Darby, MTOctober 16, 2006. What would you do with 1,000,000 American Airlines miles and 2,000,000 Hilton Honors points? Ridlon Kiphart, (PADI Master Instructor) and his wife, Carin would embark on a dive trip around the world engaging in volunteer projects for ocean conservation.
Mr. Kiphart may just get his chance. He was recently chosen by American Airlines as a finalist in the 5th annual Ultimate Road Warrior Contest. The judges spent weeks reviewing 10,000 entries, choosing only five finalists in this year's competition. Contestants were asked to answer questions regarding their unique traveling lifestyle and what it means to be a road warrior. The airline is looking for an individual who travels far and wide, has unusual stories to tell and is travel savvy. First Prize is 1,000,000 American Airlines travel miles, 2,000,000 Hilton Honors points and a cover and feature article in the airline's in flight magazine, American Way for the January 2007 issue. Other prizes include a home theater system for second place and three third place prize trips to Hawaii. All five finalists are also awarded laptop computers.
Ridlon and his wife, Carin, own and operate Global Dive Expeditions out of Darby, Montana. The Kipharts lead SCUBA diving adventures to remote worldwide locations emphasizing education and conservation . For their work, Ridlon and Carin have also been chosen for admission to the prestigious Explorer's Club, a multidisciplinary society of scientists and explorers from around the world.
"It would be incredible for us" exclaims Ridlon, "We spend so much time leading trips and working about 330 days a year, that we never have time to travel for ourselves. It would be great to have American Airlines and Hilton help "fund" our ocean conservation efforts worldwide."
The grand prize winner will be selected by an online popular vote between October 15th and November 15th. The Kipharts are asking for your help in achieving their dream by voting on-line. You can go to www.americanwaymag.com and click on the red box to vote for Ridlon Kiphart. Let's help get a PADI member on the cover of an international magazine! For questions, you can contact them at [email protected].
