Four South Florida watermen crossed the Gulf Stream on paddleboards last weekend 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 fundraiser after his daughter, Piper, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis in 2011.
Suit and local 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 Saturday morning at the Riviera Beach Marina, where family, friends and five-year-old Piper were stationed for a celebration.
The Palm Beach news station WPTV reported their arrival.
So far Crossing-For-A-Cure, according to organizers, has raised more than $15,000.
For more information on Crossing-For-A-Cure and how to donate for the cause, visit www.crossingforacure.com.
