Re: [Paddlewise] disaster in the making

> From: "Rev. Bob Carter" <revkayak_at_aptalaska.net>
> 
> Someone is trying to put together a marathon kayak race mostly on the outer
> coast of Alaska. It looks like a disaster in the making. You can check it out
> at:
> 
> www.kayakathon.com
> 
> I rolled my eyes reading their web site. 


I laughed through a lot of it.  I can't believe this guy is serious. 

>From the website:

   "We want athletes, but we also highly value interesting 
   characters.  Making this a show that people love to
   watch is a must.  We may ask competitors to be openly 
   emotional and perhaps play act to a certain extent.  
   The success of such a grueling competition will need 
   to be spiced up for the television audience and spice 
   it up we will!  "

Sounds pretty nutty to me. Just what the reality TV wannabe 
stars and viewers relish.

Also from the website:

  "If we don't succeed in selling the production, the 
   prizes could be zero. "

If this takes place, participants may be happy enough
with walking away with their lives.

   "Nov. 15, 2003
    I just returrned from Alaska.  A 28' aluminum 
    vessel with a diesel engine and a jet drive was 
    purchased for $45,700.  The vessel does over 20 
    nautical miles per hour and will be used as a 
    support vessel.  In the event that this production 
    doesn't receive additional finanacial support, this 
    will be the sole support vessel, however I'm hopeful 
    that a larger vessel can be added, so the film crew 
    won't be pitching a tent every night."

Well, that's mighty generous of him.  Wonder what he's
going to do when his paddlers are scattered over 100+
miles of rough coastline and a storm is brewing.

btw, the organizer appears to live in Hawaii.

I looked for some kind of minimum qualifications and if it's on
this site, I couldn't find it.  But I did find something about 
digging for clams and berry picking (they will provide shovels
and berry bags but no fishing tackle). 

Jackie
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