OKEECHOBEE — In an unprecedented feat of endurance and commitment to environmental conservation, two Florida men have successfully paddleboarded across Lake Okeechobee, marking the first-ever recorded journey of its kind. This remarkable 34-mile adventure is not just a personal triumph but a passionate endeavor to raise awareness and support for the restoration of the Everglades and the Florida Wildlife Corridor.

Mr. Mason Gravley, 33, of Palmetto and Mr. Jordon Wolfram, 32, of Lakeland, both avid adventure enthusiasts and environmental advocates, embarked on this challenging expedition at 5 a.m. on Dec. 31 to spotlight the importance of sending water from Lake Okeechobee south to the Everglades —an essential process to cut down on coastal algae blooms, seagrass die off, and restoration of the Everglades. The duo covered approximately 34 miles over the course of 11 hours and 27 minutes, navigating the vast and unpredictable waters of Lake Okeechobee. Their route started at the primary source of the lake, the Kissimmee River, located on the north end of the lake and finished at the Miami Canal at the southern end of the lake.

Mason Gravely taking a moment to relax on his paddleboard.

The Everglades is the southern tip of the The Florida Wildlife Corridor, a critical initiative aimed at protecting and connecting 18 million acres of natural landscapes throughout the entire length of the state, all the way to the Alabama and Georgia borders, ensuring the long-term survival of native wildlife and preserving the unique biodiversity of Florida. By undertaking this pioneering paddleboarding journey, Mason and Jordon hope to draw attention to not only the urgent need for conservation, but to shine a light on the many organizations, communities, and individuals already doing the work.

Mason Gravely

The expedition was not without its challenges, as the paddlers faced varying weather conditions, freezing cold temperatures, and encounters with the estimated 30,000 alligators that call the lake home.

“We wanted to do something bold and adventurous to capture people’s attention and underscore the significance of protecting our state,” said Mason, who lives in Palmetto but grew up in Frostproof near the Kissimmee River watershed. “Paddleboarding across Lake Okeechobee was not only a personal challenge but a symbolic gesture to emphasize the interconnectedness of our natural environments and the need for their preservation.”

Mason and Jordon’s adventure offered more than just a challenge, it showcased some of nature’s most beautiful gifts such as this sunset on Lake …

To further support the cause, Mason and Jordon are encouraging Floridians to contribute to conservation efforts throughout the state.

“Whether you’re passionate about panthers, manatees, coral reefs, native plans, water, there’s somewhere to get involved and make a difference”

Mason also hosts the Florida Uncut podcast, a show dedicated to highlighting the individuals and organizations working to connect and protect wild Florida.

Detailed route across the lake here. 

Media from the adventure can be found here.  Please do not share or post these photos anywhere without giving proper photo credit to the owners of the photos and videos.