BIDDEFORD — Paddle boarder Marcio Munch will head to New York City later this month to join more than one hundred other paddlers in an event to raise awareness for autism.

Munch, 42, will be attending the third annual SEA Paddle NYC event on Aug. 24. The 28-mile paddle around Manhattan will raise money and awareness for the Surfer’s Environmental Alliance and various non-profits dedicated to autism.

Paddle boarding uses a long surfboard which participants stand on while paddling through the water.

The activity provides exercise for not only the core muscles, but also the legs as the boarder tries to maintain balance.

“It’s an incredible workout,” said Munch.

Munch said the primary reason why he’s going to the event in New York is his interest in helping people with autism. He teaches surfing to young people with autisim at Aquaholics Surf Shop in Kennebunk and in the past taught autistic children how to swim. The experience, he said, has been very rewarding.

He also is excited to get a chance to participate in the event, which is expected to draw several professional surfers.

“It’s not every day you can drive to Manhattan and participate in an organized event,” he said.

Participants in the event must be experienced paddlers and must sign a waiver stating that they are in excellent physical condition.

Munch, who worked for 10 years as a lifeguard and has been a surfer for 15 years, picked up the sport of paddle boarding about three months ago.

Originally from Brazil, he moved to Maine about 20 years ago after visiting the area from his then home of Florida. He said he loves Maine, and enjoys being near the beach, where he spends much of his free time.

On a recent afternoon at Fortunes Rocks Beach, when asked why he paddle boards, Munch looked out at the ocean and pointed.

“Because I like to be out there,” he said.

Paddle boarding, he said, gives him an opportunity to get out in the water on days when the waves aren’t optimal for surfing. And once he paddles out into the ocean, he leaves the stress of the world behind him.

“It’s so peaceful, so quiet ”¦ When you get out there, you basically forget about everything,” said Munch.

He said he can spend three to four hours out paddling and not realize how much time has gone by.

Before bicycling to his job as a bike mechanic in Kennebunkport, Munch typically does some form of exercise, such as swimming at the pool at the University of New England. 

He said that his goal is to paddle board all year long, never have to go to the gym, and be outside as much as possible. In the winter, he plans to use a dry suit to keep warm.

To help sponsor Munch for the Sea Paddle NYC event, go to www.firstgiving.org and type in “Marcio Munch” at the fundraising page search engine. So far Munch has raised $230, and hopes to raise $1500.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.