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Crew: Doug Rodgers
Hometown: Port Ludlow, WA
Vessel: Stellar S18 Expedition G2 Kayak
Class: The Muscle Group
Get to know Team Pandatrax
First thing first. Why race in WA360?
I’ve had my sights set on the R2AK for years, so when the WA360 made its comeback, I couldn’t resist. It’s like the perfect training montage—less Rocky Balboa running up stairs, more paddling until my arms forget they’re attached to my body. Plus, it’s a great way to prove I’ve got what it takes to tackle the big leagues, one stroke at a time.
What’s your connection to these waters?
I’ve called the Puget Sound home for the past eight years, and for the last three, I’ve been lucky enough to live right on the Hood Canal. These waters are my playground, my training ground, and mostly my meditation spot. Paddling around the Sound isn’t just something I do—it’s become a big part of who I am.
Superpowers. Each crew member gets one. What are they and why?
Relentless paddle power with a side of stubborn determination. I can keep going long after my arms start questioning my life choices. Bonus superpower: an uncanny ability to turn snacks into fuel at record speed—because no epic kayak adventure is complete without strategic snack breaks!
Defend your vessel choice for WA360. What makes it so cool and worthy?
My vessel of choice, the Stellar S18 Expedition G2, is a long, sleek, and absolutely gorgeous boat that slices through the water like a dream. Plus, it’s got a mysterious hull color—black? Silver? Yellow? Honestly, it’s hard to say. It keeps changing depending on the light, my mood, and possibly my level of exhaustion. But one thing’s for sure: it’s fast and beautiful.
What are your adventure qualifications for WA360? What makes you (y’all) cool and capable?
My adventure resume started with rowing in college, where I learned the fine art of teamwork and blisters. I kept at it with masters rowing until I moved to the West Coast and discovered the magic of the Puget Sound. Over the years, I’ve tackled a few marathons and countless half marathons. Since moving to the west coast, I’ve fallen head over heels for kayak camping—because who doesn’t love paddling all day just to sleep in a tent? This will be my third year taking on the Seventy48, so I guess you could say I’m hooked on the idea of moving under my own power and seeing just how far I can go.
What is going to break?
Hopefully not my kayak or my spirit! But if anything’s going to give out, it’ll probably be my sense of time.