Team 7 – USA

About

Team 7 – USA

Determined, prepared, and relentless—Team 7 USA is ready to take on One Water Race. With racers Kawika Tarayao, Kayla Kobelin, and Justin Smith, alongside support crew Melissa Smith, this team is built on resilience, strategy, and an unshakable bond. With a strong experience in swimrun, expedition racing, and extreme endurance, they bring the perfect mix of skill, grit, and determination. We believe this is the year history will be made—the year a U.S. team finally reaches the finish line. With their drive, thorough preparation, and strong mindset, Team 7 has everything it takes to conquer the archipelago and race toward the lighthouse.

Athletes of

Team 7 – USA

– Why do you want to participate in One Water Race?

After our 2024 DNF, we realized that no one race exists in a vacuum. If we stopped there, that could be considered a failure, but if we take everything we learned and apply it to the future, it is merely a stepping stone to what comes next. Team 2 USA grew stronger together and learned so much as a team. That was just one chapter in learning what our human capacity is. We have pushed our potential even further out and are nowhere near discovering our limits. We want redemption.

– What would be your biggest challenge as a team?

We now understand so much better what it takes to race well at One Water Race. We have learned so many lessons and have completely revamped our strategy. The challenge will be to put it all together and keep our bodies intact, especially through the 2nd night. We know how difficult it will get, but we also now know each other and trust that we can rely upon our teammates.

– What are your goals if you would participate in One Water Race?

There is no question that our goal is to touch that lighthouse door and be the first USA team to complete One Water Race. However, more than just that along the way we will forge lasting friendships and memories, we will marvel at the beauty of the archipelago, and be the best version of our team that we can possibly be. We will also ensure that we keep all our bits intact, both body and equipment, especially to keep the jewels pristine, warm, and unchaffed!