The Wild Buffalo Relay is a 32-mile small boat outrigger canoe race from Two Harbors, Catalina Island to Newport Beach. Held each spring, this open-ocean relay features OC1s and OC2s racing across the Catalina Channel in teams, using escort boats for transitions. It’s a unique and challenging event known for its unpredictable conditions and beautiful, deepwater crossing. This race is put on by Puakea Designs and attracts paddlers from all over the world! Here is Ashleys story:
“Do people think you’re crazy for doing this?” That was the question I heard most during the Wild Buffalo Relay weekend. My favorite question, however, was: “Do you paddle often?” The short answer, No. Living in Boise, Idaho – decidedly landlocked – my outrigger canoe experience with the wonderful We Are Ocean (WAO) family amounted to a mere 1.5 hours, pre-WBR races! The irony isn’t lost on me. Yet, here I am, a two-time participant in the WBR, an experience made all the more profound by sharing the water with an incredible team of fellow cancer survivors and skilled professional paddlers.
Four years ago, the idea of being on a team, paddling 32 miles in an outrigger canoe across a part of the Pacific Ocean would have been laughable. I didn’t even know what an outrigger canoe was then! If someone had asked me to join a team like this I would have said “why would I do that?!” But then life changes. In September 2021, at the age of 31, I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Suddenly, the future felt uncertain, and the possibility of life “after cancer” seemed distant, and maybe impossible. The physical toll of cancer and its treatment was immense, leaving me unsure if I’d ever truly feel alive again. However, a significant mental shift occurred, crystallizing into a powerful question: “Why wouldn’t I do that?!” This new perspective made joining the WAO team for my first WBR an immediate and enthusiastic YES, and returning for a second year was never in doubt.
The Wild Buffalo Relay is so much more than just a paddle across the ocean. It’s a vibrant tapestry of joy and adventure. Our WBR day began beautifully, with a heartfelt blessing from our friends at Open Water. Under the bright sun, our six paddlers took their place in the canoe, while the rest of us boarded the support boat, our faces reflecting the excitement and anticipation of the journey ahead. We were ready!
We watched and cheered as our first line of paddlers started our journey to Newport. I was on the second line and couldn’t wait to get in the canoe. The ocean was calm, the sun was shining, and I couldn’t stop smiling. When it was my turn to get in canoe, I got in seat 4 and was ready. That first 30 minutes in the water was glorious. Within 10 minutes we saw dolphins and were headed straight for them. I must confess, I am not the best team paddler when I am distracted by dolphins. As we got closer to the pod, I was struck by the moment. Here I was, in the middle of the ocean, surrounded by dolphins, sun shining down on me, with some of my favorite people in the world. Tears fell down my face as I soaked it all in (while I kept paddling of course!). I was so far away from the hospital I spent 6 months in. I was truly living again.
As we made our way across the channel we saw more dolphins, a couple whales, and even a shark! We cheered on our crew, soaked up the sun, talked about life, and planned for more shared adventures in our future. I never wanted that day to end. As we made it to the entrance of Newport, I was in my final 30 minutes of paddling. My face hurt from smiling; my heart full of every good vibe this team created.
Watching our crew of cancer survivors pull into NAC was a sight to see. The sense of strength accomplishment, wonder, gratitude, and living that all of us felt in that moment is one we will never forget. I am forever grateful for everyone who made this day possible, NAC, WAO, our pro paddlers, all the donors, and most importantly to all my fellow cancer survivors who have gone and continue to go through the unimaginable but still show up, support one another, and radiate joy while you do it. I can’t wait for next year
