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

Beth Poliquin
Hometown: Maine
KAYAKING + SUP

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

(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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Johan Grönblad
Hometown: Stockholm, Sweden
SEA KAYAKING + PACKRAFTING

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

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

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

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

Her base is among the small islands and islets at Sotra, west of Bergen on the Norwegian West Coast. Reigstad teaches beginner and intermediate padling courses year around.
Every week 20 padlers attend her two padling carousels enjoying 4 mid-week hours of padling featuring all from open ocean padling, and fishing from the kayak, to baking cinnamon rolls on an islet, padling in the pitch black winter evenings, and rescue training in waves.
In winther you find her padling with orcas and humpbacks in Northern Norway, and in summer among icebergs in Greenland, where she hosts 10-days padling expeditions with the main ingredients being kayak, tent, local food, hiking boots and a swimsuit!
Accomplishments/Experience
Reigstad is certified as a padling instructor by the Norwegian Padling Accociation by 2016.
She holds a PhD in Molecular Biology and PostDoc in Environmental Microbiology, and have led several research groups within Microbiology and Geobiology.
Host of the kayakfestival "Havgapet Padlefestival" in Sotra in May, together with Lundhaug Adventures. 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

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

Molly Hagbrand
Hometown: Salen, Sweden
SEA KAYAKING

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

Peter Tjärnlund
Hometown: Malå, Sweden
WHITEWATER PACKRAFTING

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

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

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

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

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

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

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/