Will Schmidt Ready to Re-Attempt Channel Islands Expedition

 The ocean rarely gives second chances. Don't tell that to Will Schmidt! Welcome to From Water, a full length documentary film capturing endurance paddler, Will Schmidt's, re-attempt at a solo consecutive outrigger canoe and stand up paddle of the entire California Channel Islands chain!

FROM WATER

THE RE-ATTEMPT OF THE CALIFORNIA CHANNEL ISLANDS CHAIN

Photo courtesy: SIC Maui

From Water was created by ocean athlete, Will Schmidt, and his re-attempt to conquer his mission of a solo paddle of the California Channel Islands chain. The feature length adventure documentary will present key figures within the paddle community and how a multi-disciplined paddler became to be.

The California Channel Islands form an eight-island archipelago along the Santa Barbara Channel. The archipelago extends for 160 miles between the San Miguel Island and the San Clemente Island, totaling 346 square miles.

In 2011, Will was inspired by Karen Wrenn, a stand up paddle athlete, and her quest of crossing between the Channel Islands. In 2013, he planned and attempted a route that did not end successfully. With his perseverance, in 2017, a re-attempt was scheduled but only to be cancelled three days before the start date.

Now, in 2019, Will is back at it and with something even better, From Water. If everything goes according to plan, in October 2019, Will is set to begin his journey. To this date, this route has never been completed.

WILL SCHMIDT

A PIONEER OF SUP OCEAN ENDURANCE SPORTS

Will Schmidt is a former United States Marine, lifelong athlete, and an adventurer who is dedicated to create honest and lasting stories. With his growing interests of the ocean community and collaborations, he hopes to make fresh ideas be put into action with his expedition and film. After near deadly struggle with depression and loss of dear friends, Will was given a way to understand his purpose in life; ocean therapy. In 2014, he completed a stand up paddle of the American Pacific Coast from Canada to Mexico that “solidified his status as a pioneer of stand up paddle endurance ocean sports”.

Will has received SUP Magazine’s “Top Expedition” Award, a feature on CBS Sports “Courage in Sports” special, along with various live appearance, radio, television and print coverage. He is also a devoted brand ambassador for SIC Maui, a contributing author for The lnertia, and a two-time invited solo participant and finisher in the Moloka’i to Oahu Paddleboard World Championships. 

THE CAMPAIGN

TURNING PASSION INTO A REALITY

Photo courtesy: SIC Maui

To get this project off the ground, into the water and eventually onto your screen, the From Water team needs dedicated and motivated supporters to share, like, love, and ultimately back to their Kickstarter campaign.

For the past 5 years, the From Water team have committed their lives to this passion and make it into a reality. Their primary goal is to fund the expedition and fim through their kickstarter campaign. All of the generous support will go towards hiring of a support vessel, funding the film, hiring audio crew and financing a post-production crew as well as music sync rights.

To show support towards backing their mission, all those who donate will become a member of the From Water community and be updated on the progress of the expedition and film. Each level in which may support this project comes with fun rewards such as digital downloads of Will’s films, great gear from SIC Maui and Puakea Designs, and opportunities for Producer credits, your name in the film and more!

The From Water team’s unique story about second chances hopes to create an accurate representation of what the expedition really entitles. They understand all the risks and challenges that may take place, but are excited to get their film off of the ground and into the world of adventure documentaries.

To learn more and support Will’s journey and From Water, check out the kickstarter here.