Kokatat is supporting two military veterans who will attempt to cross the Pacific Ocean by kayak to raise awareness for two non-profit organizations that benefit those who served, and those that gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. The team of Clay Biles and R.W. Hand will depart this weekend June 8th.

Retired military veterans Clay Biles and R.W. Hand will paddle from Monterey, California to Maui, Hawaii to raise awareness for the Navy SEAL Foundation and the Wounded Warrior Project. Hand is a former U.S. Army Ranger, and retired Federal Air Marshal; his paddling partner Biles is a Security professional with thousands of miles of ocean kayak paddling experience.

Inspired by Edward Gillett’s 1987 Pacific crossing, the two seasoned paddlers will become only the third team in history to attempt the 2,200-mile journey by kayak. In the event the two are separated each will make their own way to Hawaii.

Each boat will carry the means to buoy their boats with two sea anchors on each kayak. In addition, each kayak will carry a reverse osmosis water pump, 64 days of food, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), a GPS tracking device, satellite phone, laminated hard map, sextant, medical supplies, and a spare paddle.

Kokatat has outfitted the expedition team with its award winning gear including:

• GORE-TEX Expedition Dry Suits
• Maximus Prime PFDs with Electronics Sling
• GORE-TEX Action Jackets
• TROPOS Swift Dry Pants
• GORE-TEX Norwesters
• Medium Weight Hand Jackets
• Lightweight Hand Jackets

The team will be keeping a video log during the voyage. For additional information and updates, visit the expedition website.

Logo courtesy Pale Morning Media