FIELD NOTES: WILD BUFFALO RACE WITH WE ARE OCEAN
Fighting Cancer Through Adventure
By: Jack Marshall Shimko
Cancer and adventure are not typically used in the same sentence. However, I speak those two words and live them both every day of my life. For me adventure is something that cancer can’t take away. It will try and try but I will find a path to get out there and continue to adventure no matter what cancer throws at me.
My name is Jack Marshall Shimko, and I am a longtime endurance paddler, ocean enthusiast, cancer survivor and I am currently fighting cancer again. I am also the founder of We Are Ocean.
The primary mission of Newport Aquatic Center’s “We Are Ocean” cancer program is to provide ocean-based, transformational adventures for teens and young adults (15-39) fighting and surviving cancer. The program focuses on bringing intimate groups of cancer fighters and survivors together in coastal wilderness environments while providing opportunities for connection, self-discovery, empowerment, support, and most importantly—adventure.
The Puakea Designs Wild Buffalo Relay 2024
In a continued effort to throw cancer overboard and sink it to the ocean’s floor, I was fortunate enough to co-lead a team of cancer fighters in the 32-mile Wild Buffalo Relay from Catalina Island to the Newport Aquatic Center last April. Team NAC / WAO was comprised of cancer fighters along with accomplished NAC support paddlers and first responders, active-duty military and veterans from the amazing OpenWater organization.
This adventure was full of challenges; selecting the team, training together, finding the right support boats, figuring out the logistics for 19 people and the list goes on...None of this would have been possible without the support and guidance of Billy Whitford and Kel Thompson. Billy is the NAC Executive Director and Kel is the NAC Manager and Wild Buffalo Race Director.
Field Notes
(33.3428° N, 118.3282° W - 33.6189° N, 117.9298° W)
Conditions were rough on the ferry over to the Island and the team was feeling a mixture of excitement, anticipation, nausea and uncertainty. Conditions cleaned up the morning of the race and our team launched at 8am sharp in favorable winds and a chilly 48-degree sea surface temp. Due to cold ocean temps all teams did “dry changes” every 30 minutes. This strategy proved successful by providing ample time to rest, hydrate and put on the cheerleading hat for our fellow team members while it was their turn to paddle. 13 dry changes later we crossed the finish line in 5 hours and 46 minutes, beating our previous personal record of 5:58 set in 2023. Our team gear worked great, especially the Off Grid Fleece Half Zip which provided much needed warmth but also its athletic fit allows you to paddle comfortably in it.
Not only did we achieve our goal of completing the Wild Buffalo for a second year in a row, but we also showed cancer that we are done sitting on the sidelines and it can’t take away our spirit of adventure.
Learn More about We Are Ocean.
Donate to We Are Ocean.
Team Gear Tested
Airtex Long Sleeve Shirt
F1 Burgee Cordura® Boardshort
Off Grid Fleece Half Zip
*Florence Test Pilots Kane Cassidy & Jack Marshall Shimko also tested the:
Hydratights
Pertex Quantum Puffer
Long Sleeve Hooded Rashguard
I have been fortunate to be able to volunteer for this organization and support some of their on the water adventures. We Are Ocean makes a difference for those in the battle. The program not only helps build resilience to individually continue the fight, but many of the participants in the program develop battle buddies and create a community of support. Jack has founded and nurtured an organization that is living and fulfilling its purpose. I am honored that I was able to volunteer and witness first hand, the power and healing adventure can deliver.
The power of this journey is not to be underestimated… What Jack + WAO is delivering to survivors is so much more than a physical accomplishment.
The logistics, team selection and details are a MASSIVE undertaking that only experienced guides could safely construct, but what these warriors receive from this adventure is LIFE-GIVING. I have seen first hand with too many in my circle, the effects of this horrible disease. It destroys the body but more-so one’s zest for life, creative energy, spiritual connection and more. WAO is the link to giving these amazing young people their LIFE back.
Water has proven to change the chemistry of the brain – whether ON, IN or NEAR – and I can guarantee you each of these paddlers came back from this adventure feeling free again, alive again. Super inspired by what you guys do Jack!
There is power in the outdoors.Jack’s work with NAC We Are Ocean gives energy life & smiles to many that have a difficult challenge….such a great cause!!! Thanx for including us Jack…an honor to help🙏🏾
Such an amazing mission and guy to lead it. Jack is an inspiration for everyone combatting cancer!
I have seen first-hand the incredible strength, courage and sheer force of nature that is WE ARE OCEAN. I rowed with some of the team members during practice in the weeks leading up to the race and was fortunate enough to have been there the day they arrived from Catalina Island the first time they race from Catalina to Newport Beach.
Boat by boat, strong and with conviction, they raced into to the welcome arms and the jubulant smiles of their friends and family on shore! The cause behind WAO and the energy of every member is something to behold and celebrate! The work they do, not only for the campers, but for their families and friends is BEYOND measure!
If there was one charity I could donate all my resources to, it would be WAO. Their cause, their energy and their determination to help sink cancer to the ocean floor while lifting the spirits of countless rowers and their families is EPIC! BRAVO to Jack Shimko and everyone at WAO and a big thank you to Florence Marine for the continued support and love. See you next year!
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