Munitions demolition specialist Jeff Hanson

US Aviation Boatswains Josh Sharpe

Team Supporter James Dolber

Canadian CPL Ryan Crawford

Team Support Richard Antunovich

Canadian Flight Safety NSM Karen McCoy

Canadian Soldier Brett Rickard

Journalist Bob Vogel

US Army Specialist Seth Arseneau

Canadian Master Corporal Paul Franklin

The Team heads home

Canadian Army Reserve soldier Mark Fuchko

Success

At approx 2.30 pm Pacific Time, the Coastal Team Challenge Team touched down on Jericho Beach in Vancouver BC. The paddle from Richmond BC took just about 5 hours and included another battle with the mud flats which involved dragging the boats to deeper water.

This years Coastal Team Challenge will be remembered by it's participants for years to come.

"And the sea will grant each man new hope as sleep brings dreams of home"
-Christopher Columbus

The Challenge

After nine hours of paddling everyone agreed that the challenge was greater than anticipated. We left Point Roberts in US territory heading northwest along the coast to the south arm of the Frasier River. Skirting ferries, tankers and pods of killer whales we found ourselves struggling through the mud flats at the mouth of the Frasier River.

Turning upstream carried by the flood we arrived at the Stevenson port of entry into Canada.

Tired but determined we retrace our course back out of the Frasier River and continue north along the mud flats to our destination at Richmond BC. which we arrived at sunset.

We are all excited about paddling our final day contiuing northward to our final destination at Jericho Beach in the city of Vancouver BC.

Canadian Sgt Karen McCoy being interviewed by Canadian military news.

Landing at point Roberts.

Getting ready to cross straight of Georgia

Low tide at Birch Bay

Tide at Birch Bay

When we were told the tide would go out 500 feet, we could hardly believe it. The tide did and we had to carry the points to the water to start the 15 mile paddle across the straight of Georgia to our campsite at point Roberts.

Coming ashore was made difficult by 4 foot breaking waves but all are safe and resting in camp.

We enter Canada tomorrow. In two days, we will be in Vancouver.

Wednesday's CTC report

As we began Wednesday we knew we had to paddle more than twice as far as any previous day and the total of 18 miles. We had another long open water channel crossing with a brisk breeze and plenty of chop. Fortunately we had planned for the right tidal flow and we made good time in the crossing. At Sandy Pointe we turned north and had a short lunch break on shore. We then had to paddle from the shore line to go around two oil refineries and four very large oil tankers. We looked like minnows alongside a whale.

We arrived on shore after almost 7 hours of paddling and were welcomed by approximately 40 Homeland Security and Customs employees and their families who came to greet us. They also brought grills, steaks, and a lot of home cooked foods. We had a great evening picnic. Special thanks to everyone who helped and came out to greet us.

We also would like to thank Bob Kehoe and Gary Wilde who graciously volunteered themselves and their boats when we needed extra support.

Coastal TEAM Challenge Tuesday report

Another good day of calm seas and good paddling. The big news is the fishing improved and dinner was described as the best fresh salmon, cooked to perfection, ever! Remember, part of the Challenge is taking good care of ourselves and we’re doing just that! Although there are a few minor aches and pains, this is tough TEAM and we’re all in great spirits.  Things are going so well this is a good time to thank our terrific guides Colin & Rob, Steve our fantastic outdoor chef & Ashley superb support boat and camp finder.

A very special thanks to Ed Merta for donating the use of his Morgan Ketch sailboat as a support boat. Ed and first mate Randall Kall have provided us with an extra measure of safety, friendship, extra storage and superb camera positions. Ed volunteered on his own initiative and his contribution has been very important to our success. We hope he and Randall are enjoying the Challenge as much as we enjoy their company.

The seals have been occasionally popping their heads up near our kayaks but today we saw them close up on the shore. A Bald Eagle perched on a tree overlooking camp and was apparently very envious of our salmon. We continue to be mesmerized by the beauty of the Pacific NW and can’t wait until tomorrow’s challenge of longer stretches of open water.

PS: As soon as we iron out some reception difficulties we’ll post more pictures.

Bob Vogel and Seth Arseneau

Journalist Bob vogel and US Army specialist Seth Arseneau

Josh Sharpe

American Aviation boatswains mate Josh sharpe relaxing after crossing to Clark island

Jeff Henson

American Munition demolition specialist Jeff Henson enjoying the view.

Brett and Paul

Brett Rickard and Paul Franklin Canadian soldiers drinking beer on the 
beach as usual.

Clark island

We Made it to Clark Island this afternoon our third destination. We 
paddled pass seals and a family of dolfins. The currents were strong 
but we prevailed and landed without incident.

Breakfast at Pelican Bay

Our support sailboat

Second destination

Second destination

Second destination

CTC Monday 8-3-09

What a difference a day makes. After a sumptuous breakfast we waited until the marine layer burnt off and we launched about noon. We know it might have been more of a challenge to launch before daylight but we know you want us to be safe.

Mondays first 2-3 miles started up two different shipping crossings dogging tugs towing massive container ships. Suddenly we were paddling down wind and even better, down tidal current. Unbelievably, we then entered a white water downstream tidal flow and everyone enjoyed shooting the rapids. Mountain white water rafters would have been jealous. We then hugged the shoreline for a close up view of this beautiful wilderness coast line.

Also the fishing finally started up with Rich, Ryan & James catching several fish.

We arrived in camp in just 31/2 hours as our team found their paddling rhythm and are beginning to look like professionals.

Coastal TEAM Challenge- Sunday, Aug 2, 2009 report

The quick summary of Sunday was after 4 hours of tough upwind paddling against a strong tidal flow, no one was questioning why this is called the Coastal TEAM Challenge. We were greeted with a beautiful day and spent great beach time preparing our kayaks, practicing, and water reviewing water safety. We then headed out on what was supposed to be a 2 hour paddle across the channel to our camp on James Island. We paddled up current near the shore line and then began our crossing of the shipping lane. BTW, our special thanks to the Coast Guard for broadcasting our trip every 15 minutes to alert other boats and help with safety.

Once in the channel, things changed. The wind dramatically freshened and that in combination with current had us paddling diagonally and away from our destination. The ultimate result was a planned 2 hours and 4 miles turned into 4 hours and 8 miles.

References were made to ‘paddling uphill’ and like ‘paddling on a treadmill’! The good news is everyone successfully paddled into camp and we were treated to a terrific pasta & salad dinner accompanied with huge plates of fresh harvested Dungeness crab. Dinner definitely took the edge off a very difficult first crossing.

We awoke Monday morning to see a bald eagle cruising the immediate shore line, Ryan was out early and made the first Rockfish catch, and the raccoons & beer crabs were unsuccessful in stealing our food & beverage. All good things!

Everyone is in great spirits and looking forward to a ‘short’ down current 8 miles; we hope!

By Jeff Messner

First destination

Sunday Aug 2

After 4 hours paddling against the current we made it to James Island. This was supposed to be a 1 hour paddle but the current was tough.

Tomorrow should be easier.

Lon

Arrival

Everyone arrived safely and in high spirits.  We had a terrific evening getting to know each other and are looking forward to beginning our journey tomorrow!

 

 

 

Participant Bios

Ryan Crawford
Hello my name is Cpl Ryan Crawford born in Lethbridge Alberta and raised in Kelowna B.C. Joined the Forces in 2002 and was posted with the 3^rd PPCLI in Edmonton Alberta.

Went over seas in august 05 and was injured by an IED in Dec 05. My leg and foot where severely shattered. I now am currently working with Army news in Edmonton.

Paul Franklin
My name is Paul Franklin and I am a Master Corporal (to the Americans it’s like your first level Sgt) and I work in casualty support at Land Forces Western Area HQ. I lost both legs in a suicide bombing in Jan of 2006. The left leg was taken immediately the right was taken after 24 surgeries I had the right removed as it was my belief that it was killing me. While in the hospital I noticed that the military was getting fairly excellent care where as the civilians were getting just average care. So it was with that belief that I started my own charity called the Franklin Foundation (http://www.franklinfoundation.ca/) with the basic premise that I wanted to improve the care and life of all amputees be they military or civilian. In Canada we don't have military hospitals we use the civilian system and hence the reason the need for change. The concept of Freedom through Sports is how we do this and these kinds of activities climbing kayaking; bike trips are just the way to showcase what amps of all disabilities can do.

Rick Rickard
My legal name is Brett Rickard, but most people call me Rick from my last name. I was born in Hartland New Brunswick it is a small town of approx 1000 people not far from Maine. I joined the Canadian Forces as an Armoured Corp Gunner in May 1985. I was involved in an accident causing my left leg to be amputated above the knee when it was caught up in a winch cable on a 5 tonne diesel pod refuel truck in Aug 1988. I was able to maintain my physical fitness level enough to allow me to change trades and become a Construction Engineer Procedures Tech in the Military in 1993. I was rebadged to a Resources Management Clerk in Jan 1998 and I am currently posted to CFB North Bay, Ontario. This Aug will be 21 years I have served in the Canadian Forces as an amputee making me the longest serving amputee in the Canadian Forces. I am set to retire in 2010 having served 25 years in the Canadian Forces.

Jeff Hanson
My name is Jeff Henson. During my career in the military I worked in munitions an demolitions. While in the military , I started to lose my sight and it got worse with time. I have no vision in my right eye and about 15% in my left eye. I am an advocate for visually impaired and blind veterans. I am a state officer for the B V A for the State of Alabama. I bike, hand cycle, snowboard, ski, and do hand cycle marathons as part of the freedom team. Eventually, probably in the next 3-5 years I may be totally blind. I refuse to let my vision problems hinder me. I have a good support team in my family, church, and friends. I intend to do as much as I can as often as I can.

Mark Fuchko
Hi, my name is Mark Fuchko (yes that is my last name) and I'm from Calgary, Alberta. I joined Canada's Army Reserve in 2002 and did two tours to Afghanistan, one in 05/06 and the other in 08. On March 28th 2008 while wrapping up an operation, the vehicle I was driving struck an IED. The force of the explosion left me with two shattered legs and a broken pelvis. After arriving in Landshtul my legs were amputated below the knee. I've been fairly active with the Soldier On program, and it has been a huge part of my recovery, both mentally a physically. I've also been active in supporting the Military Family Fund, Military Family Resource Center, and the Kipnes Veterans Centre. I currently work for The Military Museums in Calgary as part of my return to work program. Look forward to seeing new and familiar faces on this trip, see you all Saturday.

Cheers.

Josh Sharpe
My name is Josh Sharpe, I served in the US Navy from 1992 - 1994 on the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, coincidentally I was stationed at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, WA, so I am excited to be paddling in the same waters I used to sail in while in the Navy. I was paralyzed in a motor vehicle accident in 1994 - 4 months after I got out of the Navy while I was attending college. Since then I have been very active in wheelchair sports, my favourite sports are cycling (road and off-road) and skiing (alpine). I am hoping to hone my kayak paddling "skills" next week and begin taking advantage of kayaking in the beautiful waters of the Florida Gulf Coast where I live. I have been participating in World TEAM Sports events since 2003 when I did the post 9/11 bike ride (Face of America) from New York City to Washington, DC. Since then I have participated in Face of America 2007, 2008 and 2009 in addition to the maiden Vancouver Island kayak trip in 2008 and this year’s Adventure Team Challenge in Colorado. I work as a supervisor at the Social Security Administration in Pensacola, FL and also as a sales representative for Bike-On (http://www.bike-on.com/) the largest handcycle dealer in the world. I am really looking forward to this awesome opportunity of taking part in this epic kayak trip from Anacortes to Vancouver!

Gregory D. Gadson
Lieutenant Colonel Gregory D. Gadson, a native of Chesapeake, Virginia was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant of Field Artillery in 1989 from the United States Military Academy at West Point (USMA). On 7 May 2007 LTC Gadson was severely wounded by an IED while serving as Battalion Commander in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; as a result of his wounds both legs were amputated above the knee. LTC Gadson is married to the former Kimberly Thomas of Lee’s Summit, Missouri and they have two children, Gabriella and Jaelen.

Lieutenant Colonel awards include the Bronze Star Medal (3 OLC), Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal (4 OLC), Army Commendation Medal (3 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (3 OLC), National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (2 OLC), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Saudi Arabian Liberation Medal, Kuwaiti Liberation Medal Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and the Iraq Campaign Medal. He is also authorized to wear the Combat Action Badge and the Master Parachutist Badge.

SEth Arseneau
My name is SEth Arseneau. I am 30 years of age and live in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I was on active duty in the United States Army from 1998-2001. Shortly after finishing my enlistment, I was involved in a motor vehicle accident and sustained a spinal cord injury at the L1 vertebrae. Since then, I have been heavily involved in the hand cycling industry. I have travelled all over the U.S. and Europe for various events and competitions. In addition to riding and racing, I am working on starting a small manufacturing/fabrication business through which I can build off-road hand cycles.

Karen McCoy
My name is Karen McCoy, I am in my 29th year in the reg service. I joined as an Airframe Technician but now I am an Aviation Technician. I was born into the military life and have spent my entire life on military bases. I count that as a blessing : )

I am presently stationed at 403 Sqn CFB Gagetown, NB Canada. I am currently the Unit Flight Safety NCM. (the CSI of Flight Safety)

When I was told that I had Osteo Sarcoma of the right Tibia in 2003 I was devastated. I not only thought that I would not survive the same cancer Terry Fox had but if I did survive I would not be able to serve my county any longer. Man, has those thoughts every changed. Here I am 6 years later, a survivor and still serving my county. My life has taken on new meaning and now I enjoy every day as if it were my last. I am so excited to spend a week with you all, hearing all your stories..the brave and the strong.

I have never spent time in Afghanistan (my twin sister Kathy did that for us both) but I have done tours in: Sinai, Egypt, Honduras, Central America; and Bosnia.

I am on the Women's National Sitting Volleyball Team which will be heading to the 2012 Paralympics in London. I have fortunate enough to compete against the American Team that were silver medalist in the Beijing Games. I went to San Antonia Texas last month to compete in a Mini Tri with the great folks at the Brooke Army Medical Clinic Centre. Not only was that friendly competition exhilarating but I was honoured to meet these fine men and women.

James Dolber – Support
Hello my name is James Dolber, I am 19 years old and I currently reside in East Moriches, New York. I spent my first year of college at Hofstra University, where I studied Music. My main instruments are the saxophone and guitar. I have been playing the baritone and alto sax for about nine years and the guitar for about six. When I’m not playing an instrument I spend most of my time kayaking, kayak fishing, surfing, and charter fishing. I also do a decent amount of mountain climbing. I have climbed in total three peaks, all of which I have summited. When I was nine I climbed Mount Marcy in Upstate New York, at age 11 I tackled Mount St. Helens in Washington State, and finally my most recent climb, Mount Baker. For the Mount Baker climb I helped raise over 7 thousand dollars for the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, an organization that builds state of the art hospitals for injured soldiers returning from the war. I work in the American Portfolios Financial Services IT department where I act as technical support to the Staff and Reps.

I can’t wait to reunite with the guys from the Vancouver Island Inclusive Kayak trip which I participated in last year. I am excited to meet the new faces joining us on this awesome adventure. Our arms are going to be ripped after this one!

Lon Dolber – Event Sponsor
Lon is the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of American Portfolios which is a full service financial services firm with almost 9 billion in client assets serviced by 525 Financial Service Professionals located in 225 offices throughout the United States. In addition Lon has served on the FINRA District 10 Committee, the FINRA Consultative Committee and currently serves on the FINRA Technology committee.

Interests include hiking, mountaineering, sailing and music. Climbs in the Pacific Northwest include Mount Rainier, Mount Baker and Mount Olympus. Lon has also participated in an expedition to Denali in Alaska and winter ascents of Mount Washington in New Hampshire.

Lon currently serves on the World TEAM Sports Board of Directors and has participated over the last three years in numerous World TEAM Sports events. In 2007 he was a team member on the Kilimanjaro climb as well as the Face of America Bike Ride, the Real Deal Adventure race in Colorado and the Marine Marathon. In 2008 and 2009 American Portfolios sent a team of employees and representatives to participate in the Face of America Bike Ride and also sponsored a team for the 2008 Real Deal Adventure Race as well as funding and participating in the Vancouver Island Inclusive Kayak Challenge which was the Beta trip for the 2009 Coastal Team Challenge.

Steven Wrublekski - Chef
My name is Steven Wrubleski. I grew up in the San Francisco Bay area, moved to Lopez Island, WA when I was 22, and that means I have lived here about 35 years. I must be having a good time because time flew by. Professionally I design and produce stained glass windows. As an artist I am inspired by the natural world, photography plays a large part in my design process. I am also a builder, small scale farmer, and was a parent of five children who are now successful young adults. I love expeditions into the wild, and have served as a chef on a number of these trips.

Rich Antunovich - Support
Rich Antunovich is a Special Education teacher with over 28 years of experience.

During the Vietnam era Rich served in the US Army and was stationed at Fort Riley Kansas as an MP from 1970 – 1973. After his military service he completed his teaching degree and returned to Long Island. His passion has always been teaching and coaching. He started the tennis program at Rocky Point High School about 15 years ago and has coached his children in softball, tennis and baseball for over 10 years. For the past 3 years, Rich has participated in World Team Sports Face of America Bike Ride, and was a member last year of the Vancouver Kayaking Challenge beta team. Rich lives in East Moriches, NY with his wife and three children. When not working, he is usually fly fishing at the ocean or on the bay and is looking forward to retiring in a few years.

Bob Vogel – Photo Journalist
My name is Bob Vogel, I'm 49 years old and live in Loomis, California. I am a former professional Freestyle Skier and movie stuntman. In skiing my specialties were aerial acrobatics and mogul skiing. In 1985, while preparing for a ski show I had a bad crash and broke my back. The crash resulted in T10 complete paralysis-- total paralysis below the waist. After my injury I went to college and got a BA in communication. In the 24 years since my injury my passion for sports and adventure has remained strong. The many sporting activities I participate in include: hang gliding, advanced rated hang glider pilot, I have competed in hang gliding aerobatics both nationally and internationally; scuba diving, rescue diver; cycling, both road and mountain biking riding adaptive "handcycles"; sea kayaking; snow skiing (mono-skiing), I'm a PSIA Level 1 adaptive ski instructor; cross country snow skiing, and I'm an avid sailor. In my professional life I'm a freelance journalist, photojournalist, and do video production; professions that enable me to participate in and share amazing adventures. Last, but most important, I'm a single dad with an 8 1/2-year-old daughter named Sarah Ann.

Edwin V. Merta – Sail Boat Captain
My name is Edwin V. Merta, but I mostly go by Ed or Chief, and was born in Dallas, Texas. I started my traveling 21 days later. As a boy I lived in Montreal, for three years, before moving to California. In 1953 while in college, I started my Military career with the US Navy Reserve, going to the regular US Air Force in 1955, and transitioned in 1965 to the US Coast Guard, from which I retired in 1980, after 27 years service, and have now been retired for 29 years. Since 2002 I have been very active with the USCG Auxiliary. I guess I am one of the lucky ones in that I made it through my career days without any major injuries, but this past year 2008, I woke in the hospital, after passing out, not being able to use my right arm. NO Stroke or Heart Attack.... It has now been nearly 9 months and though I have recovered a good portion of movement, the Dr’s say I will never get full use of it. Over the years, I have worked with many of the services, starting with Canadians in 1959, Newfoundland, on the Pinetree Line, where I learned that Canadians really knew how to party. While I will not be paddling with you guys, I will be close by, if you need something. I think this is going to be great FUN. Looking forward to meeting you ALL....

Randall Kall – Sailboat First Mate
I was born May 26, 1947 in Dubuque, Iowa and grew up on various horse ranches my family owned in Southern California. After serving in the U.S. Army medical corps during the Vietnam war (Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio), extensive world travel, college, and my own business, I retired at age 50 to spend the next decade building and enjoying my own horse ranch in Portugal. I landed in the Pacific Northwest late in 2008, joined the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary (Flotilla 19's Finest!) and am enjoying the exceptional sailing in this area. I enjoy almost all sports (golf being a notable exception,,,) and looking forward to seeing how "Kayakers do it "! Thanks for letting me be a part of your T.E.A.M.

Kabao and Jeff Messner – World TEAM Sports Staff
We are delighted to a part of World TEAM Sports and with our Coastal Challenge TEAMmates. It is an honor and a privilege to be part of such an inspiring group of people that has given so much for their country. Our goal is help make certain everyone has a safe and fun week. We are looking forward to making new lifetime friends.