Manta Racks Supports the 2024 “Crossing for a Cure”

A girl relaxes in the back of a boat, surrounded by calm waters and a peaceful atmosphere.

The “Crossing for a Cure” is an 80-mile paddle with a big mission: helping people with cystic fibrosis. Every year, teams paddle from Bimini in the Bahamas to Florida’s coast. The event raises money for the Piper’s Angels Foundation, which supports families facing this disease.

Each paddler has to raise at least $2,000, with all proceeds going to help the cystic fibrosis community. Paddlers use everything from stand-up paddleboards to kayaks, choosing the vessel that suits them best. This year, we’re proud to have supported four teams with our Manta Rack systems.

What the Crossing is All About

This event is more than just a tough paddle—it’s about showing support for those dealing with cystic fibrosis every day. The event was inspired by Piper Suit, diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at age four. Her dad, Travis, started the Piper’s Angels Foundation to help families like his. Since 2017, the foundation has raised over $3 million and launched programs to improve mental health and lung function for people with CF.

Paddling this distance isn’t easy. Teams have to communicate constantly and stay flexible since the conditions change fast. From paddling through dark hours to watching the sunrise in the middle of the ocean, the journey is both challenging and full of memorable moments.

Men in a boat, featuring text about Piper Suit and the Piper’s Angels Foundation's mission to support cystic fibrosis families.

Prep and Teamwork

Getting ready for the Crossing takes serious dedication. Paddlers put in months of training, focusing not just on building endurance but also on maintaining good form. The physical demands are intense—participants often train 4-5 times a week, with sessions lasting up to three hours. But it’s not just about physical strength. Mental preparation is key, too. Paddlers work on staying focused, managing energy levels, and maintaining a positive mindset, especially during the tougher moments of the journey.

Communication and coordination between the paddlers and their support boats are critical. During the event, boats and paddlers must stay aligned while maintaining an average speed of 4.5 mph to complete the crossing in time. Crews stay on constant alert, adjusting boat positions, monitoring weather changes, and keeping spirits up as fatigue sets in. From hydration and nutrition strategies to managing seasickness and exhaustion, every detail is planned out to ensure a safe and successful crossing.

A boat with two people, featuring text about maintaining comfort and effective communication in changing weather scenarios.

How Manta Racks Made a Difference for Four Incredible Teams

Part of getting ready for this is making sure all the gear, boards, and paddlers get to the start line smoothly. That’s where Manta Racks came in. Our custom racks fit directly into the boat’s fishing rod holders, keeping boards secure and out of the way so there’s plenty of room on deck. This setup gave the teams one less thing to worry about, allowing them to focus on the journey ahead and the cause they’re supporting.

The four amazing teams we supported during this event had epic journeys showcasing their passion and grit. You can read about one of these inspiring teams in a blog post by Pursuit Boats, where they highlight the teamwork and determination required to tackle the Crossing and support the cystic fibrosis community.

Thinking about joining next year? The “Crossing for a Cure” is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whether you’re paddling or supporting, you’ll be part of something special. Check out more info here to get involved and make a difference.