Australian Firefighters Paddling From Washington D.C. to New York

COLD SPRING — Two Australian firefighters arrived at Utsch’s Marina Wed., Aug. 17., one in a kayak and the other in a chase boat with a water leak and one of its two engines dead.
This came after battling 12 days of headwinds.
Ben Chalmers and Shane Austin, both senior firefighters based in downtown Sydney, Australia, are traveling by kayak and paddleboard from Washington D.C. to New York City.
The purpose of their journey is to raise awareness and funds for the National Fallen Firefighter’s Foundation in America, based in Emmitsburg. Md., which is linked to the National Firefighter’s Academy.
The foundation provides services to the families of fallen firefighters in the realm of finances and counseling. It also provides services to fire departments that have lost firefighters, said Chalmers.
They encourage donations be made directly to: www.firehero.org
Using an Epic ocean kayak or a Naish standup paddleboard, depending on conditions, they have averaged 10 knots in forward speed and about 30 miles per day. Chalmers and Austin alternate paddling and piloting a 29-foot cabin cruiser, an hour on and an hour off.
Their trip has not been easy. The water level in the Potomac River was so low they had to switch to a smaller kayak and use a car instead of a boat as chase vehicle. Their progress slowed to 2 knots and they ran aground a number of times.
“We spent more time walking and dragging our kayak than anything else,” said Chalmers.
Their route took them through the C&D Canal to Delaware Bay.
The duo experienced heavy thunderstorms, hitting debris that damaged their kayak, paddleboard and boat, said Chalmers.
Chalmers said Sept. 11 was just as big a shock to Australians as Americans. It caused new policies and procedures to be instituted for firefighters in Australia, he said.
Chalmers worked as a lifeguard for one season on Long Beach Island in New Jersey. He has participated in other long paddling events including a Chicago to New York journey.
Future stops on their current trek include Ocean City, Atlantic City, Beach Haven and Barnegat Light. They will arrive in New York City Aug. 25 for the opening ceremony of the World Police and Firefighter Games.
You can follow their progress at www.firepaddle.org.