Watch: Solo Catalina-to-Dana Paddleboard Ride Ends in Success

Marine Corps veteran Will Schmidt, who was profiled by Patch last month, achieved his goal Saturday, completing a solo stand-up paddleboard ride from Catalina Island into Dana Point Harbor -- a 40-mile trip  that turned into 45 miles because of higher-than-expected swell conditions.

Those conditions extended what Schmidt had originally estimated to be a seven- to nine-hour trip into 11 hours. Regardless, mission accomplished.

Schmidt, a Laguna Niguel resident, made the marathon SUP ride to raise awareness of post traumatic stress disorder and anxiety/depression issues. He's still accepting donations in support of the causes for another week on his GoGetFunding site.

Watch the video above of Schmidt's arrival into Dana Point Harbor's Baby Beach, and hear what he has to say about the day-long journey across the ocean ...