Enrique (Latino) Paddles From Marco Island to KW For Charity!

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Naples to Key West Crossing:EXTREME PADDLEBOARD ADVENTURE!

April 30, 2012 Naples, FL
Enrique Gianello, Owner of Windstalkers Kiteboarding and Paddleboard is embarking on an epic paddleboard journey from the Naples Pier to Key West, FL. The journey is between 200- 250 miles along coast of Everglades, 30-40 miles per day and will take 6 days. The mileage and exact course will be determined by the weather conditions. On a Jimmy Lewis Searcher paddleboard with only the bare essentials he can carry, this journey will be a true test of Enrique’s survival skills, mental and physical endurance. A journey this distance, on a paddleboard in open water has never been attempted before. Enrique has been planning this expedition for 1 1/2 years.

Four months ago Enrique set the date and and began physically training for this grueling 6 days of paddling in the open water against the elements. He initially lost 30 lbs through diet and exercise and began resistance training with a personal trainer. He focused on gaining muscle and increasing hos endurance.

A journey like this would not be possible without this new innovation in paddleboards by Jimmy Lewis Boards. The Searcher Board’s length, width and girth is large enough to carry Enrique’s gear and to handle wake and chop other boards cannot withstand. Enrique is carrying only the bare essentials such as a fishing rod and grill basket to prepare fresh fish over campfire, protein supplement, granola, dried fruits, dried meat, and 6 gallons of water. He’s also equipped with a machete to cut through mangroves that block his path, knife, solar charger, an android tablet, GPS navigation device, and an Emergency SPOT device.

Enrique’s plan is to paddle 8 hours per day, in 2 hour increments, paddling 2 hrs and resting 1. Each day Enrique will have 14 hour of sunlight to complete his journey. Enrique plans to begin slow, steady and consistent the first 3 days and then increase speed and distance as he approaches Key West.
Approximate Course:
Day1- Begin Naples Pier to Cap Romano near Marco Island
Day 2- Arrive Pavillion Key- West Coast of Everglades
Day 3- Arrive Highland Beach/ Storm Beach
Day 4- Cape Sable, Sunrise FL
Day 5-Big Spanish Key
The Crossing- Enrique will cross the 7 Mile Bridge in FL Keys at sunrise and head toward Key West
Day 6- Smathers Beach, Key West FL

Follow Enrique's Epic Adventure on Facebook. www.facebook.com/windstalkers and find links to track Enrique along the coast during his journey.

Enrique Gianello is Owner of Windstalkers Kiteboarding and Paddleboard. Windstalkers is a full service surf shop located in Old Naples, FL. They offer lessons and equipment in every discipline of surfing from kiteboarding, paddleboarding, skim boarding and more. All instructors are IKO certified. Windstalkers also offers Teen summer camps through Collier County Parks and Recreation.
Windstalkers Kiteboard and Paddleboard
851 1st Ave S Naples, FL 34102 (239) 601 2700

For more information on The Searcher www.jimmylewis.com.
Sponsored By: Jimmy Lewis Paddleboards
Press and Media: To cover this story, for additional photos, or a full recap of the adventure, please contact Gibranna LaCava gibranna@socialbutterflynaples.com


More including a TV interview at:
http://www.winknews.com/Local-Florid...es-to-Key-West

"Along the way, Gianello will be raising money for the Paddleboard Special Olympics which take place this weekend in Naples. "


Go Enrique!


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