Daring to brave the waves between Cayman Brac and Grand Cayman, 12 determined kayakers will attempt to travel 96 miles over two days to raise funds for Coast to Bluff Recreational Access and Conservation (CBRAC) – a local environmental charity.
The ‘Shore to Shore’ surfski fundraiser, set for 2-4 Feb., will take participants from Spot Bay in Cayman Brac, to East End in Grand Cayman. Surfski involves rowing in slender long kayaks designed for speed and riding the open-ocean swells.
“CBRAC exists to create uplifting experiences for people in nature – the same way paddling in the wild ocean allows us to feel part of something larger than ourselves,” Tristan Relly, CBRAC director, told the Compass via email. “The entire CBRAC committee is extremely grateful to the 12 amazing paddlers, early sponsors and volunteers for supporting this cause that builds alongside work done by the National Trust, the CI Government and others.”
Since being founded three years ago, Coast to Bluff has built a crowdsourcing model and raised over $120,000, which has been used to protect two parcels of coastal forest on the Brac with habitat for over 120 observed species of indigenous fauna and flora.
Protecting the natural environment
Through the ‘Shore to Shore’ initiative, the hope is to use the funds to purchase another piece of land for a new nature park in Cayman Brac.
“We saw a need to protect the beautiful natural environment found in the Cayman Islands so that it can continue to inspire and offer respite to multiple generations to come,” Relly said.
In addition to protecting the land, Relly noted that his charity has sought to document and highlight the natural biodiversity found in the two Brac parcels – Inaugural Park and Eastern Park – that users can view through CBRAC’s own proprietary app.
“Through the Biota app, each donor has access to their own dashboard with pictures and information about the species in the area that they have helped protect, some found nowhere else in the world,” Relly added. “The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change recommends that effective and equitable conservation of approximately 30-50% of the Earth’s land, freshwater and ocean will help ensure a healthy planet.
“It is an immense task that calls for collective community involvement and contributions. We are approaching this in a way that is fun for all involved.”
As the paddlers ready themselves to hit the water after several months of preparation, Tyron Maher, who helped coordinate the event and will also be one of the 12 kayakers, said the training will see them succeed.
“Our paddlers have all been training extremely hard to master the art of controlling these incredible open ocean kayaks and to build the strength and endurance needed to complete this remarkable challenge,” Maher said.
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