Conquer the Rock Just Around the Corner

Conquer the Rock, Marco Island’s inaugural premiere paddleboarding event to raise funds and awareness for cystic fibrosis, is a little over two weeks away!

As a part of the Piper’s Angels Foundation ‘Crossing Adventure Series’, Conquer the Rock will host a 22-mile paddle circumnavigating Marco Island, a five-mile sprint paddle, and a two-mile beach walk/4Ocean clean-up in front of the JW Marriott.

Piper’s Angels (Advocacy.Needs.Global.Empowerment.Lifelong.Service.) supports those with cystic fibrosis and their family by raising awareness of the disease, bringing critical financial support to families, offering life-expanding activities, and much more.

Paddlers have until Monday, November 16, to register at www.crossingforcf.com. Competition categories can also be found. 

The Beach Walk/Clean-up is open to the public and all ages and fitness levels are welcome. A $250 fundraising minimum for Piper’s Angels is encouraged, but walkers will have until December 31st to fundraise. “We want to give people the opportunity to get involved with the event day of and have time to get it all together afterward,” said Josh Ferris, Event Director. Checks can be mailed after the event to the Pipers Angels Foundation or paid in cash, and the amount will be attached to their online account.

The fun does not stop after the last paddle crosses the finish line, however! Get ready for one of the largest after-parties to take place at Veteran’s Community Park with a post-race music festival and awards celebration featuring Rock Republic as the headliner! The park opens and the party starts at 4:00 PM.

With the entirety of the park designated for the event that evening, it will feature five different food trucks, vendors, the Carvelli Group sponsoring beverages, more information on Piper’s Angels, and much more!

A 50/50 raffle and numerous raffle items will also be available! These tickets, along with after-party wristbands, will begin to sell on the beach in the morning and continue to be sold at the after-party.

A special awards ceremony for the paddlers will take place during the party.

A $20 admission ticket for the after-party can be purchased ahead of time via Eventbrite, on the beach in the AM, and the day of at the park. All proceeds from ticket sales go directly to Piper’s Angels Foundation. Attendees are welcome to bring chairs, but no outside food, beverages, or coolers are allowed.

For Travis Suit and Josh Ferris, from their initial decision to bring this inaugural event to their own ‘backyard’ to its near fruition, they are beyond grateful and humbled by the outpouring of support from the community and its businesses who have rallied for the cause. “Being a part of this Foundation and event for the last ten years and now seeing it come to fruition here in Marco Island, I feel a sense of completion. Without the support of this community, much of what we have done for the Piper’s Angels Foundation and Cystic Fibrosis would not have been possible. I feel a sincere and personal gratitude for each and every person who has invested their time and effort into this organization from the beginning until now,” said Ferris.

Since the last issue on Conquer the Rock in the Coastal Breeze News, two additional Beach Sponsors have joined the cause: SYC Yachts and Leebe Fish. Further examples on the power of a community coming together for a just cause.

“This family-friendly event brings together athletes, locals, and visitors alike for an exciting, high-energy island atmosphere you’re looking for! Conquer the Rock offers a rare full circumnavigation of Marco Island with diverse and scenic race environments. Multiple competitive paddle categories! Meaningful charitable impact! A finish line celebration unlike any other! Whether you’re chasing a podium, supporting a great cause, or simply looking for an epic paddle adventure, Conquer the Rock is an event you don’t want to miss,” Piper’s Angels proudly states.

See you at the beach and on the dance floor afterward!

After-Party tickets can be purchased ahead of time at www.eventbrite.com/e/rock-republic-concert-crossing-adventure-series-after-party-tickets-2002463929518

To learn more about Piper and her story, cystic fibrosis, and the foundation’s impact, visit: www.pipersangels.org

For additional questions, please contact Josh Ferris at joshferiss@pipersangels.org or at 321-544-5735.