ThePaddler 19 Aug 2014 salty cover

Page 139

The 100 Mile Paddle Race is an adventure requiring heart, determination, planning and immense physical effort over a two or three day period. The first annual 100 Mile Paddle NYC event was conquered by last year’s overall winner William Rich on an unlimited SUP, Karen Wrenn the first woman over the line on an SUP 14’ and NY’s Carol Choi on an OC-1. This year will also boast a tight field of international competitors who view distance paddling as the next logical evolution in the paddle sport world. By giving participants the opportunity to support charities and surpass previous physical milestones, paddlers find satisfaction as they complete the difficult goal set by the requirements of a race of this calibre.

How will this race challenge athletes differently than other paddle races?

The 100 Mile Paddle is a different kind of challenge because it does not require just one day of an individual’s greatest physical effort, but multiple days of their greatest mental and physical stamina. When you finish each day, you proclaim, “I made it through today and I will make it through tomorrow”. As an individual or team effort, when you cross the finish line you’ve become part of a league of elite athletes that can claim they completed the 100 Mile Paddle. With the ability to challenge individuals and help others, the 100 Mile Paddle competitions have been able to raise money for charities such as Surfer’s Healing, Hawaii Autism Foundation, and Waves For Water, a hurricane relief initiative. As any athlete prepares for a competition like this, it’s important to always remember it’s not about looking back but finding encouragement with how far you’ve come. With every stroke, racers are reminded of not only what they are accomplishing for themselves, but also how their victory will be helping others. As you forge ahead, you’ve just come one paddle closer to conquering personal doubt... yes... you can do this!

The 100 Mile Paddle. You Came. You Paddled. You Conquered.

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