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PrintScott Myers, 40, of Columbia, will be paddling solo in the Missouri 340 in a Chesapeake 16 wooden kayak. He built his boat on his own.
“I built it three or four years ago,” he said. “That will be a big part of it — doing the whole race in a boat I built myself.”
Myers works as a photographer for the Department of Natural Resources. When he’s not busy with work or spending time with his wife and 15-month-old son, Myers said he has gotten out on the river as much as he can.
“I’ve done this type of stuff a lot, but I’ve never raced,” he said. “I just try to make sure I have an effective paddling technique and make sure I’m mentally ready for this demanding event.”
Myers said that there is nothing scary at all about the Missouri River.
“It’s fun to get out on it, because it’s not what you expect,” he said. “Sometimes you’re in a different world, and it’s very beautiful.”
He sees this as a great challenge and an opportunity to see what he is capable of.
“The biggest challenge will be getting out there and getting exhausted and asking myself, ‘Why am I doing this?’” Myers said. “I’m certainly not trying to win, but finishing is good for me.”
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