Kokatat supports British military vets expedition up Alaska’s Inside Passage

May 1, 2023

Forces of Nature: The Inside Passage to raise funds for ‘The Not Forgotten’ charity

ARCATA, CA (May 1, 2023)/OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – On May 1, six veterans with a variety of disabilities and two able-bodied civilians will embark on a 2,000 km unsupported kayak expedition through The Inside Passage from Olympia, WA, along the Fjordlands of Western British Columbia to Skagway, AK. Kokatat is providing the team of eight adventurers with dry suits, life vests, and various weather and safety protection apparel and gear.

The veterans in the group have a variety of injuries including head/abdomen gunshot wounds, bilateral above knee amputations, viral induced paralysis, and PTSD, suffered in The Falklands conflict, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

The team originally planned to paddle the length of the Amazon River in 2020, but due to the global pandemic was forced to change its plans. Many of the team members have completed multiple rowing ocean crossings and first accents by disabled athletes and the Inside Passage is the next great challenge for the team. The team plans to complete its journey in early August.

Kokatat has provided each member of the team with a full kit of gear to keep them dry and safe during their journey. Each kit includes a GORE-TEX PRO Odyssey dry suit, Storm Cag, GORE-TEX Pullover jacket, and a Maximus Centurion Rescue or Guide Rescue Vest.

Members of the team have personally benefited from the services of The Not Forgotten in the early stages of their rehabilitation, and have since become volunteers for the organization to encourage other in different stages of their recovery. The team hopes to raise over £250,000 ($312,000) for The Not Forgotten.

To learn more about the Forces of Nature: The Inside Passage, the team, and donate to The Not Forgotten, visit www.kayak-insidepassage.com. You can also follow their expedition via Instagram at @kayak_the_inside_passage_2023 and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kayaktheinsidepassage2023.

About Kokatat Inc.

Kokatat has been manufacturing paddling gear in Arcata, California for over 50 years. At a time when many technical apparel brands were moving manufacturing offshore, Kokatat continued to invest in infrastructure in the United States. Kokatat founder Steve O’Meara was committed to the development of the finest and driest paddling apparel in the world and recognized the need to control and continually evolve the development of our dry wear. In the early days, Kokatat worked closely with W.L. Gore & Associates, makers of GORE-TEX®, to refine the sewing and sealing techniques required for full immersion suits and tops. Today, our hands-on approach to manufacturing continues to set the standard in paddling apparel. Into the water with Kokatat! Learn more at kokatat.com.

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