Michigan teens to paddleboard across Straits of Mackinac

[demmiblue]

The two 13-year-olds prepped all winter, raising money and getting into condition.

Now Paige Peters and Sophia Christian are bracing for a 5-mile journey Saturday as they attempt to cross the Straits of Mackinac while standing on paddleboards.

The eighth-graders at Cherryland Middle school in Elk Rapids are paddling to raise awareness about Great Lakes preservation and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS.

According to the U.S. Department of Environmental Protection Agency, PFAS is a man-made chemical used for manufacturing and a variety of industrial work but can affect health.



https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2019/04/24/pfas-straits-mackinac-paddleboard/3547839002/

[rzemanfl]

1. "freep" is unfortunate acronym for their webpage.

I know they had the initials first. Hope those girls have flotation and will have a boat alongside.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

2. The Detroit Free Press has been called "the freep" for decades.

Before freepers, before the internets, before the telephone.

Detroit Free Press, being used to wrap fish since 1831.



I'm sure the paddlers have boats accompanying them, stocked with life jackets, sandwiches, energy drinks, phone chargers, all the necessities. I wish them success, it's a long way to paddle.

[safeinOhio]

3. The wind and current

Make it a tuff paddle. Good luck guys.