C4 Waterman Ambassadors Bill Whiddon and Thaddeus Foote will make the first-ever attempt to stand-up paddle (SUP) over 48 miles across the Gulf Stream, from Bimini, Bahamas to Miami, Florida. The crossing will raise awareness for Surfrider Foundation’s Rise Above Plastics campaign to reduce plastics in the ocean.
Whiddon, a creative director, and Foote, an environmental educator, both grew up in Miami and are passionate about water sports and coastal conservation.
“Nothing of this scale has ever been attempted before, so we really are pushing the limits of the sport,” stated Whiddon.
“This crossing is a great opportunity to highlight the impact that plastics are having on our world’s ocean and how our actions, as a society, can make such a big difference,” said Foote.
Whiddon and Foote are paddling with C4 Waterman’s new X-Wing performance paddle and are outfitted from head-to-toe in C4’s new line of performance TECH2O apparel.
Whiddon and Foote’s progress can be tracked online on the Bimini-Bluewater Challenge Facebook page and the C4 Waterman Facebook page.
On Saturday June 9th, the local Miami Surfrider Chapter will host a welcoming party on 3rd street in Miami Beach.
Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s oceans, waves and beaches. Local Miami Chapter www.surfridermiami.org efforts include lobbying for the enforcement of litter laws, beach dune restoration and K-8 environmental education.
