The Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis 2024

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 (c.129km) across the Gulf Stream from Bimini in the Bahamas back to the City of Lake Worth Beach, Florida. 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.

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 the programs, the  founders 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.

What you need to know:

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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)
• ​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
• ​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. with dual or more engines preferred
• ​Registered participants will receive the Official Crossing Crusaders Guide and Rules
• REGISTRATION DEADLINE DATES: All Captains and Crew should be registered by 15 May 2024
• Register here 

Download the 2024 Registration Flyer 

Fundraising:

• The fundraising proceeds support the Piper’s Angels Foundation to achieve our mission of helping patients and families in the cystic fibrosis community
• Each paddler has a minimum fundraising goal of $2,000. Deadline to fundraise is July 31st, 2024
• ​Each paddler will have a personal fundraising page to help them achieve their goal
• ​Each paddler will receive a Crossing For CF 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
• Donate here 

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.

Join the conversation on social media using the #X4CF hashtag 

To find out more about the event, visit crossingforcysticfibrosis.com

Follow the event on social media: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube 

To find out more about the Piper’s Angels Foundation, visit pipersangels.org

*Images courtesy of David Scarola