Getting Ready for Conquer the Rock

As November 21 and the inaugural Conquer the Rock event nears, the community has been living up to its definition as it comes together in support of the event’s goal: raising awareness for Cystic Fibrosis.

Over the last few months, the Coastal Breeze News has been keeping tabs on this world-class event on Marco Island, along with getting to know the more personal side of Travis Suit and his daughter Piper, who was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at a young age.

In the years after her diagnosis, her father, Travis, and three friends paddled from Bimini to West Palm (82 miles), followed by a now annual Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis paddle from similar locations and distances, to an expansion of the event to include the Crossing Adventure series (long-distance walks in the Grand Canyon, Northern Ireland, and more), and now the first-ever 22-mile paddle around Marco Island (Conquer the Rock) – all in the effort to raise awareness and funds in support of Piper’s Angels Foundation.

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.

In addition to the 22-mile Paddle, there will be a five-mile Sprint Paddle Race and a two-mile Beach Walk. The two-mile Beach Walk is being hosted by the JW Marriott, and 4Ocean is sponsoring that event.

The two-mile Beach Walk is open to the public. “All are welcome to participate in the beach walk and are encouraged to fundraise a $250 minimum for Piper’s Angels,” said Josh Ferris, Event Director. “However, this fundraising will not close until Friday, January 1st. We want to give people the opportunity to get involved with the event day of and have time to get it all together afterwards.” 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.

Upon conclusion of the morning events, Conquer the Rock will transition from the beach to Veterans Community Park for an after-party to remember! Ferris shared that the entirety of the park has been rented and it is ‘pure vibes’ with Rock Republic headlining, five food trucks for plenty of variety, the Carvelli Restaurant Group providing refreshments, and several vendor tents. This after-party is going to ‘rock’!

Tickets can be purchased ahead of time, day-of, and at the party itself for $20. All proceeds from ticket sales go directly to Piper’s Angels.

The after-party is open and welcome for all to take part in. However, you will need a wristband (received with ticket) to purchase food/drinks/enter the main pit. Ferris hopes that when onlookers see what the party is for, they will want to contribute with a ticket purchase for the cause.

The event has been taking shape for several months, and members of the community have truly stepped up in support. Ferris was all smiles as he recapped those members and businesses who have become involved. Be it day-of volunteers, water patrol, after-party participation, and more – the Marco Island community has been enthusiastic about this inaugural event.

$5,000 Island Sponsors Include: Marco Rock, Lusso Builders, Popoff Pools, and Paradise Design-Build. 

$2,500 Inlet Sponsor: Rose Marina

$1,000 Beach Sponsor: Sea Tow Marco, Total Home Services, and Sunshine Ace Hardware.

$500 Bald Eagle Sponsors: Total Home, Ace Hardware, and FCI Homes.

“We have even more verbal commitments to sponsor,” Ferris said, and he encourages interested parties to reach out to him directly for further sponsorship opportunities.

In addition to providing all refreshments at the after-party, the Snook Inn has committed to hosting the pre-party for the paddlers on Friday.

Jet Set Surf Shop has taken pride in selling hats and merchandise for the event. 

Custom Tees is donating the day-of event t-shirts. 

The Sign Artist is producing event banners. 

Greg Pascall with Paradise Design and Build, in addition to sponsorship, is creating the first-place awards and a custom board. “It’s going to be eight feet tall, hand-carved, cypress wood paddleboard that will have the challenge coin inlays in it,” Ferris said. They intend to house this board at a local establishment post-race for event recognition and promotion of future races. “He does incredible work.”

CMA Awards and Gifts are creating the second and third place awards and medals for the participants. 

There are a few remaining items to be tended to by Ferris, but the event planning is wrapping up smoothly, especially for an inaugural year. The sky is the limit for the following year!

There are currently 30 paddlers signed up, and Ferris says they are happy with the amount, though they will welcome more.

Registration is still open for the 22-mile Paddle! Interested paddlers can seek more information and sign up at crossingforcf.com.

NOTE – Registration will close on Monday, November 16. Day-of sign-ups will not be available for safety and planning reasons.

Day of Itinerary: 

Paddler check-in begins at 6:00 AM

22-Mile Paddle Launch at 7:30 AM

5-Mile Paddle Launch at 8:00 AM

2-Mile Beach Walk at 8:30 AM

After-party tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rock-republic-concert-crossing-adventure-series-after-party-tickets-2002463929518.

22-Mile Paddle Categories for reference

There are two-person and four-person relay options for teams and seven competitive classes.

1. SUP Unlimited Men (Stand-up Paddleboard with a long paddle).

2. SUP Unlimited Women (Stand-up Paddleboard with a long paddle).

3. Open Prone (Paddleboarding where you lie flat or kneel and use your arms to paddle).

4. OC1 (One-Man Outrigger Canoe).

5. OC2 (Two-Man Outrigger Canoe).

6. OC6 (Six-Person Outrigger Canoe - Team Limit of nine Paddlers)

7. Surf Ski (Long, narrow high-performance watercraft in the kayak family).

For sponsorship opportunities and additional questions, please contact Josh Ferris at joshferris@pipersangels.org or at 321-544-5735.