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Crew: Rob Bean
Hometown: Fort Collins, CO
Vessel: Angus Row Cruiser
Class: The Wind Division
Connect: Website, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube
Get to know Team Big Moo Canoe
First thing first. Why race in WA360?
It’s big, complex, scenic, and my longest race yet—so why not? After a lifetime of endurance challenges, this feels like the natural next step toward even bigger goals like the Race to Alaska.
What’s your connection to these waters?
I’ve visited the Northwest a few times, and have been captivated by its beauty. Nearly 30 years ago, my wife and I kayaked the West Coast of San Juan Island and had an unforgettable encounter with a pod of orcas. Years later, we returned with our kids for a whale-watching trip, spotting orcas, a Minke whale, and other sea life. I was inspired by the ferry crossing over the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Victoria and look forward to sailing it in my RowCruiser.
Defend your vessel choice for WA360. What makes it so cool and worthy?
The Angus RowCruiser is perfect for WA360. At just 220 lbs dry, it’s lightweight, versatile with two propulsion methods, and stable with a 10-foot stance when the amas are attached. The cabin offers shelter, and there’s ample storage for two weeks of gear. It’s fast too—3 knots while rowing, 5 in a breeze, and up to 11 when it’s blowing a gale. Equipped with oars, a main, mizzen, jib, and spinnaker, it’s ready for any condition.
What are your adventure qualifications for WA360? What makes you (y’all) cool and capable?
I’ve spent most of my adult life tackling endurance challenges like the Wyoming Outback Challenges, Missouri River 340, and Florida Everglades Challenge, plus self-imposed 50-250 mile canoe and SUP trips across multiple states. I’m a versatile waterman, experienced with canoes, kayaks, sailboats, rowboats, and more, having honed my skills across diverse waters from whitewater creeks to the Gulf of Mexico. With 30+ years of paddling in swift, cold waters and a background in mountain sports like biking, skiing, and climbing (including summiting 30+ fourteeners), I’m ready for the Northwest’s challenges.
What is going to break?
Hopefully nothing, but races have a way of exposing weak points. Issues could include a short in the electrical system, a broken daggerboard, cracked ama/aka attachments, a snapped tiller extension, loose connectors, or even my spinnaker getting sucked under the boat. Whatever happens, I’ll have a plan to tackle it.