EPISODE 9

Jun 11

Why Hundreds of People Paddle Across the Ocean for Families Living With Cystic Fibrosis

An 80 mile paddle across the Gulf Stream sounds like an endurance challenge, but for Travis Suit, it began as something much more personal.

After his daughter Piper was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, he discovered the healing benefits of the ocean and started looking for a way to raise awareness and support for families facing the disease. What followed was The Crossing: a paddle from the Bahamas to Florida that has grown from four participants into a global community.

Travis, Josh, and Matti share stories from the early years–the rough conditions, the first beach to beach crossings, and the moments when exhaustion turned a physical challenge into a mental and spiritual one. They reflect on the lessons the ocean teaches about humility, gratitude, adaptation, and perseverance.

But the story doesn’t end at the shoreline.

What started as one father's response to his daughter's diagnosis has become a movement that supports families around the world and expands access to life saving cystic fibrosis care. The paddle is the challenge. The mission is the reason people keep coming back.

0:00 Intro

06:08 The First Crossing in 2013

14:36 Scaling the Event and Foundation

18:50 Personal Transformation Through Endurance

23:03 Achievement of the First Iron Crossing

27:40 Mental and Physical Challenges On-Water

32:04 Organizational Growth and Operational Logistics

37:56 The Ocean as a Masterful Teacher

52:40 Community and Camaraderie in Bimini

59:03 Notable Incidents and Wildlife Encounters

1:05:58 Future Expansion of Adventure Series

1:11:42 Global Health Equity Mission