Kayak crusade

You’d think that a solo kayak expedition from Newport Harbor to Catalina Island would scare off anyone with a fear of sharks.

But not Rod Harron.

Harron, a member of Balboa Yacht Club, isn’t letting visions of “Jaws” get in the way of an important cause, for an important guy.

Harron is planning the more than 50-mile kayak trip to benefit his friend and fellow yacht club member, Nick Scandone, a disabled sailor who is trying to raise enough money to compete in the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing.

“I’m doing this out of my respect for his courage and determination,” Harron said.

Harron admires Scandone and wanted to help him with the cost. He and Scandone have been friends more than 10 years.

The voyage to Catalina and back will be a challenge, but Harron’s giving it his best shot for Scandone.

“I honestly don’t know that I can do both ways ? all I know is that I can try for this guy,” Harron said.

Harron’s efforts exemplify the spirit of the Balboa Yacht Club and its members, said club manager Dave Martel.

“He’s just a spearhead for what we all feel here,” Martel said.

Harron’s kayak trip is just one of the things that the Balboa Yacht Club and their members have done in support of Scandone. The club held several fundraising dinners to raise money for Scandone to travel to Australia for the International Federation for Disabled Sailing World Championships in January.

“We’re very proud of Nick,” Martel said.

Scandone, who has Lou Gehrig’s disease, was named the 2005 Rolex yachtsman of the year by US Sailing and the Paralympic athlete of the year by the U.S. Olympic Committee.

Harron and his wife, Judi Gorski, have publicized the fundraiser at the yacht club and among friends. Gorski is in charge of marketing and has been collecting pledges, but Harron doesn’t want to know how much money he’s raised until he’s on the water.

“I just try to focus on being the grunt doing the rowing,” Harron said.

If he needs extra motivation during the trip, only then will he ask his wife to disclose the amount and give him some inspiration, Harron said.

Harron plans to make the trip sometime in the next few weeks. The exact date depends on the weather. For safety, Harron will be accompanied by an escort boat.

Harron is no stranger to athletic challenges. Several years ago, he kayaked across the English Channel and into the Mediterranean, a journey that took him a month.

Gorski supports her husband, but said she always gets a little nervous each time he embarks on a new adventure.

“I can understand why he wants to do it and that he wants to do another physical challenge is not a surprise to me,” Gorski said.

To prepare for the kayak trip, he’s been training for four hours each day, doing a combination of running, swimming and kayaking.

“I just hope it translates into enough stamina to get me there and back,” Harron said.

To pledge money for the kayak trip, e-mail Judi Gorski at judigorski@verizon.net.dpt.21-water-CPhotoInfoH51Q5RRB20060421iy1ok1ncMARK DUSTIN / DAILY PILOT(LA)Rod Harron paddles his kayak through the waters of Newport Harbor near the Balboa Yacht Club on Thursday morning. Harron is training to paddle from Newport to Catalina Island to raise money for his friend Nick Scandone.