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Who Is Michael Manzo? Details on the 'Life Below Zero' Star

How did canoe-maker Michael Manzo finally end up on 'Life Before Zero'? The fan favourite was once a U.S. soldier for years sooner than his time on the series.

Katie Garrity - Author

National Geographic lovers had been extremely joyful when a by-product of the original, wildly widespread Life Below Zero got here onto the scene. Life Below Zero: Next Generation is a unique take on its big brother program in that it follows Alaskans who gave up their life of cushty trendy dwelling for the brutal and unforgiving Alaskan wasteland. 

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Next Generation follows an eclectic cast of people uninterested with the everyday dullness of day-to-day living, together with a technologically driven society and focal point on capitalism. Michael Manzo, a fan favorite, has been a breakout star this season. So, how did Michael end up on the display, and the place used to be he before his upward push to reputation? We have the details below! 

Michael Manzo graduated from Alaska Pacific University.

Michael Manzo graduated from Alaska Pacific University in 2014 where he studied sustainability. When Michael was a senior, he spent the yr researching freighter canoes and adapting hydrodynamic fuel-efficient designs for Alaska’s waterways. 

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Much higher than a leisure canoe, freighters are designed to move tons of substances and provides. “Freighter canoes have been the premier work boat of the North country,” he mentioned. He is also a fashion designer and builder — two skills that come in very handy when you’re living in the Alaskan barren region. 

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Michael is predicated basically on herbal assets to lend a hand him collect food and different prerequisites.

When Michael is braving the Alaskan winters, he is based on his Native wisdom. Dog teams help strengthen him all through iciness hunts. He feeds his dogs salmon and meat, averting gas altogether.

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“It’s in my blood to wish to build and design canine sleds and canoe. As a Miꞌkmaw Indian, culturally APU understood that,” he stated. “Even regardless that it didn’t actually fit some of their instructional programs, they have been prepared to go above and beyond not to best train me about the flora and fauna of Alaska … but additionally combine my love and hobby in designing sustainable fuel-efficient subsistence boats for Alaska."

Michael was also a soldier in the past.

Before his time on Life Below Zero, Michael served with the U.S. Army. He was a member of the 84th Engineers Combat Heavy Battalion, with whom he completed three 1-year tours in Iraq. He then left the Army to attend college in Alaska. He tried his hand at a traditional business career, but soon realized it wasn't really the perfect fit for him.

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Since moving to Alaska in 2002, Michael has garnered an impressive resume. While he is a fisherman, hunter, and traveler, he is primarily a canoe builder. He is currently the co-owner and creator of Yukon Freightworks Canoe Company. On the website’s homepage, Michael took the opportunity to tell his story. 

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“After talking to a couple old canoeists in Alaska, they had described to me the “jack-ass lifts” that were used on 19 ft. Grumman square stern canoes.  When I decided to make my own lift version, I was able to go many more places with my 6 hp, and 9.9 hp motors.  They consumed very little fuel, due to the efficiency of the small motors combined with the canoe shaped hulls,” he explained. 

“There were a few occasions when I was taking water over the canoe and getting tossed around by means of the large waves, that I needed I had a larger boat.  That used to be a really perfect yr of learning.  I fly-fished, duck hunted, dip-netted hooligan, and harvested a moose on that first yr in my first motor powered canoe in Alaska. I used to be hooked,” he continued.

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Brenda Moya

Update: 2024-05-11