Bahamas to Florida Epic Paddle Challenge & International Championship

FATHER'S DAY WEEKEND, JUNE 19th 2021

#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 a double F508 gene which is a very aggressive form of CF. Immediately I realized the need to get involved in a big picture way.

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 gain exposure 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 for a Cure provided a great opportunity to show that no matter what obstacles we face in life, we can always use the gift of choice to persevere.

Now with 2020 here, 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 Florida mainland on June 19th for the official 2021 Crossing For Cystic Fibrosis.

Travis Suit

Founder & Executive Director

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.

Crossing Crusaders Paddler's Event Guide

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:

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)
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.
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.
Paddlers and volunteers are responsible for their own travel and transportation of gear to Bimini. However, there will be limited availability on support vessels going to Bimini for those interested and will be designated on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Paddlers are responsible for their own accommodations while staying in Bimini. We will provide recommendations based on availability.
Support vessels and escort boats must be a minimum of 22ft. and be powered by two engines.
Registered participants will receive the Official Crossing Crusaders Guide and Rules.
See the Official Rules for more detailed info.

FUNDRAISING:

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.
Each paddler has a minimum fundraising goal of $1,500.
Each paddler will have a personal fundraising page to help them achieve their goal.
Each paddler will receive a Crossing For CF 2021 Crusader medal, a long-sleeve performance shirt, and other awesome gifts from our sponsors.
The top fundraising teams and participants will receive grand prizes.
Registration fees and donations are NON-REFUNDABLE.

OFFICIAL EVENT RULES

THE FOLLOWING IS A GENERAL OVERVIEW AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANYTIME. FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT TRAVIS SUIT AT TRAVIS@PIPERSANGELS.ORG

WHAT TO EXPECT ON THIS PADDLE ADVENTURE:

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.
We will have safety personnel and event officials on roving boats checking in with paddlers and crew members on a regular basis.
The Coast Guard will be notified of our float plan and contacted in case of a serious medical emergency.

AS SEEN IN...

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CYSTIC FIBROSIS PLEASE CLICK HERE

THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING SPONSORS!

QUESTIONS? SEND US A MESSAGE.

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