A Burnaby Hospital surgeon is taking on a 1,200-kilometre, motor-free boat race to raise funds for advanced surgical equipment.
(Photo) Dr. Tim Kostamo aboard the Lindsay.
For many people, 50 is a bucket list birthday when one pledges to embark on a new adventure. At the top of Dr. Tim Kostamo’s list is an adrenaline-pumping journey to the north in support of health care.
The Burnaby Hospital orthopedic surgeon is using his time off to compete in the Race to Alaska (R2AK), a grueling 1,200-kilometre boat race from Port Townsend, Washington, to Ketchikan, Alaska, with no motors or external support.
Dr. Kostamo and his team, consisting of his cousin Markku and daughter Sophia, will rely entirely on human power and determination. For a few weeks, their home will be a six-metre rowboat, the Lindsay, named after a generous Burnaby Hospital supporter.
(Photo) Dr. Kostamo and Sophia Kostamo preparing to Race to Alaska.
“Burnaby Hospital is such a big part of my life, and the Burnaby Hospital Foundation has supported all the things that we do surgically,” says Dr. Kostamo. “I’m doing this race to challenge myself and at the same time, raise funds for advanced surgical equipment.”
The race is known for its demanding conditions. The route crosses remote coastal waters shaped by strong currents, changing weather and long stretches without support, where self-reliance is essential.
The first leg begins June 14, with teams given 36 hours to reach Victoria.
(Photo) The Lindsay
“If you don’t make the first leg, you’re out,” says Dr. Kostamo.
Along the way, competitors must contend with tides, storms and the “Grim Sweeper,” a boat that removes teams unable to keep pace. For Dr. Kostamo, there’s an added deadline.
“I have a hard stop. I need to get back to work and back to surgery,” he says.
