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Aqua Bound Ambassadors
The Aqua Bound Ambassadors are a diverse group of paddlers from all over the world. A combination of kayakers, packrafters, paddleboarders and whitewater boaters, this group values the difference a premium paddle makes for their on-water experience. They are educators, instructors, guides, influencers, and experts in their respective field.
Ben Morton
Hometown: Moretown, Vermont
RIVER KAYAKING + CANOEING + SUP
Ben Morton
#404041
Moretown, Vermont
I enjoy paddling most every type of paddle craft, and I'm lucky enough to be able to share that passion with students that I work with.
Edge 1-Piece Canoe Paddle
Lower Mad River (hometown run)
https://www.instagram.com/precision_paddlesports/
https://www.facebook.com/precisionpaddlesports/
http://www.precisionpaddlesports.com/
Ben Morton
Beth Poliquin
Hometown: Maine
KAYAKING + SUP
Beth Poliquin
#404041
Maine
I have always loved being on the water as a kid growing up in Virginia Beach. My first experiences paddling came in college with courses in White Water Kayaking and Canoe Camping, using what I learned on the James River. Trips on the Potomac and New Rivers grew my love for the excitement of moving water.Upon getting married, I moved to Hawaii and started working for a kayak shop in order to spend as much time as possible learning about paddling the islands. A good swell meant taking surf boats out and brushing up on those white water skills. I started guided tours for a small company in Kailua, which also gave me the opportunity to be involved with some conservation efforts specifically related to Wedge-tailed Shearwaters.
After Hawaii, life changed with a move to the Arizona desert and the birth of our two daughters. I got to teach P.E. to homeschool kids and coach at a local high school. While visiting friends in Oregon I tried Stand-Up Paddleboarding for the first time on a lake in the Cascade Mountains.
In 2016 my family moved to Grand Marais, MN, and I started working at Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply as a part-time sales associate and kayak guide. I was the General Manager and had the privilege of leading a great team of people who love the outdoors and helping people experience it safely. I'm still very involved with the store, but we've recently relocated to northern Maine. I'm enjoying getting to explore a new part of the country.
I paddle an Eddyline Raven, which is the perfect Big Lake/sea kayak for this river and wave lover. I use the AquaBound Tango Carbon with a bent shaft. I'm a leftie, so I feather just slightly that way.
My board is a Gray Duck Journey. With this board I've done the Washburn Board Across the Bay and won my division twice. I use the Malta in Tide Green and kinda love having a pretty paddle.
Accomplishments/Experience:
ACA Kayak Instructor Level 2, continuing at Level 3
Red Cross Certified Life Guard Tango Carbon Bent Shaft Kailua, HI and Lake Superior's North Shore
Beth Poliquin
Bill Schultz
Hometown: New Berlin, WI
(Part-Time Sturgeon Bay, WI)
KAYAK FISHING
Bill Schultz
#404041
New Berlin, WI (Part-Time Sturgeon Bay, WI) Like many, I was introduced to fishing as a youngster by my Dad. Also, like many, I drifted away from it until 30 years ago when I was again bitten by the fishing bug in 1992. For the past 30 years my fishing has grown into a passion for catching and releasing Smallmouth Bass. I caught my first smallie in 1994 and have caught and released 27,000 since. My time on the water is much more enjoyable and efficient using the incredible Bending Branches paddles I am grateful to be using.
Accomplishments/Experience
• 104 seminars at 90 Sports Shows/Events, along with numerous talks at fishing clubs with total attendance of close to 10,000.
• Written dozens of feature articles since 1999 for outdoors magazines and web sites on smallmouth bass, kayak fishing and fishing in general.
• Featured in over 25 articles for magazines, web sites and newspapers.
• Appeared a guest on a variety of podcasts, TV, and radio programs.
• Member of eight National Pro Staffs and sponsored by an additional 15 top outdoors and fishing related companies. Manta Ray Carbon & Tango Carbon Big waters of Green Bay and Lake Michigan in Door County/Sturgeon Bay, WI
Bill Schultz
Caj Koskinen
Hometown: Parainen, Finland
SEA KAYAKING + PACKRAFTING + WHITEWATER
Caj Koskinen
#404041
Parainen, Finland
I am a packrafting guide and instructor. What I like the most are the long wilderness trips in Northern Finland and Scandinavia (Lapland). Packrafting is most interesting on whitewater, but also in flat water lake hopping. Nature is beautiful all year long, so we make our adventures in the wintertime with back country skies. I also love fishing, hunting and all kind of hiking activities. I live in the beautiful Finnish archipelago, we have about 40.000 islands to explore. Sea kayaks and bicycles are the perfect vessels to enjoy the rich nature here. Shred apart carbon, 4-piece Lapland https://www.instagram.com/caide78/ https://www.facebook.com/hutkai.fi https://www.youtube.com/user/caide78 https://www.hutkai.fi/
Caj Koskinen
Charles Bauer
Hometown: Commack, NY
KAYAKING
Charles Bauer
#404041
Commack, NY
I started kayaking, hiking and biking due to COVID in March of 2020. In June of 2020, I retired from teaching high school history, as well as coaching soccer and golf. Retirement gave me more time to pursue new endeavors, especially kayaking. What I didn't realize was how much these activities would become so important to my physical and mental health. Kayaking has become so central to my pursuit of new challenges and goals. Although I have a favorite paddling spot, I am constantly looking for amazing places to paddle. As a former teacher and coach it has been my passion to introduce kayaking to family and friends, so they may experience nature from a unique perspective. As a result, I started my own website (www.theriver chaz.com) and Instagram page (#theriverchaz), which I hope inspires others to take up kayaking. Sting Ray Hybrid Stony Brook Harbor https://www.instagram.com/theriverchaz/ https://www.theriverchaz.com
Charles Bauer
Christian (Chris) Harstad
Hometown: Bergen, Norway
SEA KAYAKING
Christian (Chris) Harstad
#404041
Bergen, Norway
My father introduced me to kayaking when I was very young. For many years, I competed at elite level in flatwater. I was also introduced to long trips with kayak, including hunting and general outdoor activities. This is the foundation for my love to this fantastic sport. This summer I will retire from the military. I am looking forward to get the opportunity to devote my life to paddling, both sea kayak and packraft.
I aim to facilitate for others to discover the feeling of closeness to nature by kayaking. I will pass on the feeling of paddling with safety, and the feeling of comfort and mastery during varying conditions, as well as developing general competence in outdoor activities. Whiskey Carbon, 2-Piece Bent Shaft West Coast of Bergen area https://www.instagram.com/austvestpadling/
Christian (Chris) Harstad
Clint Taylor
Hometown: Abilene, Texas
FISHING + SUP
Clint Taylor
#404041
Abilene, Texas
My name is Clint Taylor and I am a Staff Engineer at Enprotec / Hibbs & Todd in Abilene, Texas. I graduated from Abilene Christian University majoring in Engineering with a minor in Mathematics. I love all that Texas has to offer and have fished many of the Texas rivers including the Devils River, San Saba River, Llano River, San Marcos River, South Llano River, Leon River, and the Guadalupe River to name a few.I started out fishing as a little boy around five years old walking the banks of the nearest creeks with my Dad. This is extremely fun and effective way to fish and it is what got me started into the sport of fishing. Now, I use awesome gear from Jackson Kayak, MTI Adventurewear, Bending Branches, Coast Portland, Klean Kanteen and GoPro, and it sure does work great but every now and then I’ll still do a little wade fishing. I hardly ever fish anything other than a river or a creek due to the beauty and cleanliness of the cool and clear Texas spring water, so no matter how big the stream is, you can bet I might throw in a line if there is fish around.
Fortunately, I have been blessed to be able to go to many different rivers, including my favorite river, the Devils River. This is my favorite place to fish at due to its remoteness and beauty, along with how untouched this river is in such modern times. I also like to target the state fish of Texas, the Guadalupe Bass. This is a somewhat rare fish that is only found in a region of Texas known as the Edward’s Plateau, but luckily I happen to live within this region of Texas. I like to capture my journeys through photography and videography whenever I get the chance. I hope you will enjoy my articles, photos, and videos whenever you get the chance, and please feel free to visit my personal website as well. Malta Carbon Brazos River http://www.texaskayakfisher.com
Clint Taylor
Dan Donovan
Hometown: Gloucester, Massachusetts
KAYAKING + SUP
Dan Donovan
#404041
Gloucester, Massachusetts
Paddling has always been a huge part of my life. I have been paddling ever since I can remember, which probably explains why its not just a passion of mine, but an obsession! It really is an unrivaled love I have for the water. I've paddled just about everything and anything that floats, whatever it takes to get me out on the water. It all started when I was 4 or 5 years old when my Dad put me in his old whitewater kayak. He would attach a rope to the stern of the boat and let me paddle out as far as the rope would stretch and then pull me back. From that point on it was game over, I was hooked, and wanted to keep growing my skills on the water. When I was 16 years old I started racing canoes in memory of my uncle, who shared this passion with water sports. Marathon canoe racing started to open my eyes to several new experiences. Whether I was racing in a C1, Voyager Canoe, or even an Outrigger Canoe all of the races helped me develop as a paddler and strengthen the respect I have for the water. I quickly realized that I wanted to share this passion with as many people as I could. I acquired a position as a kayak and standup paddleboard instructor which allowed me to share this love and educate new and curious paddlers to the wonderful world of water sports and recreation. Now even though my background is in canoeing and kayaking, as soon as I discovered standup paddleboarding, I quickly started to shift gears. Standup paddleboarding quickly grew to be my favorite activity on the water. The reason I think it is so appealing to me, is the versatility. The ability to jump off and swim around on those hot summer days, SUP racing, or even just going out and paddling with Lincoln my four legged companion. So for me, the standup paddleboard is my preferred vessel that allows me to get out and enjoy my favorite place in the world, out on the water.Being on the water is so much more than just a hobby, its a way of life.
Happy Paddling!!
Accomplishments/Experience
U.S. Coast Guard
12x Adirondack canoe finisher
1x Blackburn Challenge SUP 20 miler Adirondacks https://www.instagram.com/dadonovan/ https://www.youtube.com/user/dadonovan2008
Dan Donovan
Dan Ransom
Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah
PACKRAFTING
Dan Ransom
#404041
Salt Lake City, Utah
My interest in paddling started with backpacking and technical canyoneering, and a packraft became a tool for accessing areas that would otherwise not be possible. Over the years, my trips have evolved from primarily hiking with minimal paddling on flatwater to multi-day trips with a focus on intermediate whitewater. My all-time favorite trip was a two-week hiking and packrafting traverse in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska, but I can be found more commonly poking around the ephemeral “rivers” of the Colorado Plateau, particularly those close to my home in Salt Lake City.
For backcountry whitewater trips, I paddle an Alpacka Gnarwhal with a 4 piece Carbon Shred. For Class II or below, I use an Alpacka Scout with a 4 piece Whiskey paddle. Carbon Shred / Whiskey Colorado Plateau https://www.instagram.com/danransomphoto/ https://www.youtube.com/c/DanRansom https://www.danransom.com
Dan Ransom
David Horkan
Hometown: Ballina, Ireland
SEA KAYAKING + WHITEWATER
David Horkan
#404041
Ballina, Ireland
David is a professional kayaker and one of Ireland's top paddlers. A guide, coach and athlete, he is active at a high-level in multiple disciplines. From paddling raging whitewater rivers, surfing walls of Atlantic swell, to racing over incredibly long distances, his passion for being on the water and commitment to pushing his boundaries makes him a true waterman. Kayaking from a young age on the west coast of Ireland, David was exposed to a variety of disciplines growing up. Polo, whitewater and surf were how he honed his skills in his early teen years.
Kayaking takes up most of David’s time, both professionally and personally. He has completed four Devizes to Westminster races, holds the record for the fastest solo, crossed the North channel of the Irish Sea unsupported, raced the 111km Hawksbury Classic in Australia and is one half of the fastest team to ever kayak around Vancouver Island in Canada.
A Canoeing Ireland Kayak Instructor in whitewater, paddle surf and sea-kayaking, and ISKGA Advanced Guide, David is also a Leave No Trace Trainer and holds a diploma in Earth and Ocean science and business degree.
David has been lucky enough to kayak in amazing locations all over the world, such as Patagonian Chile, Canada, USA, Australia, Antarctica and most of Europe. Whiskey Carbon Bent Shaft https://www.instagram.com/dhkayaking/ # # https://www.dhkayaking.com/
David Horkan
Dee Kaminski
Hometown: Melbourne Beach, Florida
FISHING
Dee Kaminski
#404041
Melbourne Beach, Florida
Dee's passion for fishing started over 40 years ago while growing up in the Midwest fishing fresh waters of Canada, Michigan and Wisconsin for walleye, northern pike, musky, and bass in her canoe. After moving to Melbourne Beach Florida and as her knowledge of the personalities and habitats of the different salt water species grew, she decided to buy a kayak to get up close and personal with the fish. She began sharing her expertise and abilities with others. That’s when Reel Kayak Fishing Charters started. Dee began guiding full time from the Mosquito Lagoon down to Ft. Pierce. Her favorite species to target are Snook, Redfish, “Gator” sized Speckled Sea Trout and Flounder using light spinning tackle with live and artificial baits. “My passion for fishing and teaching others brings me joy and pleasure. There is nothing more thrilling than watching someone sight cast to a tailing redfish, hooking up and being taken on a “sleigh ride”. She is a Native Watercraft Endorsed Guide and is on the Pro Staff for Bull Bay Rods, Astral Designs, Bending Branches paddles, 12 Fathom Lures, Edje Joe Jigs, Tactical Anglers fishing accessories, Pro-Cure Bait scents, Railblaza and RedZone Apparel.
Accomplishments/Experience
* Native Watercraft Endorsed Fishing Guide (http://www.nativewatercraft.com/guide_bio.cfm?guide=Dee%20Kaminski)
* 12 Fathom Lure Pro Staff (http://www.12fathom.com)
* Edje Joe Pro Staff (http://www.captainjoefishing.com/products.php?cat=Edje+Hook)
* RedZone Apparel Pro Staff (http://www.redzoneapparel.com/)
* Bull Bay Rods Pro Staff (http://www.bullbayrods.com)
* Astral Designs (http://www.astraldesign.com)
* Pro-Cure Bait Scents (http://www.pro-cure.com)
* Railblaza (http://www.railblaza.com)
* Tactical Angler Pro Staff (http://www.tacticalangler.com/)
* Writes various articles for local fishing publications
* Successful tournament track record
* Voted 2nd place in Kayak Choice Awards as Kayak Fishing Guide and Angler of the Year in 2011
* Voted 1st place in Kayak Choice Awards as Kayak Fishing Guide of the Year in 2012
* Speaker seminars include the George Poveromo National Seminar Series Dee Surge Carbon Kayak Paddle Turtle Creek, Sebastian, Florida http://www.facebook.com/reelkayakfishing http://www.reelkayakfishing.com
Dee Kaminski
Ivan Bartha
Hometown: Finlayson, Minnesota
FISHING + KAYAKING + WHITEWATER
Ivan Bartha
#404041
Finlayson, Minnesota
Growing up in Michigan, Ivan started on the water pretty early. Some of his first canoe trips were with a summer camp that paved the way for a career in outdoor education & leadership. Today, Ivan enjoys being on the water regardless of what or where he is paddling. He paddled a good portion of his life without any formal instruction, but read every book & magazine he could get his hands on. It was not until he went to school at Northern Michigan University that Ivan took his first ACA course in 1993. While Ivan likes a good adventure as much as anyone, his favorite paddling is in the Midwest because of the spectrum of paddling available. Since becoming an ACA instructor, Ivan has taken advantage of many opportunities to help new paddlers get a good start, promote paddlesports, and help keep people safe out on the water. Ivan says, "In reality, I have been lucky as a professional outdoor educator which is largely due to the people who have taken the time to help me be a better paddler and instructor. There is no way I can take any credit without thanking the IT's & ITE's who have taken me on as a student, assistant or co-instructor.” Most recently, Ivan was a presenter and attendee at the International Sea Kayak Educators Symposium (2015 & 2018), International Guest Lecturer for Zhejiang University teaching the first academic, multi-discipline paddlesports course in China and as an outdoor training and leadership consultant in the United States & Southeast Asia.Providing the highest level of paddlesports instruction and education in the Midwest has been the focus of his work over the last few years. "I love traveling, but always am grateful to return to the cattails, red-wing blackbirds and magic of the Midwest waterways."
Accomplishments/Experience
American Canoe Association
L3 River Canoe Instructor (tandem & solo)
L4 River Kayak Instructor
L3 Coastal Kayak Instructor
L1 SUP Instructor
L2 Canoe River & Touring Instructor Trainer
L2 Kayak River & Touring Instructor Trainer
Leave No Trace Master Educator
Emergency Medical Training Center - ECSI & ASHI Shred Kettle River, St. Louis River, Mississippi River
Ivan Bartha
Jacob Kastrup Haagensen
Hometown: Mollaryd, Sweden
KAYAKING + WHITEWATER
Jacob Kastrup Haagensen
#404041
Mollaryd, Sweden
Before buying a packraft I was looking for means to expand my outdoor activities. I thought about taking a glacial traveling course but honestly there weren't many glaciers around where I lived and those glaciers in the Scandinavian mountains was treated by global warming.Then I stumbled across packrafting through the internet. Packrafts are small inflatable boats that you could bring with you on hiking trips. And in opposite to glaciers there are water everywhere. I decided that packrafts was what I had been looking for and brought one.
With the exception of a handful canoe trips during my childhood and youth, I hadn’t done much paddling. I was a typical packrafter at that time, using packrafting as a way to extend my hiking trip. But as many others soon packrafting become the main interest.
I brought the packraft for extending my wilderness trips. But living in central Copenhagen (Denmark) I also realize that I probably would spend more time on the water in an urban environment. My daytime job is as a city planner and I really enjoyed seeing my city from the waterfront and exploring it from a “odd angle”. So when I started making videos from my trips I named my homepage “urban packrafter” in homage to all the paddling cities have to offer. In fact on of my my first packrafting experience was paddling Nyhavn, a 17th-century waterfront, canal, and one of Copenhagen's most known tourist attractions.
In 2016 I moved to Sweden into an old railway station with my family. In Sweden I have much easier access to nature and wilderness. In Sweden I engaged more in the upcoming packrafting community. The first Swedish packrafting I documented in the award winning short film “Inflatable People” (2016). I become a founding member of the Swedish Packrafting Association and still a member of the board.
Accomplishments/Experience
* Paddling inside cities like Venice, Amsterdam, Stockholm.
* Exploring and mapping the Swedish river Fjätan from source to confluence with Dalälven river.
*Paddling the Kaitum River in Swedish Lapland.
*Self supported packrafting trip down the Colorado River through Grand Canyon. Whiskey Carbon 4-Piece https://www.instagram.com/urbanpackrafter/ https://www.facebook.com/urbanpackrafter http://www.urbanpackrafter.com/
Jacob Kastrup Haagensen
"Jalle" Stjernberg
Hometown: Göteborg, Sweden
KAYAKING
"Jalle" Stjernberg
#404041
Göteborg, Sweden
I grew up in the archipelago north of Stockholm in Sweden. I discovered sea kayaking when I was a teenager and I found it to be quite amazing. I wanted to take my passion to another level so I decided to become a wilderness guide and specialize myself within sea kayaking.Now I'm currently living in Gothenburg, the west coast of Sweden and I'm working with sea kayaking during the summers at the kayak centre, Nautopp. I mainly work as an instructor and love teaching sea kayaking to other people. You can find me all over the nordic countries, teaching sea kayaking to people.
Accomplishments/Experience
ACA level 2 instructor
BCU 3*
Aktivitetsleder, NPF
NIL instructor
EPP assessor, green level
Wilderness guide
Wilderness first responder Jalle Tango Carbon 210cm Lofoten, Norway https://www.instagram.com/jallestjernberg/
"Jalle" Stjernberg
Jessica Kelley
Hometown: Mazama, WA
WHITEWATER + PACKRAFTING
Jessica Kelley
#404041
Mazama, WA
I worked as a river guide in my early 20s, and then took a break from paddling before purchasing a packraft in 2017. The timing couldn’t have been better, as my boat coincidentally arrived just days after breaking my ankle. While my ankle healed, I dedicated myself to learning everything I could about packrafting. In 2018 I was awarded the Kyle Dempster Solo Adventure Award, and completed a 1,350 mile bikerafting loop in Alaska, paddling the Yukon River with my bike on the bow. My Aquabound Manta Ray served me well during this adventure. Upon returning home from Alaska, I continued packrafting and got reacquainted with whitewater. I now live in a small town in the North Cascades, surrounded by several beautiful mountain rivers, with my husband, child, and dog. My favorite time of day is right after my first sip of coffee, which is ideally right before a day on the river. Manta Ray Methow River https://www.instagram.com/jessi_goes/
Jessica Kelley
Joachim Larssen
Hometown: Nesodde, Norway
SEA KAYAKING
Joachim Larssen
#404041
Nesodde, Norway
For me, kayaking is about following my dreams and connecting to nature. I tried kayaking at the age of 13, but it didn't bite until I was paddling the west coast of Thailand chasing a 7-year-old dream. Next, I found diving and freediving in Asia and North America. After kayaking Thailand I had a growing dream to kayak Norway. In 2019 I made my first trip from Oslo to North Cape exploring mountaintops and deep fjords, and in 2020 I took the technique and instructor kayak course in Norway. In 2021 I made the decision to attempt something never before attempted: kayak Norway from border-to-border and back again. After 233 days and more than 6000km, I made it back to Oslo. My best moments are close encounters with whales and sharks! I love to inspire people, and I try to lead by example by picking up trash everyday.
Barents Sea along the most northern part of Norway, Finnmark
https://www.instagram.com/shibbytraveler/
https://www.facebook.com/ShibbyTraveler
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoN80NFXNnT9HbX7xY32QhA
https://www.shibbytraveler.com/
Joachim Larssen
Johan Grönblad
Hometown: Stockholm, Sweden
SEA KAYAKING + PACKRAFTING
Johan Grönblad
#404041
Stockholm, Sweden
I identify as a hiker seeing my life as a paddler as an extension of the hiking experience. The packraft allows me to hike a few days in to the wild and then to paddle a river back to civilization. It is truly a special kind of adventure. The sea kayak, on the other hand, lets me access the wild in my backyard around my hometown Stockholm. The Swedish word for archipelago (skärgård) means a garden of islands, and that is on point. With just a few hours of paddling you can find untouched islands with glorious views. This is what paddling is to me. Shred Carbon 4-Piece The Stockholm archipelago for sea kayaking and in the far north of Scandinavia for my packrafting adventures https://www.instagram.com/johan_gronblad/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd142QX0_p_vSQbFXJKka2Q
Johan Grönblad
Jonas Alexandersson
Hometown: Mellerud, Sweden
KAYAKING
Jonas Alexandersson
#404041
Mellerud, Sweden
I was born to be on the sea. I grew up in the Swedish countryside with a lot of trees around, but I spent most of my free time in a canoe. At 15, I went to sea to work and eleven years later I was a Captain in the merchant marine. 20 years ago I quit the seaman's life because I was tired of being away from my family for months and got a job as a ship pilot on the Great Lake Vänern in Sweden. About the same time I discovered kayaking!After a few years without any instructions, I slowly got the hang of it and when I finally got some great instructors my kayaking improved a lot. I did my first roll on a NOLS kayak expedition in Alaska and that was like a boost for me. I try to do a longer expedition at least once every year. Alaska, Greenland, Norway, and Croatia are some of the places I've been to. Alaska and Greenland are very close to my heart.
I lead groups on expeditions today and hold classes in paddling technique and rolling, but I find that there are a lot of more accomplished paddlers out there that I humbly learn a lot from.
Accomplishments/Experience
Master Mariner
Wilderness First Responder
Sea kayaker Whiskey Carbon Great Lake Vänern in Sweden https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt_DsajILEQWM4RCBWLNa9w?view_as=public
Jonas Alexandersson
Katja Koskinen
Hometown: Parainen, Finland
PACKRAFTING + WHITEWATER + SEA KAYAKING
Katja Koskinen
#404041
Parainen, Finland
I started packrafting to be able to access remote wilderness lakes in North Finland. Packrafting
enabled completely different kinds of adventures, and soon I also felt drawn to whitewater
paddling. I found new friends from around Scandinavia and the world who shared the same passion for packrafting and outdoors. Although I dream of paddling rivers all over the world, I think Finland and the Nordic countries are truly packrafter paradise with amazing wild nature and there is enough for me to explore for a lifetime. Finland is quite a long country, and as I live south near the sea, I often find myself traveling north to Lapland for longer trips in the wilderness; these adventures are the best. However, in my backyard starts another paradise for sea kayaking in our beautiful archipelago with thousands of islands. I think I’m a lucky girl to live in a place like this. Shred Apart Carbon 4-Piece Wilderness rivers in Scandinavia https://www.instagram.com/katjajohanna80/
Katja Koskinen
Kevin Whitley
Hometown: Norfolk, VA
KAYAKING
Kevin Whitley
#404041
Norfolk, VA
I got into a kayak in 2001 with the intention to do a long distance tour. I immediately began fishing while training for a tour and found the kayak the perfect platform and started fishing heavily. I went on 7 long distance tours with the longest a 4 and a half month, 1,800 mile tour from Pensacola, FL to Virginia.I became more well known for many first in my home waters of the Chesapeake bay. My friends and I were the first to target big red drum on the shoals and big striper in the winter from kayaks. I became the first kayaker to achieve the Virginia Saltwater Expert angler, landing 6 trophy sizes species in a year. In 2007 I achieved it for the second time. In 2011 I became the first kayaking Virginia Saltwater Master angler.
From 2010 to 2014 I produced 4 kayaking DVDs. A three part series on "Kayak Fishing the Chesapeake Bay" and one on the 600 mile 6 week tour of the Chesapeake Bay.
I did the Kayak Kevin Podcast every week for 2015 and 2016 that was fun hanging out with local kayak and boat fishermen In 2017 I did a 16 week tour in the everglades and 10 thousand island area and up the coast of Florida.
The next year I took a break from the saltwater to learned about the rivers of Virginia and smallmouth. I'm lucky here to live by the bay and have rivers that go over the class III fall line rapids and smallmouth bass 100 miles away.
Now when its windy on the Bay which is often can fish or run the whitewater on the rivers. I don't do long tours anymore but I do have some great kayak camping spots that I go to every year on the Chesapeake Bay and the Rappahannock river.
Last year 2020, was a phenomenal year for the big red drum, I landed the most I've ever landed. I had a good year on the smallmouth and learned more in the whitewater. This year should be as good if not better. Tango Carbon for saltwater, Tango Fiberglass for rivers Eastern shore of VA on the saltwater and the Appomattox River fall line run
Kevin Whitley
Laila Johanne Reigstad
Hometown: Bergen/Sotra, Norway
KAYAKING
Laila Johanne Reigstad
#404041
Bergen/Sotra, Norway
Laila Johanne Reigstad lives on the Norwegian west coast, close to the city of Bergen. She has been seakayaking since 2002, when she visited Spitsbergen and got hooked both on the Arctic and kayaking! She has been a happy member of the Aqua Bound family since spring, 2019.
Reigstad’s background is in academia. She holds a doctoral degree in molecular cancer biology, working with human thyroid cancer for a decade. Since then she has led several research groups within the fields of microbiology and even projects related to subseafloor storage of carbondioxide.
In 2015 she decided to take a 6-month break from science to go kayaking in Greenland, with whales in Northern Norway and do some high-altitude kayaking. Well, she never returned to academia and has now lived seven years, full-time, year-round, seakayaking through her own company, ReigstadUnlimited!
Reigstad is a certified kayak instructor in the Norwegian Paddling Association and teaches mostly courses for seakayak beginners as well as guides kayak tours on Norwegian glacier lakes, open ocean and narrow fjords. She still goes up north to northern light land to kayak with humpback whales during the winter, and every summer she guides kayak expeditions in the Greenlandic wilderness. You will see her kayaking the area in the 2022 Aqua Bound film!
In fall 2021 she wrote a sold-out beginners guide to sea kayaking. Since January 2022, Reigstad is the editor of the Norwegian magazine, Padling!
In seakayaks or packrafts, you will always find her with an Aqua Bound Whiskey bent shaft in her hand. Whiskey Carbon Bent Shaft The North Sea exposed Norwegian coastline https://www.facebook.com/ReigstadUnlimited/
Laila Johanne Reigstad
Marcel Bieg
Hometown: Eugene, Oregon
WHITEWATER + SURF KAYAK
Marcel Bieg
#404041
Eugene, Oregon
For me, paddesports is the guiding force that has helped me navigate the trials of life. I started river kayaking in 1994 and soon thereafter began my professional career as a raft guide and kayak instructor. My lover for the outdoors and those first professional experiences pushed me to persue a degree in Experiential Education. I have found success in education and my love for teaching paddlesports has taken me around the planet. I am a multi discipline paddler and though I spend slightly more time in a whitewater boat, I am equally passionate about Sea Kayaking, Rafting and beyond. I love taking new paddlers on the water as much as I enjoy charging challenging water with my trusted crew. Today I work entirely in the adventure education field. Accomplishments/Experience:
• Father/Husband
• MS Experiential Education
• Multi-discipline ACA Instructor to Instructor Trainer Educator Manta Ray Carbon Colorado River https://www.instagram.com/marcelbieg/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/marcel.bieg.142/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5uTZXZoArp82vrw5RIKtTw https://www.eugene-or.gov/749/Outdoor
Marcel Bieg
Maurita Gibson
Hometown: Victoria, British Columbia
SEA KAYAKING
Maurita Gibson
#404041
Victoria, British Columbia
My favourite place to be is anywhere on the water! I work full-time as a sea kayak guide on Vancouver Island with Kingfisher Wilderness Adventures and am pretty lucky to call paddling the waters of Johnstone Strait, Broughton Archipelago and Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site “work!” I grew up canoeing the Great Lakes, but after a family vacation to the west coast, I fell in love with the ocean and have called British Columbia home ever since. I sea kayak to explore remote and otherwise inaccessible areas, educate others about Canada’s incredible coastal ecosystems, and empower paddlers with the skills needed to paddle on their own – I love seeing the “lightbulb moment” as people of all ages and backgrounds realize they are capable! In my spare time I can be found scheming up new trips, rollerblading, and making jewelry. Always more to explore and learn!
Whiskey Carbon 2-Piece Bent Shaft Kayak Paddle
Nootka Sound
https://www.instagram.com/msmaurita/
Maurita Gibson
Molly Hagbrand
Hometown: Salen, Sweden
SEA KAYAKING
Molly Hagbrand
#404041
Salen, Sweden
Every day I spend on the water, my passion for sea kayaking and nature grows. I first started sea kayaking as a part of school. Now I work full-time in outdoor education with sea kayaking being one of my main skills. I love the challenge of having to adapt to the conditions offered by nature and making decisions based on observations. I like the variety kayaking has to offer, anything from the ocean being a mirror to rock-hopping and surf. I have great passion for teaching and find the outdoor classroom the perfect place for me to be in. Helping people develop their skills and share passion for the sport I like so much is very fun to see. I primarily work for NOLS as an instructor leading expeditions, and I can sometimes be found in the Stockholm archipelago guiding or running courses. Some of my favorite places to paddle are Lofoten in Norway, with its fjords and mountains, and Baja in Mexico. Baja offers sunrise paddling with dolphins and white sandy beaches as well as great surf on the Pacific Ocean side. Whiskey Baja, Mexico
Molly Hagbrand
Nick Ray
Hometown: Tobermory, Isle of Mull, Scotland
SEA KAYAKING
Nick Ray
#000000
Tobermory, Isle of Mull, Scotland
I’m fortunate to live in the colourful town of Tobermory on the wild and stunning Isle of Mull on the west coast of Scotland. I am an inveterate sea kayaker who loves nothing more than paddling slowly around the nooks and crannies of Tobermory Bay, hoping to chance upon seals, otters, sea eagles and other amazing coastal life. Immersion in Nature and wildness is elemental for me and sea kayaking is the most obvious way for me to enjoy this. I particularly enjoy long kayaking expeditions when I journey at the pace of nature, reaching beautiful places few get to see. I live with severe and enduring clinical depression which is a constant internal battle for me. I strongly believe in the
curative power of nature and I hope by being open about my illness and my active life in the natural world, I offer insights and awareness for others. I’m grateful and proud to be an ambassador for Aqua Bound.
Whiskey Carbon Straight Shaft
https://www.instagram.com/nick_lifeafloat/
https://www.facebook.com/LifeAfloat
https://youtube.com/c/NickRayLifeAfloat
https://www.lifeafloat.co.uk/
Nick Ray
Peter Tjärnlund
Hometown: Malå, Sweden
WHITEWATER PACKRAFTING
Peter Tjärnlund
#404041
Malå, Sweden
I live in the most northern part of Sweden (Lapland) in a very small village with the wilderness on my doorstep. I can literally start an adventure directly from my house. I have been paddling packraft since 2011. In the beginning I did mostly lake paddling, but since 2016 I have done more and more rivers and whitewater. Every year, me and my closest friends try to go on at least one longer packrafting trip (7-10 days). We also do a couple of shorter trips every year, including roundups.
Beside packrafting I also do Nordic skiing, traditional hiking and MTB. Aqua Bound Shred Many untouched rivers in the north of Sweden https://www.instagram.com/stavros6969/?hl=en https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWsiSxOrixnUqGVAPLCnmJw
Peter Tjärnlund
Rachel Bott
Hometown: Pembrokeshire, Wales
KAYAKING
Rachel Bott
#404041
Pembrokeshire, Wales
As a Pembrokeshire based guide and freelance coach I’m spoiled rotten when it comes to sea kayaking. I love paddling the local coastline; exploring the islands and the waters inbetween.As a marine biologist sea kayaking offers the ideal platform for immersing myself and others into a wealth of wildlife. From here we can get up close and personal with the marine and coastal biodiversity.
I can’t get enough of travelling and exploring new places and if I can do the adventuring in a boat then all is good!
Accomplishments/Experience
Getting through the day!
Packrafting expedition through Wales, from north to south. Paddling the rivers, estuaries and coastlines. Walking over the mountains and bits inbetween (carrying all our kit). #missionwales
The almost circumnavigation of Minorca with a fabulous team of women. The weather prevented our final day! All about the journey anyway right?
Had the privilege to paddle and coach in some jaw dropping locations; Scillies, Seychelles, New Zealand, Maine USA, Norway, Pembrokeshire.
Lead expeditions for British Exploring Society and World Challenge. Taking young people away to adventure and explore new horizons. Rach Whiskey Fiberglass in Fuego Ramsay Island
Rachel Bott
Robert McNamee
Hometown: Sweden
SEA KAYAKING
Robert McNamee
#404041
Sweden
I have fully immersed myself in a wilderness Scandinavian lifestyle. Originally from the UK, I have spent many years guiding multi-day kayaking expeditions in the Sankt Anna and Gryt archipelagos, from late spring into the autumn. I have also worked as a sea kayak guide in northern New Zealand, exploring offshore volcanic caves. In the wintertime, I live 200km within the arctic circle, leading arctic wilderness and northern lights photography excursions in Abisko, northern Sweden. In 2020 I will also be leading multi-day ski touring trips in the beautiful fjälls of Darlana, Sweden.
I have now reached the point in my life where I can share my two true passions in life nature and photography.
Robert McNamee
Sheree Lincoln
Hometown: Fort Myers Beach, Florida
SUP
Sheree Lincoln
#404041
Fort Myers Beach, Florida
My favorite place is on the water. I grew up sailing and started Paddleboarding in 2011. I co-owned a kayak, SUP and canoe outfitter shop and tour company in Northern Michigan for 8 years where I paddled the inland lakes, Lake Michigan and Lake Huron as well as the Class I/II Sturgeon River. Now my focus is teaching Stand Up and guiding.I chose to become a PaddleFit Pro Coach and a World Paddle Association Level 2 Instructor Trainer to certify more instructors and grow the sport!
I offer SUP Yoga & fitness classes and guided paddle adventure tours in Fort Myers Beach, Florida through my company Sea Dog Eco Tours. My business partner and I offer world travel paddle adventure tours through Sea Dog Paddle LLC. I’ve been paddle board racing for 3 years and love the Aquabound Malta Carbon!
My goal is to race more, stay in shape and grow younger than my 61 years. #moretimeonthewater
Accomplishments/Experience
2nd Place Carolina Cup 2017 and 2018 - Harbor Island 3 1/2 Mile Race. 50 and Over.
Sunshine Cup Pompano Beach 2nd Place.
Battle of the Blue Way Fort MYERS Beach 3rd Place. 50 and over.
PaddleFit Pro
WPA Level II Instructor Trainer
Aqua-Bound Pro Athlete
SUP Yoga Cert Malta Carbon Sturgeon River Class I/II http://shereelincoln.com
Sheree Lincoln
Tommy Gram
Hometown: Buena Vista, Colorado
WHITEWATER
Tommy Gram
#404041
Buena Vista, Colorado
My name is Tommy Gram. I have been whitewater kayaking for the past 16 years and Teaching kayaking for the past 10 years. I love spending time on the water in any capacity with students or friends, Class I or Class V. Whitewater Kayaking has brought me all over the place and given me many awesome experiences. I now live in the Upper Arkansas River Valley in Buena Vista Colorado. Accomplishments/Experience
American Canoe Association Whitewater Kayak & Swiftwater Rescue Instructor Trainer Shred Carbon Arkansas River http://www.whitewaterattainment.com
Tommy Gram
Torbjorn Soderholm
Hometown: Grebbestad, Sweden
KAYAKING
Torbjorn Soderholm
#404041
Grebbestad, Sweden
Passionate sea kayaker that been working full time in the industry since 2005. Passion for the outdoors started in the Swedish forests and on the surrounding lakes hiking and fishing. After school and horse back military education I educated myself to be an adventure guide for one year and at the same time ski instructor. Started my own kayak company "Nautopp Kajakcenter Grebbestad" with my wife in 2005 and has loved everything it has offered and teached me along the way. I have during the years gone through several guide and instructors courses both in within "American Canoe Association", "British Canoeing" and "International Sea Kayak Guide Association" you can see my record below. In 2019 I got the pleasure to be an ambassador for Aquabound and these beautiful paddles have propelled my way in various situations and locations with ease ever since. If you ever want to paddle in the west Swedish archipelago let me know and I will gladly give you my best tips on everything from multi day to local play spots. You could also look at our website nautopp.com to book your kayak and/or local guide ACA Level 3 Coastal kayak Instructor - 2014
ACA Level 2 SUP Instructor - 2014
BC Advanced Sea Leader - 2016
ISKGA Advanced Guide - 2016 https://www.instagram.com/torbjorn_soderholm/ https://www.facebook.com/torbjorn.soderholm.1/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTg5eQ-9YqcNZN4rZ4l-J8g
Torbjorn Soderholm
William McCluskey
Hometown: Orkanger, Norway
KAYAKING
William McCluskey
#404041
Orkanger, Norway
Paddling kayak since I was 9 years old, I started paddling whitewater on the rivers of Scotland at fifteen. In my forties I started sea kayaking here in Norway. I paddle all year round preferably in extreme weather conditions, a storm in winter my favourite of all, but a mirror still sea with a beautiful sunset is also appealing. Several marathons behind me, I train for kayaking almost everyday on or off the water. I have also undertaken a small kayak project in association with the community mental health department as I have been advocating the benefits of getting out in nature and the positive effects on mental health, preferably in a kayak. Promoting the benefits of mental health is an ongoing project and the feedback is nothing short of inspirational, a reason to do more of what I love most. Whiskey Carbon https://www.instagram.com/williammccluskey/ https://www.facebook.com/Orklandskysten-107778854450833 https://www.kayakphotography.com/