Tag Archives: Captain Kenny Ripka

Inside One of the World’s Most Dangerous Jobs

Up to 10 inches wide -– some weighing almost 3 pounds — with 10 legs and of course, claws that can break a finger — Dungeness crab fishing is not for the faint of heart. Add to that the unforgiving weather and potentially tumultuous relationships on board the boats, the situation can become dangerous and deadly at times. No one knows that better than Captain Gary ‘the Ripper’ Ripka and his son Kenny, who own and operate two commercial fishing boats in Newport, Oregon, the Dungeness Crab Capital of the World. “It’s a pretty high-risk job, the most dangerous job in the world,” Gary Ripka told ABC News’ Chief Business, Economics and Technology Correspondent Rebecca Jarvis on a recent episode of Real Biz with Rebecca Jarvis. Video, read the rest here 16:07

Deadliest Catch Dungeness Cove – Meet Captain Kenny Ripka

deadliestcatch-kennyTell me about your careerI’m a commercial fisherman.   I’ve been doing this since I was 14 years old. It’ the only job I’ve ever had in my whole life. How did you get involved in the show? I was fishing shrimp in Westport Washington and I got a phone call from my dad.  He said, “They’re thinking about shooting a ‘Deadliest Catch’ show here in Oregon. They found us, but we never thought we’d be on TV. It all started with a phone call. What can viewers expect to see? Viewers will see exactly what it’s like to fish crabs off the coast of Oregon.  It’s highly intense and stressful.  They’ll also see what it’s like to manage home life and fishing. And a lot of crappy weather! Read the rest of the interview here 10:47