIBROSIS PLEASE CLICK HERE
MOTIVATION:
The Crossing For Cystic Fibrosis is a movement and vehicle of change for building a platform of advocacy to spread awareness, fundraising, inspiration, improved quality of life, and social innovation in the cystic fibrosis community. Through the Piper’s Angels Foundation and our programs, we are able to make a lifelong impact on the patients and families facing the challenges of this heart-breaking terminal disease. With every stroke of your paddle during your training and on the Crossing, you can hold this understanding and intention in your mind and heart. This is why we paddle.
If you are considering registering for this years Crossing For Cystic Fibrosis, read this guide and it will answer many of the questions you may have. We hope you too can be a part of this epic journey!
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THE BASICS OF
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
AS A PADDLER OR VOLUNTEER
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EVENT DATE: June 19th - 23rd, 2024
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ALL styles of paddling vessels are welcome, including the following: Stand-Up Paddleboards, 14', Stand-Up Paddleboard 12'6, Stand-Up Surfboard (12' and under), Stand-Up Paddleboard Unlimited, Standup Inflatable Unlimited, Prone Stock, Prone Unlimited, OC-1, OC-2, OC-6, Surf-Ski, Kayak Single, Kayak Double, Rowing Single, Dory (2-persons)
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June is considered one of the best months to cross from Florida to the Bahamas or vice versa, but wind and weather conditions can change quickly.
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The U.S. Coast Guard will be informed and provided with our navigation plans. U.S. Coast Guard approved life PFDs and leashes are required.
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Paddlers and volunteers are responsible for their own travel and transportation of gear to Bimini.
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Paddlers are responsible for their own accommodations while staying in Bimini. We will provide recommendations based on availability.
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Support vessels and escort boats must be a minimum of 22ft. with dual or more engines preferred.
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Registered participants will receive the Official Crossing Crusaders Guide and Rules.
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See the Official Rules for more detailed info.
FUNDRAISING
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The fundraising proceeds support the Piper's Angels Foundation to achieve our mission of helping patients and families in the cystic fibrosis community. Learn more at www.pipersangels.org.
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Each paddler has a minimum fundraising goal of $2,000. Deadline to fundraise is July 31st, 2024
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Each paddler will have a personal fundraising page to help them achieve their goal.
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Each paddler will receive a Crossing For CF Crusader medal, a long-sleeve performance shirt, and other awesome gifts from our sponsors.
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The top fundraising teams and participants will receive grand prizes.
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Registration fees and donations are NON-REFUNDABLE.
THE PRECEDING DOCUMENT IS A GENERAL OVERVIEW AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANYTIME. FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT INFO@PIPERSANGELS.ORG
WHAT TO EXPECT ON THIS
PADDLE ADVENTURE
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This epic adventure is designed to be as fun as possible while enduring through more than 80 miles of open ocean paddling. Safety is our #1 goal. The Ocean and Gulf Stream can be highly unpredictable and every pre-caution necessary will be taken to keep everyone safe. This paddle challenge will be one of the greatest and most memorable events of your life. What you put into it, is what you get out of it.
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We will have safety personnel and event officials on roving boats checking in with paddlers and crew members on a regular basis.
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The Coast Guard will be notified of our float plan and contacted in case of a serious medical emergency.
AS SEEN IN...
THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING 2022 SPONSORS!
Without our sponsors generous support this event would not be possible! We THANK YOU for all that you do for the cystic fibrosis community.