Steve O'Brien

• Nickname:

  OB, The Iron Manatee

• Team Position:

  Viceroy, Former Kaptain of das Überbootens!

• Conch Republic Navy Rank:

  Fleet Commander, Castaways Flotilla of the Northern Territories

• Years Paddled:

  All (soon to be) 12 years - hasn't missed a single blade stoke of the complete saga.

• Age:

  57

• Family:

  My wife, Candace, Comercial Interior designer looking for a new firm. Daughter, Cassidy, is a high school engineering student.

• Where he's from:

  Born in Key West, Fl, now living in Cutler Bay (Cutler Rico if you're local).

• Education:

  FSU 1977, FIU 1992

• Work:

  Teacher - Christopher Columbus High School

• Influences:

  Ernest Hemingway and Errol Flynn. Favorite book: The Bridge on the River Kwai - Papillion and the autobiography of a yogi

• Fun Facts:

  Started Yoga at the age of 50 with a yogini who actually trains in India. Ran the ING Miami Marathon twice: 2008-09 "Worst experienced I ever loved"

• Essential CAC Gear:

  His Boat - CRN Virabhadra: Seda Glider, kevlar hull, out of San Diego. Simply crazy fast boat. Handmade, carbon fiber paddle, by a little known company called Almeida Enterprises.

• Additional CAC Gear:

  My portable battery operated fan. (I've sacrificed 5 FM radios and 3 pairs of expensive glasses to Poseidon so far!)

• How did you get involved with the CAC?

  Founding member.. "It came to me at my mother's wake in 1999."

• In his own words:

  "Kayaking with CAC gives you the unigue chance to cry hard & laugh harder than you ever have in your life."