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Crew: Trish Howison
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Vessel: F27 Wilderness Systems Tempest 170 Kayak
Class: The Muscle Group
Connect: Facebook
Get to know Team Trishkabob
First thing first. Why race in WA360?
I raced in the Seventy48 in 2024 and while I really enjoyed it, the WA360 seems more up my alley. I’m more of an endurance and enjoy the scenery type of kayaker, not a sprinter. It also ups the challenge and I can’t say no to that.
What’s your connection to these waters?
I have a nephew who moved to Port Townsend a few years ago and I also have a cousin who lives in Port Ludlow. My nephew sent me info about the Seventy48 in 2023 then I visited the area for the first time in September of 2023. When I saw the water and how different it is from the rivers I’m used to paddling on, I was hooked.
Superpowers. Each crew member gets one. What are they and why?
Belief in myself and others. I have a very supportive family and have always been active and involved in sports. From those things I have developed a strong sense of my own abilities. I have proven to myself that I can accomplish difficult things.
Through my upbringing in a family where the Golden Rule was mandatory, my work as a teacher at an urban school, and my 600 mile solo paddle down the Ohio River, I have learned that people are good and caring and helpful.
My experiences have proven over and over that belief, and optimism, are justified and I move through life with that belief and optimism leading me.
Defend your vessel choice for WA360. What makes it so cool and worthy?
My Tempest is a kayak that is new to me and built in 2015. I chose it because of it’s length and handling in all types of conditions. There are kayakers who have paddled the Inside Passage in a Tempest 170 so I know it is worthy of the waters of the WA360. Also, it’s bright green and easy to see from a distance.
What are your adventure qualifications for WA360? What makes you (y’all) cool and capable?
My biggest kayak adventure, to date, was a 735 mile, 35 day, solo outing on the Ohio and Wisconsin River to celebrate my 60th birthday!! I also had the pleasure and privilege of paddling 15 miles on the Hudson River, from Pier 84 out to the Statue of Liberty, and back. The water taxis are like water bugs and introduced me to paddling in TRAFFIC.
What is going to break?
Honestly, I don’t think anything will break. I do know that I am capable of dealing with it if it happens.