PORT ST. LUCIE— A Port St. Lucie man, 21-year-old Kyle Jackson, is preparing to attempt the first Florida-to-Bahamas kayak voyage. The arduous task has never been attempted due to the Gulf Stream current and a number of other factors.

“Crossing from Florida to the Bahamas will require extensive planning and preparation,” said Jackson. “I am an experienced kayaker, know the waters between Florida and the Bahamas, and know I have the physical and mental stamina required to be the first person to accomplish this feat.”

As part of his preparation for the first-ever kayak crossing, Jackson has trained by kayaking on local waterways. More importantly, he has conducted extensive research into the logistics and navigation that will be required to successfully make the crossing. “I have consulted with local charter captains about the currents and eddies I will run into. And, I will be consulting with a major marine school about the validity of my calculations on the currents before actually making the attempt,” added Jackson.

Jackson plans to make the journey during the summer of 2012 when seas and currents are most favorable. “This will be a 'green' crossing. No fuel except for manpower. I will be using solar panels to power a laptop and GPS equipment I will have on board my kayak. Literally, we can all go 'green' and never use gasoline if we put our minds to it,” noted Jackson.

A number of sponsors are lining up to become part of the first-ever kayak crossing between Florida and the Bahamas. “I do have a sponsor for my kayak, which will be a fast 18-foot craft. I am reviewing other sponsors but will be very selective in choosing them based on their commitment to our environment and how their products match items I will require for the crossing,” said Jackson.

“I do have other kayak adventures in the planning stage. However, my focus right now is being the first person to ever kayak from Florida to the Bahamas,” concluded Jackson.

Additional details of the first ever crossing will be announced in the near future. To submit sponsorship information for review, contact Yates & Associates, Public Relations & Marketing at 772-463-8152.