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Man keeps second chance afloat building kayaks

Chris Bonnano

Rick Bosch of Palm Bay is trying to make the most of a second chance.

"They gave me like a 5 percent chance of living in the hospital," said Bosch, 36, of a car accident nearly 10 years ago that nearly killed him and caused a massive brain injury.

As part of the accident, Bosch accepted charges of driving under the influence as part of a plea deal that also resulted in a five-year suspension of his license. To this day, Bosch claims he was a passenger and not the driver in the vehicle.

But the charges and the loss of his license were the least of his concerns. Bosch took years to regain some functions of life, as he says it took him "two or three years" to be able to speak normally after the incident, for instance.

His right hand still shakes from time to time and an aggravated back injury ended his career in construction.

Only recently, Bosch began working at the Eau Gallie Yacht Club's dining room.

Still, even with that new source of income, Bosch is looking to get back to an interest he's had in building kayaks since he was was 15. His uncle fostered the urge to build what he paddled.

"Probably six years ago, there was this thing on the west coast of Florida, so I went over there and I rode in it and I went fishing. There were like five or six people in different boats that I'd seen paddling around out there that had asked me if I made it and I said 'No, my uncle made it' and then I started thinking after all those people had said that that maybe I should try making some of these things, maybe I should sell them or something like that," said Bosch.

And that's just what he's trying to do now after making kayaks, made primarily from pressure-treated plywood and cedar that appear visually stunning.

He lists his kayaks from $2,500 to $3,000

"The handiwork is just breathtaking," said 65-year-old Bob Kimple of Melbourne, a friend of Bosch's.

"I see myself in him. He's aspiring. He's going through tough financial times but he's an inspiring artist. He's so knowledgeable about the area."

In addition to his kayaks, Bosch is offering deals on his website for canoes, paddleboards and surfboards.

"I can build whatever you want," he added.

Those interested in more information can do by visiting rickskayaks.com.