“Your limits aren’t fixed”: Alex Zowacki to take on a 100‑miler ahead of his relay Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis

There are SUP stories I come across, often by chance, or through a kind of serendipity, that expand my understanding of the sport I write about. There’s also a distinctive trait in endurance and ultra-endurance athletes: a willingness to go deeper, to become vulnerable and to openly share the motivations behind some of the toughest challenges they take on.

And there’s something inherently selfless in those who pursue these efforts for something bigger than themselves – a cause – while still “chasing their edge”, as Alex Zowacki, the subject of this article, puts it.

Alex, 26, an endurance paddler and ultra and marathon runner from Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, USA, is preparing to take on a demanding “night-to-light” 105 mile SUP challenge from Morgantown to Pittsburgh.

More than just a standalone effort, this paddle serves as a proving ground ahead of an even bigger mission. On 10-13 June, as part of the Live Fearlessly Team, Alex will join a relay squad for The Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis (10X4CF), tackling 80 miles of open ocean from Bimini, Bahamas, to Lake Worth Beach, Florida.

This year marks the 10th edition of the event, a one of a kind endurance challenge raising awareness and support for cystic fibrosis.

We’re catching up with Alex on the eve of his 100 miler to talk about what defines limits – and about the fighters living with cystic fibrosis who are the reason who are the reason to not hold back, and to “fight for one more paddle stroke” when it gets tough.

Hi Alex, welcome to TotalSUP! How did you first get into stand-up paddleboarding and what drew you to the competitive side of the sport?

I got into stand-up paddleboarding through surfing, but my journey started long before that. When I was 8 years old, I was diagnosed with leukemia.

About four years later, after everything I had been through, my brother and I did a surf camp in North Carolina, where I first connected with the water. Around that same time, through Make-A-Wish, I went on a cruise that had a FlowRider surf simulator – and I was hooked. That experience stayed with me. A couple of years later, I tried stand-up paddleboarding for the first time and instantly fell in love with it.

Four years ago, I bought my first race board from a friend, just planning to try a few races. But once I discovered the racing scene, I dove in headfirst. I started with 10Ks, but quickly pushed myself into longer distances.

What started as a way to move forward became something much bigger. Paddleboarding isn’t just a sport for me – it’s a reminder of how far I’ve come and how much further I can go.

Was there a specific moment or experience that made you realize you wanted to push your limits in endurance events?

I wouldn’t say there was a single defining moment—I’ve just always enjoyed pushing myself to my limits.

At midnight on April 10th, you’ll start your 105-mile solo paddle from Morgantown to Pittsburgh – what’s the vision behind this journey and what emotions are running through your mind as the start approaches?

At midnight on April 10th, when I step off the dock onto my paddleboard, I’ll be carrying more than just gear—I’ll be carrying the resilience of everyone fighting for something. Whether it’s a personal goal or the daily battle of so many incredible Cystic Fibrosis fighters who refuse to give up, that strength will be with me. And in my own mind, it will come down to a simple mantra: “just one more mile”* (Editor’s note: Phrase used by UK endurance paddler  Bruce “IronSmith” Smith and fellow Last Paddler Standing contestant).

The emotions in that moment will be high—but also full of purpose and joy. And when I finally reach the Point in Pittsburgh after 105 miles, I know exactly what will be running through my mind: every step, every challenge, every moment that led me there.

Because that finish line isn’t just about distance—it’s about turning my passion into something bigger than myself.

Could you walk us through the logistics of this challenge – how you plan your route, support, and safety measures?

At the beginning of last summer in 2025, I was talking with my good friend Ian Smith from WaterSmith Guild about the idea of paddling from Morgantown to Pittsburgh. At the time, we figured it would take multiple days, and eventually the idea faded.

Then about four months ago, it came back to me—but this time with a different challenge: what if I did it in a single push? I wanted to model it after The Crossing, turning it into a night-to-light paddle while also testing my limits over a long distance.

From there, things started to come together. I reached out to Three Rivers Waterkeeper and Ian, seeing it as an opportunity not just to take on the challenge, but to also promote The Crossing and support two incredible local organizations. Once they were on board to support me on the water, the vision became real.

The biggest obstacle left was the route itself—specifically the seven locks and dams along the way. I needed to know if they operated 24/7 and whether there were any scheduled maintenance closures that could stop the attempt. Thankfully, everything lined up. All seven locks are open around the clock. And with that, the challenge was on.

This is not your first endurance challenge – you’ve done Last Paddler Standing, Chattajack 31, and others – and I have to ask: why the extreme, why the long distance? What is it about pushing yourself to the edge?

When it comes to pushing myself to the extreme, it’s something I genuinely love—the grit, the pain, and the resilience that come with it. There’s something about being in that uncomfortable space, where your body is telling you to stop but your mind pushes you to keep going, that drives me.

That’s the edge I’m always chasing. It’s where I’m able to push past my limits and find that sense of clarity—where everything locks in and just flows. It’s not just something I experience on the water, either. I find it on land too, whether I’m running marathons or ultramarathons. For me, it’s about constantly testing my limits—and then finding a way to go beyond them.

Could you tell us more about your involvement with the Piper’s Angels Foundation and the Live Fearlessly Foundation?

I first connected with the Cystic Fibrosis community three years ago at a paddleboard race on Lake Norman called the Super Chill. Afterward, I grew close with the organizers and learned about The Crossing and its mission. Last year, I followed the Live Fearless team and was blown away—it inspired me to take on the challenge myself.

I’m now honored to join the team, paddling alongside Gabe Barajas (his fifth Crossing), Max Carpenter, a Cystic Fibrosis fighter and double lung transplant recipient, and Jennifer Benfield, whose drive is fueled by the Cystic Fibrosis community.

What message do you hope to share through your upcoming 105-mile challenge and The Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis?

There is no challenge too big to take on.

Alex during last year’s Last Paddler Standing race

Could you tell us more about your Live Fearlessly Team? How did you and your teammates – Gabe Barajas, Max Carpenter, Jennifer Gutierrez and Captain Kevin “Chaos” – come together for The Crossing 2026?

Featuring outtakes from the Live Fearlessly Team:

Gabe Barajas

Last year, I had the honor of paddling alongside Jacob Venditti from Bimini to Lake Worth Beach, Florida—an intense 80-mile journey that meant far more than just the miles we covered. It was a test of endurance, resilience, and trust, but also something much deeper than the physical challenge.

Out there on the water, you realize it’s not just about finishing—it’s about who you’re doing it with and what it represents. Every stroke carried purpose; every mile told part of a bigger story. This team carries something deeper, something that goes beyond the race itself and stays with you long after it’s over.

I keep coming back because I want to help make a difference in someone else’s life. Every Crossing is different in a great way. Even though it’s the same event, it’s been a different experience each year. I enjoy the people and the connections that I have made along the way. In a world of turmoil, the Crossing is proof that there’s a lot of good being done as well

Max Carpenter

I am a 35-year-old with Cystic Fibrosis who received a double lung transplant back in 2015. I was inspired to do this event after meeting Gabe Barajas in late 2025 and hearing about this amazing event. Being introduced to such a supportive community and seeing its impact has inspired me to take on The Crossing. I’m looking forward to being at the halfway point and being out in the ocean with no land in sight.

Jennifer Benfield

I am a mother of three amazing children. My first grandchild will be here in May. I am eager to take on this challenge as a way to push my personal limits and gain a deeper perspective through this unique experience. This journey represents a significant milestone for me, and I am fully committed to the preparation and dedication required to complete the crossing successfully.

Captain Kevin “Chaos”

I was introduced to Gabe by Jason May. I have known Jason majority of my life in Lake Wylie. Jason is a first responder. Many years on the water. I grew up in Lake Wylie since I was a little boy. Boating and fishing have been my life. I moved to South Florida years ago. The crossing is something positive giving understanding and tribune to a cause.

This is the fourth crossing for me and I will do it till I’m unable to do it. I have met multiple people along the way turned into family and friends. Gabe is a positive input in my life. The crossing is at a positive input in my life. I want to tribute as many times as I can. I look forward to this team of this year. Jacob of last year really gave a positive point to me and the team from last year. God bless him. I will keep going forward with Jacob’s life in a positive and crossing way. I will take this team across the ocean and Jacob will show and direct us which way to go. Captain chaos adventures charters is ready for another crossing with an awesome team of hard-working people.

Katie Venditti

Honestly, it means the world to us. To be able to get to know Jacob on a deeper level after his passing and learn of all of the people he inspired has been such a gift. To think that people are willing to take on this extreme challenge in honor of Jacob really makes us grateful to know that he has made such an impact and continues to inspire others to take on epic adventures and achieve what people might think is the unachievable.

We are so proud of the 2026 crossing team and stoked to connect more deeply with like-minded people and athletes.

From your experience, what advice would you give someone trying to take on extreme endurance challenges?

From my experience, the biggest advice I can give someone thinking about taking on an extreme endurance challenge is this: take the leap and commit to it fully. Don’t wait until you feel completely ready, because that moment rarely comes. The truth is, stepping into the unknown is part of the process—and it’s where the real growth begins.

Endurance challenges will test you in every way possible. Physically, you’ll be pushed to your limits. Mentally, you’ll have moments where doubt creeps in and tells you to stop. Emotionally, you’ll ride highs and lows you didn’t expect. But that’s exactly why these challenges are so powerful—because they force you to confront those moments and decide to keep going anyway.

You start to realize that your limits aren’t fixed. They’re flexible, and they expand every time you push past discomfort. The moments where you want to quit the most are often the moments that define you. When you push through those, even just a little further than you thought you could, something shifts. You gain confidence – not just in your ability to finish, but in your ability to handle hard things in general.

Along the way, it’s important to focus on progress, not perfection. There will be setbacks, tough days, and times when things don’t go as planned. That’s all part of it. What matters is that you keep showing up, keep putting in the effort, and keep moving forward—no matter how small the steps may feel.

And when you finally reach that finish line, or accomplish the goal you set, it’s more than just a moment—it’s a realization. You look back at everything it took to get there—the early mornings, the long hours, the struggles, the doubts—and you see how much you’ve grown through the process. It’s emotional, it’s powerful, and it stays with you long after the challenge is over.

So if you’re thinking about it, don’t hold back. Set a goal that excites you and challenges you at the same time. Embrace the uncertainty, trust your ability to adapt, and be willing to push beyond what feels comfortable. Because on the other side of that challenge isn’t just a finish line—it’s a stronger, more resilient version of yourself.

Through both challenges – the solo 105-mile Crossing and the relay – when things get tough, what’s going to carry you through?

When the water rages, when the night stretches endlessly, when every muscle in my body begs me to stop, I will remember those living with Cystic Fibrosis—facing battles every single day without a choice. If they can fight for every breath, then I can fight for one more paddle stroke, one more mile. I will push forward. I will endure.

Alex, thank you so much for sharing your remarkable story. Paddle safe – We can’t wait to follow your journey!

To support Alex’s mission, please use this GoFundMe link 

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

Register for the event here. Deadline for registrations: 1 April 2026

To learn more about cystic fibrosis and Piper’s Angels Foundation‘s impact on the CF community please visit: pipersangels.org

Follow Alex Zowacki on Instagram.

*Images courtesy of Alex Zowacki