Ultra Marathon Stand Up Paddler, Will Schmidt, Completes 300 Miles Solo in the California Channel Islands to Benefit the Wounded Warrior Project

Dana Point, CA, October 19, 2013 --(PR.com)-- Southern California Stand Up Paddle Endurance Athlete, Will Schmidt, caps off a three week, 300 mile open ocean challenge by crossing two more Pacific Coast channels. Will started off with an exhibition appearance at the annual Island To Island Waterman Relay, a 28 nautical mile channel crossing from Santa Barbara Island to Two Harbors, Catalina Island benefiting cancer research funding, as the only solo entrant. The very next day he once again paddled the length of the Catalina Channel making him the only two time and three-peat solo SUP to complete the trip, this time while riding a SIC Bullet 14'. Schmidt traversed the 38.6 mile route in a record breaking and personal best time of 7:44:27 beating the previous channel record he set only three weeks ago by 0:3:09. All times and distances were verified by Nike+ GPS as well as Spot satellite tracking.

These last two crossings complete Will's goal of paddling 300 documented statute miles in the California Channel Islands. A mere three weekends prior, he set off on a successful seven day solo paddle that took him consecutively from Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard, CA to Anacapa Island, Santa Cruz Island, Santa Barbara Island, Cat Harbor on Catalina Island, San Clemente Island, Avalon on Catalina Island, and finished off with his second of three Catalina Channel crossings into Dana Point Harbor. Schmidt set two and broke three stand up paddle records in the process. He then competed in the annual Rainbow Sandals Battle of the Paddle distance race adding another ten miles to the tally. After these most recent crossings, Schmidt boasts ten solid days of Pacific Ocean stand up paddling over a three week time period totaling 300.6 statute miles, nine channel crossings, seven island landings, and five stand up paddle records (three of which were broken then re-broken).

Will Schmidt raises awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project as an Official Advance Guard Fundraiser through his own organization, Stand Up Paddle Against Depression, and his website, www.AreYouInspiredYet.com. Proceeds from his solo challenges benefit military members who suffer from post-wartime anxiety, depression, and post traumatic stress. Fundraising currently continues through links on www.AreYouInspiredYet.com as well as http://www.gofundme.com/3xjulo

For more information regarding Will Schmidt and Stand Up Paddle Against Depression or to request press ready photos, schedule an interview, and for sponsorship opportunities contact Will Schmidt directly at Will@AreYouInspiredYet.com