Paddle for a Purpose

Herman Stiphout a 65 years old Rosarito resident originally from Holland is raising money for deserving children who might otherwise be deprived of an education. He is trying to raise $20,000 dollars to benefit the Baja Scholarship Foundation, a non-profit organization serving the community of Rosarito Beach since 1995, with the purpose of providing financial support to superior Mexican students at risk of dropping out of school due to financial hardship. Initially called the Bajamar Scholarship Program. 
The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors made up of Mexicans and Americans, local business people and weekend visitors.

Board members pay all foundation administrative expenses out of pocket so 100% of donations go for scholarships to students. As of November 2007, the BSF is supporting thirty-four students attending a variety of different schools. Every student holds two things in common: outstanding scholarship and a genuine risk of dropping out of school due to financial needs.

Herman is an active touring paddler, married with 2 children and 1 grandchild who in 2010, with son Martijn, completed a 70-day expedition through the Sea of Cortez between San Felipe and La Paz. Starting on April 29, 2012, Herman will attempt to paddle by himself from Seattle to the city of Skagway in Alaska, following the historic northern shipping route called the Inside Passage. The tour should take about 4 months to complete and will take Herman through the most spectacular parts of the Western Seaboard. Herman`s Motivation: "Paddling the Inside Passage is for many the Holy Grail of paddling trips. It is the combination of heavy weather, rough seas, unbelievable scenery and wildlife and, not to forget, the special breed of people who populate this coastline that make this so extraordinary. I have wanted to kayak this coast for many years but have always been hesitant about my abilities and resolution to complete this paddle. Now I feel ready for it!"