KILBURN CUBI'S 4,000-MILE SEA KAYAK ODYSSEY

When Kilburn Cubi started sea kayaking, he never imagined himself doing a four-thousand-mile solo trip from Alaska to Tacoma. But then, when Cubi does something, he goes all out.
THE PLAN
After several years of kayaking the Inside Passage in British Columbia and the San Juan and Gulf Islands of Washington, Cubi became intrigued with the idea of a longer trip. He'd already spent many days camping and fishing on the water, but he'd never done anything of this magnitude. And that's exactly what drew him to it. He said, "I like to challenge myself. The extreme elements bring out the best in my abilities."
Cubi spent five years planning his trip. He knew the physical challenges would be immense, but he also knew there would be mental obstacles to overcome. "Being totally by yourself for such a long period of time, you have to have a strong mind to keep you going."
THE PREPARATION
In preparation for the trip, Cubi trained by doing day-long kayak trips in the Puget Sound and San Juan Islands. He wanted to make sure he was in top physical condition and had the right equipment. He also spent a lot of time working on his mental game. "I knew there would be times when I'd be scared or discouraged," he said, "but I had to train my mind to get through it."
Cubi's kayak was a 17-foot fiberglass boat that he'd named The Odyssey. He loaded it with everything he needed for the trip, including food, water, camping gear, and spare parts. He also brought along a map, a compass, and a GPS for navigation.
THE JOURNEY
Cubi set off from Ketchikan, Alaska, in early June. He paddled through the Inside Passage, which is a series of waterways that run along the coast of British Columbia and Alaska. The scenery was stunning, with towering mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls. But the weather was often challenging, with rain, wind, and fog.
Cubi made his way through the Inside Passage and into the Gulf of Alaska. He then paddled down the coast of Washington, camping on beaches and fishing for food along the way. He encountered a variety of wildlife, including whales, sea lions, and bald eagles.
One of the most challenging parts of the trip was paddling through the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The strait is a narrow body of water that separates Washington from Vancouver Island. The currents can be strong, and the waves can be unpredictable. But Cubi made it through safely and arrived in Tacoma in early September.
THE ACCOMPLISHMENT
Cubi's journey was an incredible accomplishment. He had paddled over 4,000 miles by himself, and he had done it in just over three months. He said, "It was the hardest thing I've ever done, but it was also the most rewarding."
Cubi's journey is an inspiration to others. It shows that anything is possible if you're willing to set your mind to it. It also shows that the greatest challenges can lead to the greatest rewards.
ANYONE CAN DO IT
Cubi believes that anyone can do what he did. "You don't have to be a professional athlete or a daredevil," he said. "Just set a goal and go for it. The only limits are the ones you set for yourself."
If you're thinking about taking on a big challenge, Cubi has some advice for you. "Just take it one day at a time," he said. "And don't be afraid to ask for help. There are a lot of people who are willing to support you."
CALL TO ADVENTURE
Cubi's journey is a reminder that we all have the potential to do great things. So what are you waiting for? Set your goals and go for it. The adventure of a lifetime is waiting for you.