R2AK: Team Rainy
As another Race to Alaska draws near, we thought it would be fun to take a closer look at some of the teams employing smaller boats on the 750-mile adventure from Port Townsend, Washington to Ketchikan, AK. Small Craft Advisor is once again offering the $1,000 “Side Bet” prize to the first team to finish in a boat 20 feet or under. Turn Point Design will award that same team with a set of tactical titanium sporks. Oh the glory!
The race starts on June 14 at 5 a.m., but we’ll be posting these short interviews (collect the whole set!) with racers over the next couple of weeks. You can follow the action and root for your favorites at the R2AK Tracker here. —Eds
TEAM RAINY
Tell us a little about your boat and crew. I am Yota Kano, Team Rainy, from Prince Rupert, BC—recognized as rainiest city in Canada. I paddle Rockpool Kayaks Taran 16. The kayak is fast even for its 16.8 ft length. And it can carry a lot of gear in it.
What makes you think this crazy plan might actually work? I think the time and training on the water last three years in this kayak keeps me keep paddling all the way up to Ketchikan.
What do you expect will be your biggest advantage—or biggest challenge—in the race?Biggest challenge will be paddling in rough conditions, navigating through fog in a heavy marine traffic area, and decision-making on land and on water.
Anything else you’d like readers to know? I’m really motivated to paddle and keep up with Martin Rother, Team Let’s Wing It, and I hope to see him finish the race this year. I trained and paddled in Prince Rupert solo because there is no paddler to train with, so this is a great chance to paddle with a good paddler and learn skills along the way. •SCA•
Best of luck and safe travels!