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CNN Live Today
Paddle Board Champ Discusses Attempt to Cross Florida Straits
Aired July 25, 2002 - 13:47 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: They were just four women on a mission to set a paddle boarding record. They were attempting to make 112-mile trip from Cuba to Key West, Florida. Bad weather has forced them to abort their mission.
Our Lucia Newman has more on the (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
LUCIA NEWMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): They are nicknamed the Paddle Power Girls, the first women to ever to attempt to paddle across the Florida Straits, 112 miles in this case -- from Havana to Key West.
RAMONA D'VIOLA, PADDLER: We're trying to set two world records. We are trying to beat the existing record, set by the men last year, which was 20 hours and some change. So we are trying to beat that. But also going for a distance record.
NEWMAN: reporter: Four of the women are Florida life guards, the fifth an artist from California, all of them undaunted by the idea of paddling across the often-treacherous waters of the Florida Straits.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We have paddled in some crazy conditions. I don't have any doubt that we are going to be able to make this.
NEWMAN: The crossing consists of a relay by four of the women. The fifth is an alternate, in case one of the others can't continue.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I don't know. To me, it's just a personal challenge. That's it.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We're endurance athletes. We're endurance athletes. This is something that -- it's not just something that we do for one or two hours. This is something where you go and go. It's like a marathon.
NEWMAN: A marathon which will take them to the Gulf Stream's shark-infested waters, paddling against prevailing east trade winds and strong currents and tides.
(on camera): The idea, say the Paddle Power Girls, is not just to prove that they can do it, but, just as importantly, to draw attention to the abilities of women in all fields. (on camera): That's why they're dedicating this crossing to a new foundation called Millennium Women, which is to empower women worldwide.
Lucia Newman, CNN, Havana.
PHILLIPS: Despite aborting the trip, these women are still inspirational.
Joining us live by phone from Key West is one of the Power Paddle Girls, Kelly Helt.
Hi -- Kelly.
KELLY HELT, PADDLE POWER GIRLS: Hi.
PHILLIPS: Are you OK? Are you bummed out? What are you thinking right now?
HELT: We are all definitely a little bummed out. I'm also a little sick. I got a sore throat and just getting over the sea sickness.
PHILLIPS: Oh, boy.
Are you guys going to attempt to do this again? What's the next move?
HELT: Yes, we are going to attempt to do it again, anywhere from six months to a year. It'll be a little tough during the winter because the seas are a little rougher and the water's a lot cooler. So, hopefully, within a year.
PHILLIPS: Kelly, how did you all of you gals come together? How did you all meet? Have you known each other for awhile?
HELT: I work with the one other girl. And two of the girls work -- the alternate, (UNINTELLIGIBLE) works in Deerfield, which is close to me. And Ramona from California I just met now. And Paul Cruet (ph) went out, put the whole film together, and he brought us all together.
PHILLIPS: How did you train for this?
HELT: We train all the time anyways. I personally am a swimmer, so I put a lot of time in in the pool. And of course, you have to get out on the board every day, five days a week to six days a week, and put a lot of miles in.
PHILLIPS: Aren't you worried about sharks?
HELT: Yes. I was nervous about sharks. So on the way over on the boat, you know, we were always looking out, and we didn't see anything. So that made us feel a little better.
PHILLIPS: I can imagine. Now, when you attempt this again, what are you going to do if one girl goes down? Have you devised a plan or a strategy for continuing or rescuing or aborting again?
HELT: If one girl goes down, as in gets sick?
PHILLIPS: Yes, exactly. Or has it to stop paddling or has to pull out.
HELT: The alternate will definitely go in then. I know on this trip here, I was really sick. My throat was really swollen. I got really seasick right before. But it didn't matter. You know, I got in anyways and finished my two hour leg through the dark, through the Gulf Stream. And you kind of -- I mean, just through the experience of training, you learn it really, you know, suck it up and pull through.
PHILLIPS: There you go. Now you are talking like a Marine.
Kelly Helt, one of the Millenium Women, you nurse that cold -- or that seasickness, rather -- get some Dramamine. We'll look forward to following you in a few months, all right?
HELT: OK.
PHILLIPS: All right, Kelly, good luck.
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