The ocean is solace for a lot of people for a lot of reasons. For Huntington Beach firefighter and original OpenWater Rusty Anchor Kane Johnson, it’s a place to center himself, find peace, and as a first responder, recharge the batteries.
Born in 1979, Johnson’s formative years unfolded against the backdrop of the ’80s and ’90s, an era he fondly recalls as a “fun, different time.” Raised in Orange County, he navigated the vibrant surf culture that defined the region. His connection with the ocean deepened as he spent countless hours bodyboarding, a pursuit fueled in part by the financial constraints of a broken home.
“We didn’t have a lot of money as a kid, and all I wanted to do was to be at the beach and be in the water. I put all my energy into that,” Johnson explains.
Johnson’s journey through the surf industry took him to Alternative Surf, eBodyboarding.com, and Dojo Distribution. Immersed in the dynamic world of bodyboarding, he witnessed the industry’s highs and lows. Recognizing the transient nature of surf-related careers, Johnson contemplated a career in law enforcement, following in the footsteps of his stepdad, a police officer in Costa Mesa. However, a twist of fate and a desire to make a tangible difference in people’s lives steered him towards another path—becoming a firefighter.
“I didn’t have an education to fall back on, but I knew I could work hard. I knew if I dedicated myself to it, I could do it,” Johnson continues.
The transition from surf industry aficionado to aspiring firefighter required dedication, education, and perseverance. Johnson enrolled in fire tech classes, immersing himself in the world of firefighting. A chance encounter with a friend already navigating the journey into the fire service provided the guidance Johnson needed. In 2005, after a rigorous study and training he became a Huntington Beach Firefighter.
In 2006, Johnson was married to his wife, Carrie, a marriage and family therapist. Both of them have dedicated their lives to service and making the world a better place, which is how they eventually connected with OpenWater co-founder Danny Nichols.
OpenWater’s mission—to assist both first responders and military veterans through the therapeutic power of water—resonated deeply with Johnson’s passion for mental health and well-being. His connection with the organization highlights the transformative potential of water-related activities, transcending the realm of mere recreation.
“I need it, I need to be by the water. It doesn’t have to be the ocean, but I feel so much more at peace when I’m around water,” Johnson says. “I told my wife when we were planning our wedding that she could do anything she wanted but we had to have water in the background. I had to be somehow close to the water.”
Johnson has been with OpenWater since the very first Catalina crossing and has only missed one since due to an injury—but he quickly points out he was on an assist boat. Having completed his third crossing, Johnson describes the physical and mental challenges, emphasizing the meditative quality of the journey. From huge pods of dolphins guiding them through rough waters, to the feeling of touching down on the sand in his native Huntington Beach, it’s natural, blue mind therapy at its pinnacle.
“Things happen to you on the paddle. You can’t really put it into words, but it’s transformative. It’s a journey both mentally and physically,” he says.
From the shores of Orange County to the challenging waters of Catalina, Johnson’s journey embodies the essence of a man who, like the tides he embraces, navigates the currents of life with resilience and purpose.