Paddling to the Isle of Shoals has been a dream of mine since I was a lifeguard at Salisbury Beach in 2000. I grew a love for paddling both from growing up surfing and then competing in lifeguard competitions. Combining the intrigue of offshore paddling with the enchantment of the Isles of Shoals seemed like the perfect match. School, the cost of proper equipment, starting a career, getting married and growing a family sidetracked my dream until now (20 years later!). There’s really no excuse, but that’s what happened. In August, on a morning when conditions are safe, I will set off on the 14-mile journey to and from the Isles.

My plan isn’t to paddle using any device, like an oar or a paddle. I’ve never been much into that. I paddle using a traditional and unfortunately rarer discipline – prone, simply with my hands and arms on both my stomach and knees. I truly love the sport.

My goal of paddling to the Isles was a very selfish one. I didn’t want to do it for anyone but myself, but I recently realized that is flat out wrong. Motivation for me, during this journey, will have come in many different forms but I recognize none will be more important than simply helping others.

Charity: Water is a financially transparent, New York based nonprofit, bringing clean and safe drinking water to millions of people in developing countries. 785 million people in the world live without clean water (roughly 10% of the world’s population!). There is a lot of work that needs to be done. Think about your day and think about each time you need water – to drink, go to the bathroom, brush your teeth, shower, cook. Admittedly, I take much of it for granted, but for many others its a deadly daily struggle.

In communities throughout the world, solving the basic fundamental problem of clean water is the spark needed to prosper. It leads to community health, frees up time for families to focus on other life necessities, promotes education, income and ultimate economic balance. It’s extremely powerful and transformative. Learn more here: www.charitywater.org The projects Charity: Water complete are impactful, life-changing and well worthy of funding. Thanks for your attention and I hope you can contribute to this cause.

Gary Ritter