Will Schmidt's Solo Pacific Ocean Paddle Starting Soon

DANA POINT, California - Ultra marathon stand up paddler, Will Schmidt, is finalizing his preparations for an attempt at a solo and largely unassisted paddle of the Pacific Coast of the United States from Canada to Mexico. As in the past, Schmidt paddles to bring awareness to US Service Members who suffer from post-duty anxiety, depression, traumatic stress and brain injury.

The journey begins on May 22nd with a flight to Seattle, WA followed by a drive to Neah Bay, WA and an eventual charter vessel to his start point, roughly 10 miles into the Strait of Juan de Fuca at the Canada/USA water border. He will then navigate his way to his first stop in Makah Bay before continuing south at an anticipated pace of 30 miles daily.

Will Schmidt to Stand Up Paddle the West Coast to Benefit Wounded Combat Veterans! from Will Schmidt on Vimeo

With the assistance of brands such at SIC, Oakley, Nemo Equipment, Gu Energy, Black Diamond Equipment, Astral Buoyancy, Swiss Barefoot Co, and Carapace Wetsuits, Will can carry all survival equipment, food, and supply on board with him. He will utilize pre-plotted GPS way-points to eat, sleep, and receive support from spotters along the coastline during the estimated 5 week adventure ending at Border Line State Park, Tijuana/US Border.   

Will Schmidt is a former US Marine, a survivor of debilitating anxiety and depression, and an advocate for post-service mental health. He is an accomplished open water stand up paddler and the only person to paddle the inner California Channel Islands consecutively and solo from shore to shore. All net funds raised from his adventures are donated to the Wounded Warrior Project (a 501c3 charitable organization). Links to fundraising, sharing, Facebook, satellite tracking, and contacting him can be found at his website, AreYouInspiredYet.com.

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