Siesta man to prone paddle 27 miles for Wounded Warriors

After months of training, Siesta Key resident, Abe Uccello, will join 60 other athletes tomorrow morning, Saturday, Feb. 16, for a 27-mile prone paddling trip from Fort Desoto Park in St. Petersburg, to Lido Key Beach to raise money for the Wounded Warriors project.

Prone paddling, the sport that spurred the increase in popularity of upright paddle boarding, utilizes a longer thinner board, and the athlete balances on his knees while paddling with his arms.

The 27-mile trip, called Paddle with Purpose, will raise money for the Wounded Warriors Project. Through sponsors from local businesses, including, Lumina Health, ERA Waterside Realty, HYPR Atlantic Surf and Paddle, Gilligan's Island Bar and Lelu's Coffee Lounge and contributions from individual donors, Uccello has raised more than $2500 for the charity, which helps wounded veterans and their families.

“This is a great way to thank our veterans,” says Uccello. “I have a profound appreciation for their sacrifice, and having these great paddlers come together is a unique way to show support.”

Visit highfivetour.com to donate, or for more information.