"Joe Bidawid is credited with being one of the original pioneers of high performance windsurfing and kiteboarding in the Great Lakes region and has been featured in numerous watersports magazines. This fall, the Great Lakes Waterman is on course to make an unprecedented crossing of Lake Michigan while Stand Up Paddle Boarding. The attempt, which would set a world record, is an effort to raise money and awareness for cancer research. We caught up with the Joe in an attempt to learn more about his adventure:"
Asnews.net: "How long have you been Stand Up Paddle Surfing?"
Joe Bidawid: "In July of 2006, inspired by a few close friends that are living in Hawaii, my good friend Matt Rutledge helped me obtain my first board and paddle. My first session was a 2-mile flat water cruise at Muskegon on Lake Michigan in Mid July. I began to paddle during flat-water spells in the absence of wind and waves. During the fall of 2006, I had some painful experiences in choppy and wavy conditions on Lake Michigan. My first wave day was humbling and an involuntary downwinder at North Muskegon. After the crossing attempt became clear, I started paddling and training on flat water on a regular basis, on Lake Michigan but also on smaller inland lakes near my home in Detroit. During my extensive travels in the winter of 2006/2007, I paddled a few days a week, some days to paddle surf, some to train on flat water and others just to relax and enjoy a sunset paddle, it is a great cross training activity and provide a soulful way of keeping you on the water."
Asnews.net: "Tell us about your mission?"
Joe Bidawid: "The crossing is from St. Joe, Michigan to Chicago, IL. The nautical distance is 50 miles. I expect to paddle a distance of 60-80 miles. The effort will take 18-24 hours. "
Asnews.net: "continuous?"
Joe Bidawid: "Yes! I plan on staying on my board the entire time, my longest run to date is 25 miles so I have a great deal of confidence that I will be able to complete the crossing. I have a lot of motivation. Crossing the lake has always been a dream of mine and at the moment, raising money and awareness for finding a cure for cancer is my big focus in life."
Asnews.net: "When do you plan on doing this?"
Joe Bidawid: "Based on my experience with Lake Michigan, the last two weeks of August will provide the best conditions for my attempt, so that will be my target."
Asnews.net: "What type of equipment will you be using?"
Joe Bidawid: "I will be using the 2008 production Naish SUP Board and Paddle. Both are easy to use and currently on the market"
Asnews.net: "How can people help?"
Joe Bidawid: "They may donate via a link on the official website, LakeMichiganCrossing.com. They will donate directly through the American cancer Society insuring that 100% of the proceeds go toward cancer research."
Asnews.net: "How and where are you training?"
Joe Bidawid: "I decided to do this during August of 2006, since then, I have dedicated my life to it. When I am not riding or paddling on the water. I am living at the Gym. On the average, I spend about three hours a day training. I usually try to paddle three times a week, a couple of short paddles, usually 8-12 mile each and a long one, usually over 15 miles. I do most of my training in and around Grand Haven, Michigan."
Asnews.net: "How has all this training affected your other sports?"
Joe Bidawid: "I avidly surf, kiteboard and windsurf when the conditions are good. Stand Up Paddling offers me the best cross training option. It is really low impact but works every part of your body. I am in the best shape of my life and I attribute a big part of that to stand up paddling."
Asnews.net: "Do you have a personal trainer?"
Joe Bidawid: "No. I am around people that offer me a great deal of Inspiration, guidance and motivation. Robby Naish, Tim Blanchard and James Otis, just to name a few."
Asnews.net: "Any last words?"
Joe Bidawid: "Help me make a difference."