Aquatic Fitness Sponsors Swim the Strait ’06

Aquatic Fitness donates gear to Texans slated to swim the Strait of Gibraltar to benefit disabled veterans.

(PRWEB) July 12, 2006 -- Aquatic Fitness, a specialty retailer of high-quality swimming and snorkel gear for water sports, fitness and recreation, announced today their donation of swim gear to Swim the Strait ’06.

Swim the Strait ’06 is an effort being conducted by David Broyles and Rush Vann of Austin, Texas in order to raise awareness for disabled veterans. Between the dates of July 11-21, Broyles and Vann will attempt to become the 16th and 17th Americans to swim the Strait of Gibraltar for the purpose of raising $100,000 to help cover the critical needs of 20,000 wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. Thus far, the swimmers have raised over $40,000 and garnered national media attention. They are featured guests on Good Morning America on July 11, 2006.

David Broyles conceived the idea for Swim the Strait ’06 (www.swimthestrait06.com) after separating from active duty, which for him began when he enlisted in the military after September 11th. Broyles was one of two, out of 82 airmen, to complete the arduous training to become a pararescueman. Over the next two years, Broyles completed three combat tours, one in Uzbekistan, two in Iraq, fulfilling the pararescueman’s motto: "That Others May Live." Once home, Broyles invited Rush Vann, whom he met while at the University of Texas at Austin, to join him. Vann, who serves as an Infantry Officer in the Army National Guard, was thrilled to take on the mission.

Of Aquatic Fitness’ donation, Broyles said, “As a pararescueman in the U.S. military, our gear issue included the Seal mask, which was one of the items donated by Aquatic Fitness. As a result, I know it’s been tested in the most difficult conditions. Given the challenges of the Strait swim, it gives me confidence to know that we have the right equipment to get the job done.”

The items Aquatic Fitness donated to Broyles and Vann for Swim the Strait ’06 training include Aquasphere Aqua-Glide Swim Caps, Speedo Fastskin FSII Jammers, Aqua Dry Towels, Speedo goggles, Finis Tech Tocs, Finish SwiMP3 player, US Divers Adult, Stretch Shorty, US Divers Shredder Fins, Aquasphere Seal Mask, and Aqualung Total Dry Snorkel.

“We’re emphatic supporters of David and Rush and are pleased to be able to support them with equipment,” said Debra Poore, Frisco location manager for Aquatic Fitness Swim and Snorkel. “We fully understand the importance of proper gear for such an endeavor as swimming the Strait of Gibraltar. We considered all the potential hazards of this undertaking and made our equipment donation based on alleviating those hazards, which include potential hypothermia, fog, ship traffic, currents, sickness, harsh weather and sharks.”

Aquatic Fitness was founded in 2004 with a mission to provide gear of the highest quality to the sports of swimming and snorkeling, as well as to educate consumers on the fitness attributes of these pursuits.

Aquatic Fitness’s full line of gear helps to maximize fitness and recreation, while properly protecting swimmers and snorkelers from sun exposure and harsh water environments.

About Aquatic Fitness Swim and Snorkel

Aquatic Fitness is a specialty retailer of high-quality swim and snorkel gear for water sports and recreation. As the premier outfitter of swim and snorkel equipment to youth, active adults, mature adults and athletes from ages 2 to 99, Aquatic Fitness advises customers on the proper use and fit of gear for optimal fitness in the water. Aquatic Fitness was founded in 2004 by Jean-Paul Delorme, the former CEO of Aqua Lung, a 55-year old company responsible for opening up the sport of diving with the development of the first breathing regulator for Captain Jacques-Yves Cousteau.

Aquatic Fitness is a nationwide chain, with locations in California and stores in Arizona and Texas. For more information on the company, visit www.shopaquaticfitness.com.

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