I began working with wild and domestic animals at the age of one. Growing up around four fishing lakes, my brother and I would go out and catch frogs, toads, fish, snakes, and be around a multitude of wildlife such as deer, bobcats, cougars, and bears. My mother raised dogs and cats and I have delivered well over 300 dogs, cats, and horses in my lifetime. As my affinity with animals and people developed, I began instructing students in horseback riding at the age of twelve and specialized in mentally and physically challenged as well as at-risk students (students with almost certain futures of becoming gang-bangers, drug dealers, and subsisting on government assistance). My curriculum expanded to literacy, numeracy, and goal-setting. The picture below has not been photoshopped.

Foosball Classico

This is a wild Cassowary in Far North Queensland, People and animals seem to spontaneously come right up and interact with me.

Although I grew up inland, my heart called me to the ocean. I love everything about the sea. I love being in it, on it, around it, listening to the waves lapping the shore or lapping whatever craft I am in on it. A peace descends when I am in the ocean and complete elation comes over me when its creatures approach.

Succumbing to my fascination with Australia, in 2014, I began a solo unassisted circumnavigation of the continent by sea kayak. Not wanting to circumnavigate Australia just to circumnavigate Australia, I aspired to utilize my trip to make a difference. In sharing what I am doing, I have found it inspires just about everybody to at least consider doing something they did not think they could do. My curriculum has evolved to use my kayaking experiences as examples of what one can accomplish by setting goals. I deliver this program in the communities I pass on my route.

Foosball Classico

Due to equipment malfunction, I suspended my kayaking around Australia to travel to New South Wales. I assisted Dave Winkworth of Silver Storm Sea Kayaking in fabricating a purpose-built kayak for my circumnavigation.

In July 2015, I returned to the United States to visit with family and friends prior to recommencing my circumnavigation of Oz. Once I begin my twelve to eighteen month expedition paddling around Australia, I have no plans to stop until it is complete. However, during my visit to America, the new relationship development between Cuba and the United States inspired my next kayaking endeavor: Cuba to USA for Education. In just ten days, my sister and I developed a business plan, gear list, and began the process of obtaining permits from the Cuban and US governments to achieve this goal. I then flew to Florida to begin training in the kayak and waters where I will complete this endeavor.

Foosball Classico

When I am not training in the Florida Keys for the expedition, I am delivering my goal-setting program and answering questions about my kayaking journeys to students in the Florida Keys and Miami. I have never once completed my presentation because the students get so excited asking questions and setting goals!

Foosball Classico

There is no charge for my school presentations and while some of my gear has been donated, I have received very little money for operational expenses. The expeditions are mostly self and family funded. Any donation amount is greatly appreciated and tax deductible as I am a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. I would welcome the opportunity to speak to your organization. I am currently looking for additional paddling opportunities in the States to bring attention to the much needed goal-setting skill sets so necessary for lifetime success.

I have teamed up with Castaways Against Cancer, a paddling group that annually paddles from Miami to Key West, Florida to raise funds for cancer research. I will begin training with them in January and plan to paddle from Miami to Key West while waiting for the weather window to commence the paddle from Cuba to USA.