Yota Kano spends most of his days on the water, engaging in various water activities since relocating to Prince Rupert on British Columbia’s North Coast in 2019. A passionate paddler since the age of 18, Kano now enjoys surfing, sea kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding.
On workdays with favorable weather conditions, Kano embarks on a unique commute at 7 a.m. every Sunday. He paddles over 60 kilometers south to Kitkatla, also known as Lax Klan, a small village on Dolphin Island inhabited by approximately 450 Gitxaala people. The journey, which takes the 39-year-old about eight to nine hours, is followed by a full day of work upon arrival.
Initially considered eccentric for his unconventional commute, Kano has earned respect for his paddling skills among his peers. Reflecting on his experiences, he shared with CBC’s Carolina de Ryk that while he was once viewed as a “crazy guy,” he is now recognized as a proficient paddler.