I wish I may, I wish I might...

Aloha!  My name is Melvin.  I'm a Canadian working and residing in South Korea.  I've been working at Kwandong University as a lecturer since 2003. In June 2009, I decided to share my love for standup paddleboarding (SUP) by starting a small, standup paddleboard company called Pine Ocean.  Pine Ocean is the first and original SUP retailer in South Korea.

A couple of weeks ago, I was selected to join the 2014 Canadian National SUP Team that will representing Canada at the International SUP and Paddleboard Championship in Granada and La Boquita, Nicaragua from May 3rd to 11th. 

My event is the Men's SUP Surf division and I will compete against some of the best standup paddle surfers in the world. This is an amazing opportunity to meet, watch and learn from some of the worlds' best.  But unfortunately, this kind of trip isn't free. Unlike some of the other competitors, I don't have any sponsors and must paid my own way.  

And unlike most of my teammates, I will not be flying from Canada or the United States, I will be departing from South Korea.  A trip from Korea to Nicaragua can range from 23 hours to 40 hours depending on the flight and layovers.  My intention is to finance this trip through a combination of your generosity and financial assistance (50%) and my own savings (50%).

I am intending to purchase my airline tickets through Delta Airlines. In addition to flight costs, I estimate that my accommodations and transportation cost while in Nicaragua will be approximately $500.00 USD. These travel costs, do not include board transport and baggage fees. I must also bring my own equipment (board and paddle) and must pay the airline board/baggage fee costing $300.00 USD (return).

Here's the break down of my (approximate) expenses:

$2373  Airline tickets
 $500   Hotel/Transport
 $300   Baggage/Board fees
 $200   Incidentals
_________________________

$3373 divided by 2 = $1686.50

The total of donations that I'm hoping to meet is $1686.00 
But of course, if donations should exceed that amount, that will be welcomed too.  :)

The International Surfing Association, through the World SUP and Paddleboard Championships is hoping to make SUP an Olympic sport in the future.

Thank you for your time and thank you for your generosity.

 ALOHA!