Braving the Gulf Stream: A Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis 2025 Recap
Every stroke we took across the Gulf Stream, spanning 80 miles from Bimini, Bahamas to Lake Worth Beach, Florida, was infused with more than physical effort—it was fueled by deep purpose. The Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis, organized by Piper’s Angels Foundation, began as a mission inspired by founder Travis Suit’s daughter, Piper, whose cystic fibrosis diagnosis catalyzed this powerful event (crossingforcysticfibrosis.com).
Months before my board even hit the water, Team Tideline had already rallied friends, supporters, and fellow paddlers behind us. As last year’s champions, we knew expectations were high. This year, despite giving it everything we had, we crossed the finish line in 4th place—a reminder that in the Crossing, the real victory lies in the cause, not the ranking.
The night of the beach launch in Bimini was surreal. We checked in between 9–11 PM and were launched under a starlit sky at midnight—a glowing procession pushing into the unknown (crossingforcysticfibrosis.com). Each paddler wore reflective gear and glow sticks, our safety beacons in the dark. Early hours were a blur of midnight strokes, cautious drafting, and the guided awareness that help was always nearby.
Then came the sunrise—like a reward for the trials of night. The first light offered a second wind, celebrated by the support boat’s music, a cool mist from water splashes, and renewed spirits all around. We were nearly halfway done; the aches momentarily subdued by awe and gratitude
This paddle wasn’t just about endurance—it was about giving back. With each mile, I thought of the families supported by Piper’s Angels Foundation and programs like Unmasking Mindfulness and Inspire Breathworks. These initiatives, funded by our efforts, make a tangible difference in the lives of people with cystic fibrosis (crossingforcysticfibrosis.com).
Arriving at Lake Worth Beach was a sensory explosion—celebratory music, cowbells, champagne, and an inflatable finish line greeting us. This year’s 4th-place finish didn’t dim the feeling of triumph one bit. It was a community-wide embrace, as paddlers, supporters, and spectators formed a cheering chorus. The shared relief and celebration of an epic journey will stay with me forever
This was more than a race—it was a journey of courage, hope, and love. It challenged us physically, rewarded us emotionally, and reminded us of why we paddle. Whether in first place or fourth, Team Tideline, our supporters, Piper’s Angels, and every CF warrior whose breath inspires us—thank you for letting me be a part of this.
