There are so many thoughts I have surrounding this event and the crossing as a whole...

Two years ago, I used to be the general manager of a surf store in Toronto, Ontario Canada. I loved my job, and had a pretty stable career, but I really wanted to pursue stand up paddling full time. I left my very comfortable career to pursue this dream, not having a road map for how I was going to accomplish this dream. For the past two years I’ve continued to launch myself into the unknown.

Pursuing stand up paddling has taught me how to face the unknown with courage, dedication, and love instead of fear, all while making many sacrifices along the way to pursue what I love each and every single day.

When I bought a plane ticket to come visit Blake Carmichael back in December of 2023 to attend the ‘Through Blue Film Premier’ in person, I definitely launched myself into the unknown. People thought I was crazy for making a quick day and a half trip to Florida just to come and watch a film. And yes... I even made it back home in time for my shift at lululemon at 3pm the following day after the film! At the premier when I was introduced to the crossing for the CF community, a lot of people asked me “are you going to participate in the crossing next year?”.

I immediately said “no, that looks insane, you guys are crazy”. But when I came back to Florida in January of this year to train for my off-season, the more I became connected to the crossing community, the more I felt the desire to launch myself into the unknown. By the end of January I officially signed up and there was no turning back.

I spent the next five months pouring all of my training efforts and resources that I had into preparing for the crossing. My usual 1-2 hour paddling sessions turned into 3.5 to maximum 8 hours under the guidance of Larry Cain. I grew stronger in the gym with the help of Josh Bruella from Primitive Patterns and learned so much more about sports nutrition and carb loading before the event thanks to Dr. Audrey Lee.

Even though we didn’t get to paddle the full 80 miles this year, participating in the Crossing for CF was no short of a mental, physical, and emotional challenge, and I can definitely say that this was one of the hardest races I have ever competed in throughout the course of my entire racing career... and yet this was also the first time in a long time that I had the opportunity to paddle for something bigger than myself.

This year's Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis event was a true test of endurance and resilience mentally, physically, and emotionally. The event proved to be far more challenging than anticipated, with unexpected obstacles and intense weather conditions adding to the physical and mental strain. Postponed twice due to severe thunderstorms, the race commenced under seemingly favorable downwinding conditions along the 32-mile course. However, the tranquility felt short-lived as a storm swept in around the 36km mark, transforming the serene ocean into what felt like an insane battleground. With 25 knot winds gusting from the east and 2-4 ft side swells, the remaining 16km’s became a grueling struggle against the elements.

Despite the sudden changes in the ocean, I was able to recall words of motivation from Travis Suit, underscoring the true nature of the race... it was never meant to be easy. As the waves crashed against my support boat and the side of my board, I felt as though I was facing numerous setbacks, enduring countless falls in the water all while seeking support from my mom. The last leg of the race was marked by some tears, turmoil, and an unwavering determination to finish the race!

Through sheer grit and perseverance, I eventually found myself riding a wave towards the finish line, which felt like the most precious moment of triumph ever amidst the chaos. The physical and emotional toll of the journey was evident, yet in that final surge towards the end, I smiled! Smiling at the end was a testament to the indomitable spirit of all those who braved this year's Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis event. This race for me was a reminder that the true reward of this whole experience lies not just in all of the training, preparations, and crossing the finish line. This event reminded me that we can do extremely hard things for a good cause because there are people out there who need our help. Raising funds for the families all around the world suffering from cystic fibrosis who need our help is what mattered the most.

I’m sure that this year's Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis will undoubtedly remain etched in the memories of all participants, as it will in mine. I hope that for all of us, the Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis is a reminder of the power of perseverance, solidarity, and unwavering determination in the face of adversity.