Five Water Toys for Summer Fun

You might not know it yet, but summer is just around the corner. It’s high time to start planning your summer cruising itinerary, and high time to start gearing up on those water toys for summer fun.

Here are five water toys to get you started!

Haven Kayak by Oru

The world’s first tandem origami kayak by Oru is the only one designed for one person to carry. The Haven Kayak weighs 40 pounds and features a universal rail system to accommodate a variety of mounts, such as fishing equipment, GPS units, and cameras. It can also convert to a single seat kayak to allow more space for gear, dogs and more.

MSRP $2,299
orukayak.com

Foldable Kayak Wind Paddle

When you find yourself kayaking or paddleboarding downwind, take a break and let the wind push you along. The Foldable Kayak Wind Paddle is lightweight and designed for kayaks and boards up to 15 feet. It works best with winds between 4-13 knots. The kite measures 42×42 inches and is cut for a stable, easy-to-handle sail.

MSRP $49.96
totallytrending.us

Avon eJet 450 by Zodiac Nautic & Torqueedo

https://youtu.be/dui8iCz1G-c

Torqeedo and Zodiac Nautic have joined forces to develop the Avon eJet 450, a stylish tender with a 55kW electric engine powered by the Torqeedo Deep Blue 80 electric motor and the BMW i3 battery source. The 14-foot, 6-foot wide tender carries six, comes in a variety of configurations and reaches 30+ knots quietly. Designed for yachts 75 feet and larger, the tender delivers in May.

Approximately $34,600
avon-tenders.com

Navatics MITO

Navatics MITO remotely operated underwater vehicle allows users a comfortable way to explore underwater locations without being in the water. The drone has a state-of-the-art stabilization system and a 165-foot tether that goes down 130 feet. The camera takes 4K video and 8MP stills and is piloted by a remote controller with a smartphone. Available in March.

MSRP $1,499
navatics.com

Whiteshark Mix Underwater Scooter

Sublue’s Whiteshark Mix Underwater Scooter has powerful dual motors to propel you more than three miles per hour. The lightweight scooter runs on a chargeable 1,100 mAh battery. It runs for 30 minutes and is depth-rated to 131 feet. A GoPro mount is included. Propellers are protected to ensure the swimmer’s safety.

MSRP $699
sublue.com

Bonus item: JETSURF ADVENTURE DFI

The JETSURF ADVENTURE DFI introduces new features for 2019, including a specially
designed rack on the front of the board that carries a compatible duffle for any adventure or the attachable fuel container to enjoy cruising for up to 3 hours. Equipped with a DFI low emission impact, two-stroke engine, the board has a top speed of 35 mph.

MSRP $11,400
jetsurf.com

Crossing for a Cure: Cystic Fibrosis Awareness

Crossing For A Cure is a long-distance endurance paddle challenge and international championship.

Paddlers will travel 80 miles across the Gulf Stream. This year’s event will begin Father’s Day weekend in Bimini and end in Lake Worth, Florida.

Travis Suit’s daughter Piper was only four years old when she was diagnosed with CF. He subsequently began the event to raise awareness and highlight the healing effects of the ocean on those living with cystic fibrosis.

All types of vessels are used during the event.

Piper handing out medals at 2018 landing party.

After learning to paddle and surf as a fun and natural way of healing for Piper, Suit’s mission expanded in 2013 when he and three friends completed their first endurance paddle as a personal challenge to raise awareness for the cystic fibrosis community. which has now evolved into a movement called Crossing for A Cure.

What is Cystic Fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe over time. Moreover, in people with cystic fibrosis, a defective gene causes a thick, buildup of mucus in the lungs, pancreas and other organs.

Mucus clogs the lungs and traps bacteria leading to infections, extensive lung damage and eventually, respiratory failure. Additionally, in the pancreas, the mucus prevents the release of digestive enzymes that allow the body to break down food and absorb vital nutrients.

“From paddlers to volunteers to boat captains, this is a monumental effort and it’s amazing to see so many people come together to challenge themselves and each other,” said Suit.

All participants try to raise a minimum of $1,500 for Piper’s Foundation, the non-profit set up by Travis Suit to support the families of the cystic fibrosis community. 100% of fundraising proceeds go directly to the Piper’s Angels Foundation.

Watch: Epic Love

“Epic Love” is a thirty-minute documentary film that follows the one hundred paddlers on an epic 2018 adventure. The documentary won top honors at the inaugural SUP Film Fest in 2018. The SUP Film Fest is the primary fundraising event for Paddle4Good, a Northern California-based non-profit that empowers those with special needs through standup paddling

The 2019 Event

This is a special year. With 225 paddlers and a fundraising goal of $500k, it’s on track to be the most epic paddle yet. For reference, the 2018 event raised over $282k with 100 paddlers. This year is special for Southern Boating as well. Two of our co-workers are guiding a group of paddlers across the Gulfstream as a support vessel.

“I love watching people get excited about this and spreading the positive message of making the most out of circumstances we face,” said Suit.

This year’s Crossing for A Cure is possible because of generous sponsors like title sponsors Bahamas Boat Works, Seacor Island Lines, and Surterra Wellness. Supporting sponsors include Margaritaville and Vertex.

The event concludes with an epic Landing Party on Saturday, June 14^th at 10 Ocean Blvd, Lake Worth, Fl 33460, Lake Worth, Florida 33460. Paddlers will arrive anytime between 10 AM to 8 PM. We’ll be there to support the cause and we have quite a few giveaways planned too. Don’t miss it.

For more information on donating, visit crowdrise.com/crossingforacure.

For more information on attending the landing party, visit the event’s Facebook page.

By Erin Brennan, Southern Boating June 2019

Crossing for a Cure

Four paddleboards. 50 miles. 15 ½ hours.

This was the scene in the summer of 2013 when Travis Suit and three friends began their stand-up paddleboard journey from The Bahamas to Florida to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Battling rough seas, a moonless night and exhaustion, the quartet completed the arduous 50 mile journey in less than 16 hours.

Suit’s daughter, Piper, was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) when she was just four years old. CF is a genetic disorder that causes a thick buildup of mucus in the lungs, pancreas and other organs.

Photo credit: Lori Griffith of Chasin’ a Dream Photography

Crossing For A Cure is the flagship event for Piper’s Angels, whose mission is to raise funds for cystic fibrosis research, provide support for families living with the disease, and to share what they have experienced about the scientifically proven link between CF and the healing powers of the ocean.

According to researchers, the inhalation of a salt-water mist has a therapeutic effect on the lung problems associated with the disease. Salt water helps to clear the mucus that traps bacteria, viruses and other foreign particles.

“When we heard about the effects that salt water has on the lungs, we knew we had to get her in the ocean immediately,” said Suit. “It doesn’t cure the disease, but she doesn’t suffer nearly as much, and we’re hoping that instilling a lifelong love for the ocean will keep her alive as long as possible”.

And now, this dedicated father is kicking off the official 2017 Crossing for a Cure.

Fittingly, the event will take place Father’s Day weekend (June 17^th). Paddlers will start in Bimini and finish in Dania Beach. Once again, all proceeds will benefit families impacted by the disease and research toward a cure for CF.

This year there are more than 30 paddlers signed up—each with a fundraising goal of $1,000. Teams are also an option if there are groups that would like to split the mileage. Groups can swap out participants to complete the event together.

Fun and safety are the two important pillars of this event. Support vessels will be on hand during the event to guide paddlers and provide participants with food, water or a respite if needed. The Coast Guard will also be on call in case of an emergency.

For more information or to find out how to donate to this incredible cause, visit crossingforacure.com.