On Monday, November 02, 2009 a young man with a mission called Ryan de Jongh took the floor at the Rotary Club Willemstad meeting. Most of us had heard of Ryan as an incredible kayaker, known for circumventing Curaçao in 2007 in 33 hours. That challenge was but one in a long, and growing, list of trials that Ryan has taken on.

But all previous challenges pale in comparison to his next feat titled the "Clear Water Challenge". Driven by a passion for nature, Ryan explained to all in attendance that he intends to travel by kayak from Saint Martin all the way to Curaçao! Along the way he will make stops along the many islands that line the eastern part of the Caribbean basin.

Purpose

Although Ryan's daunting challenge in itself may garner all interest we should focus attention on the purpose of the trip. Ryan's purpose is to collect sufficient funding to acquire the most unique and ecologically valuable properties on the western part of Curaçao, in order to secure those areas for future generations. In addition a trust fund will be set up to provide structural funding for management of these areas, as well as for the scientific research into sustainable usage of the island's natural resources.

The Clear Water Challenge, a monumental Kayak challenge, will take Ryan de Jongh to St. Maarten from where he will start a trek in excess of 1,600 kilometers through Caribbean waters. The trip will start on December 5th. His aim is to arrive in Curaçao 22 days later.`

Ryan's previous challenges over the years are listed below:

• 1998: Kayaking from Playa Kalki (Westpoint) to Sea Aquarium Curaçao (19 hours)
• 1999: Biking 500 km for Korsou500 (30 hours)
• 2000: Extreme Triathlon (27 hours)
• 2000: Kayaking from Bonaire to Curaçao (13 hours)
• 2001: Kayaking from Curaçao to Aruba (22 hours)
• 2002: Running & walking a distance of 150 km in Aruba (23 hours)
• 2007: Kayaking around Curaçao for Carmabi (150 km in 33 hours)
• 2008: Kayaking for 40 km, mountain biking for 20 km and hiking for 40 km