Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2018 Today was my most challenging day of kayaking; so far anyway. We awaken at Crash Canyon (mile 63) to the sound of someone trumpeting the conch shell, followed by the now-familiar “Good morning, Grand Canyon” echoing off the canyon wall, letting us know it’s time to […]
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News Coverage of our Grand Canyon Adventure
The Colorado Sun published a story about our Team River Runner trip, which included five blind military veterans kayaking the Grand Canyon. It offers good insights about our experience. At the end of the story there’s also a link to a heartfelt video by Iraq war vet Steve Baskis. “Post-traumatic […]
Team River Runner – Apostle Islands 2018
For the second year in a row, it was a pleasure to lead a Team River Runner kayak camping trip in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Last week, 17 participants, (including nine military veterans, some with disabilities) enjoyed the spectacular beauty of this Lake Superior archipelago of 21 islands. SATURDAY, […]
TRAK Kayak Summit: Unveiling the 2.0
One of the benefits of owning a TRAK Kayak is the sense of community built around the uniqueness of the product. Like Ducati motorcycles and Tesla automobiles, TRAK is a distinctive product with a loyal and growing customer base. As a TRAK “Pilot” brand ambassador, I was invited to join […]
Idaho’s Salmon River Preps Us for the Grand Canyon
Today marks 65 days until our Grand Canyon Adventure! As I previously announced, I’m stoked to join Team River Runner this September as we guide five blind military veterans — four men and one woman — kayaking more than 200 miles on the mighty Colorado River. You can read more […]
Assessing a Kayaker’s Skill Level
Have you ever wondered how your paddling skills and knowledge stack up against other kayakers? There are ways to find out. Informally, you can paddle with more experienced kayakers. Observe. Ask questions. Emulate what they do. Maybe you want a more definitive rating of your skills. Or maybe you’re thinking […]
An Unsettling Follow-up
This morning I received unsettling — but not completely surprising — news about the identity of a deceased kayaker from Appleton, Wis. Before I tell you about it, let me take you back to March 4 of this year. On that date, NEWP board member Bill Merrick sent an email […]
The Myth of the “Experienced” Kayaker
We’re now in the most dangerous time of year for paddling. Air temperatures are rising. River and lake ice is breaking up. River levels are high. The desire to get on the water in marginal conditions — possibly without proper equipment and training — inevitably leads some people to the […]
Adaptive Paddling with Team River Runner
The first time John Fritzell picked up a kayak paddle he was only 11 years old. Because of a rare neurological disorder, he was physically unable to hold a paddle for the next 39 years. Last Saturday at Canoecopia, the world’s largest paddlesports expo held annually in Madison, WI, John […]
Grand Canyon this September!
It’s official! I’ll be joining the Team River Runner 2018 Grand Canyon Trip as a kayak safety boater, helping guide five blind military veterans in their kayaks down the mighty Colorado River! I am beyond stoked! Follow the link for more information about the trip, the people who are going, […]