Task Force Hydro1 is looking for paddlers to join its Third Annual Mission 50: Paddle for a Purpose, a 50-mile paddle from St. Augustine Inlet to Mayport, Florida on Saturday, May 3, 2025.
The event brings civilians, first responders, active-duty military members, veterans, and their families together for an incredible day of paddling and one mission: to raise awareness and funds to support our nation’s heroes who are battling PTSD, suicidal thoughts, and other mental health challenges as well as the Hunter Seven Foundation, a nonprofit supporting veterans battling illnesses caused by toxic exposure.
The host club, Task Force Hydro1, is composed of heroes who have served both their communities and country. The club provides a therapeutic outlet for its members, through surfing and paddling programs, and the opportunity for daily check-ins on WhatsApp. They are there for each other 24/7.
“The reason paddling is so therapeutic for these veterans and first responders is it’s like being in the foxhole,” Event Director, Ricky Van Rickley explained. “It’s all about the person to your left and right. They depend on you.” Teamwork is the essence of who they are in life and in the canoe.
What to Expect in the Mission 50: Paddle for a Purpose
This event is not a race. It’s about sticking together and enjoying the camaraderie of paddling. If you’re intimidated about doing open water switch outs, you can put your mind at ease. “It might seem hard to do it alone. When you jump in the water with five other people, it’s easy,” Ricky stated.
It’s truly a beginner friendly paddle. He added, “You can get off the boat in whatever way you desire. You can do backflips, cartwheels, cannon balls, or just slide off the canoe.”
There will be plenty of opportunities to hop onto their support boat, take selfies, hydrate, and enjoy some snacks and sandwiches on this adventure. And there will be a barbeque on the beach after crossing the finish line.
How to Join this Event
All paddlers are encouraged to raise $750. “We won’t kick you out, if you miss that target,” Rickey stated. “But we may joke around with you.” By reaching out to your friends, family, and coworkers, you’ll help raise money and awareness for these exceptional men and women. It’s a chance to give it your best for those who gave it their all. You can sign up for this event here.
While you’re in St. Augustine, here is a list of the area’s top places to visit:
St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum
Discover what it was like during the Golden Age of Piracy, over 300 years ago. It features exhibits with over 800 authentic artifacts from Jamaica, Spain, and Colonial America.
Fountain of Youth Archaeology Park
Visit the original site of our nation’s oldest city, which dates back 2,400 BC when it was home to Native Americans. It was first discovered by Juan Ponce de Leon in 1513 and settled by Pedro Menendez de Aviles in 1565 – more than half a century prior to the Pilgrims’ arrival at Plymouth Rock in Colonial America.
St. Augustine Shipwreck Museum
See exhibits with artifacts from the most famous shipwrecks around Florida and the world, dating back to the 16th century, including the R.M.S. Titanic.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum
Step inside a three-story castle built in 1887, and see a replica of the International Space Station, made of 240,000 matchsticks, along with hundreds of other unusual artifacts.
Take a private tour of a 7-acre reserve with tigers, lions, liger, servals, lynxes, leopards, jaguars, hyenas, and a bear.
Start training and fundraising now for Task Force Hydro1’s Mission 50: Paddle for a Purpose. Even if you can’t participate, you can help make a difference by supporting its campaign. Sign up or donate here.
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