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.
![Eric Jackson](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Alejandro_Strong_800x.png?v=1718808791)
Alejandro Strong
Hometown: Maine, USA
Packraft
![](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Alejandro_Strong_1000x.png?v=1718808791)
Alejandro Strong
![Eric Jackson](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Beth_poliquin_bio_pic_800x.png?v=1678980696)
Beth Poliquin
Hometown: Maine
KAYAKING + SUP
![](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Beth_poliquin_bio_pic_1000x.png?v=1678980696)
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
ACE certified personal trainer Tango Carbon Bent Shaft Kailua, HI and Lake Superior's North Shore
Beth Poliquin
![Eric Jackson](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Bree_Roberts_177a7d89-c074-4bac-b117-aed304d6e9df_800x.png?v=1720723632)
Bree Roberts
Hometown: Canada
Sea Kayak
![](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Bree_Roberts_177a7d89-c074-4bac-b117-aed304d6e9df_1000x.png?v=1720723632)
Bree Roberts
![Eric Jackson](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Caj_Koskinen_800x.png?v=1718809120)
Caj Koskinen
Hometown: Parainen, Finland
Packraft
![](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Caj_Koskinen_1000x.png?v=1718809120)
Caj Koskinen
![Eric Jackson](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/ChrisHarstadSquare_800x.png?v=1650899134)
Christian Harstad
Hometown: Bergen, Norway
SEA KAYAKING
![](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/ChrisHarstadSquare_1000x.png?v=1650899134)
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 Harstad
![Eric Jackson](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Untitled_design_8_683423b8-a6ef-4cdb-b5d1-e3c5c2df3bf7_800x.png?v=1647374514)
Dan Ransom
Hometown: Redmond, OR
PACKRAFTING
![](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Untitled_design_8_683423b8-a6ef-4cdb-b5d1-e3c5c2df3bf7_1000x.png?v=1647374514)
Dan Ransom
![Eric Jackson](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Dane_Hallinan_800x.png?v=1718808932)
Dane Hallinan
Hometown: Australia
Sea Kayak
![](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Dane_Hallinan_1000x.png?v=1718808932)
Dane Hallinan
![Eric Jackson](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/David_Horkan_800x.png?v=1644010452)
David Horkan
Hometown: Ballina, Ireland
SEA KAYAKING + WHITEWATER
![](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/David_Horkan_1000x.png?v=1644010452)
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
![Eric Jackson](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Devin_Ashley_Brown_Bio_Pic_Square_1MB_800x.png?v=1714404196)
Devin Ashely Brown
Hometown: Minneapolis, MN
Kayaking
![](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Devin_Ashley_Brown_Bio_Pic_Square_1MB_1000x.png?v=1714404196)
Kayaker and Advocate
Devin Ashley Brown is a passionate paddler and community advocate based in Minnesota, with a deep connection to the Mississippi River. Devin's love for kayaking is deeply rooted in its meditative nature and the spiritual connection it provides to her. Paddling is an experience that opens parts of her heart and mind that remain inaccessible on land.
Devin decided to move to Minneapolis after becoming captivated by the Mississippi River's energy and vibrancy it brings to Minneapolis. In June of 2022, Devin entered the MR48, a nearly 50-mile race on the Mississippi River. She wanted to quit around mile 26, but her belief in the ability to wade through life’s challenges and a deep breath empowered her to dig deep. She took first place in the solo women’s division, completing the race in 6 hours and 13 minutes. She was the only woman of color in her heat, and one of just a few people of color in all the races.
Now Devin wants to help everyone learn the lessons the river has to teach. She wants to help her community reconnect with themselves and achieve their highest potential, as she did, through the nurturing waters of the Mississippi. As she pursued her paddling journey and found work with various outdoor companies, Devin faced challenges related to racial discrimination and inequities in outdoor activities. She uses her experiences to bring attention to the systemic issues that prevent BIPOC communities from accessing nature and engaging in paddling sports. Devin is dedicated to introducing more people who look like her to the joy of water sports.
In 2023, outside of her own business and instructing, Devin partnered with the Mississippi Park Connection (official friends group of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area) to offer kayaking classes tailored to Black and Brown communities. That summer, Devin introduced over 100 people of color and girls to kayaking on the Mississippi River. Her efforts were met with enthusiasm when she transitioned to a full-time role as Community Programs Manager. Devin's work has brought her together with other melanated paddlers across the country. Their shared stories of facing verbal assaults on the water further underscore the importance of their mission to create inclusive and safe spaces in the paddling community.
In her upcoming source-to-sea paddle down the Mississippi River, Devin aims to become the first Black woman to complete the 2,340 mile (3766 km) journey from the river's headwaters in Itasca, Minnesota, to mile 0 in the Gulf of Mexico in New Orleans. This adventure is a personal achievement, a tribute to those without a record, and a way to honor her ancestors. Through her paddling journey, Devin Ashley Brown continues to inspire and advocate for change. Her courage, resilience, and dedication to the sport serve as a guiding light for those who seek to find healing and connection on the water. Stay updated on Devin's journey and adventures by following her on Linktree and supporting her incredible work to create an inclusive paddling community. Whiskey Fiberglass Mississippi River https://www.instagram.com/Afrodiskayak https://linktr.ee/afrodiskayak
Devin Ashely Brown
![Eric Jackson](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Harold_Born_800x.png?v=1720724225)
Harald Born
Hometown: Sweden
Packraft
![](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Harold_Born_1000x.png?v=1720724225)
Harald Born
![Eric Jackson](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Hector_Bustamante_800x.png?v=1721165856)
Hector Bustamante V.
Hometown: Chile
Sea Kayak
![](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Hector_Bustamante_1000x.png?v=1721165856)
Hector Bustamante V.
![Eric Jackson](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Jacob_Kastrup_Haagensen_800x.png?v=1718809532)
Jacob Kastrup Haagensen
Hometown: Sweden
Packraft
![](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Jacob_Kastrup_Haagensen_1000x.png?v=1718809532)
Jacob Kastrup Haagensen
![Eric Jackson](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Jalle_Stjernberg_800x.png?v=1718809867)
"Jalle" Stjernberg
Hometown: Göteborg, Sweden
KAYAKING
![](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Jalle_Stjernberg_1000x.png?v=1718809867)
"Jalle" Stjernberg
![Eric Jackson](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Jeff_Creamer_800x.png?v=1718809977)
Jeffrey Creamer
Hometown: Mancos, CO
PACKRAFTING
![](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Jeff_Creamer_1000x.png?v=1718809977)
Jeffrey Creamer
![Eric Jackson](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Jeremie_Lamart_800x.png?v=1718810045)
Jeremie Lamart
Hometown: Stockholm, Sweden
WHITEWATER + PACKRAFTING
![](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Jeremie_Lamart_1000x.png?v=1718810045)
Jeremie Lamart
![Eric Jackson](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Jessica_Kelley_800x.png?v=1718810119)
Jessica Kelley
Hometown: Mazama, WA
WHITEWATER + PACKRAFTING
![](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Jessica_Kelley_1000x.png?v=1718810119)
Jessica Kelley
![Eric Jackson](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/joachim_larssen_800x.jpg?v=1645655057)
Joachim Larssen
Hometown: Nesodden, Norway
SEA KAYAKING
![](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/joachim_larssen_1000x.jpg?v=1645655057)
Joachim Larssen
![Eric Jackson](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Johan_Gronblad_800x.png?v=1720724354)
Johan Grönblad
Hometown: Sweden
Packraft
![](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Johan_Gronblad_1000x.png?v=1720724354)
Johan Grönblad
![Eric Jackson](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Jonas_Alexandersson_800x.png?v=1718810200)
Jonas Alexandersson
Hometown: Sweden
Sea Kayak
![](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Jonas_Alexandersson_1000x.png?v=1718810200)
Jonas Alexandersson
![Eric Jackson](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Katja_Koskinen_photo_800x.png?v=1660052340)
Katja Koskinen
Hometown: Parainen, Finland
Packraft
![](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Katja_Koskinen_photo_1000x.png?v=1660052340)
Katja Koskinen
![Eric Jackson](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Untitled_design_4d4e8768-de62-4e38-9441-f5d46dfbb343_800x.png?v=1667226931)
Ken Whiting
Hometown: Beachburg, ON, Canada
KAYAKING + WHITEWATER
![](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Untitled_design_4d4e8768-de62-4e38-9441-f5d46dfbb343_1000x.png?v=1667226931)
Ken is also the host of and Producer of Facing Waves –North America’s only paddling focused TV Series. Now in its 9th season, Facing Waves is a travel TV series where Ken discovers cultures, landscapes and paddling adventures that surround amazing travel destinations around the world. Whiskey Fiberglass https://www.instagram.com/paddle365/?hl=en https://www.youtube.com/user/PaddleTV https://in4adventure.com/paddling-home/
Ken Whiting
![Eric Jackson](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Kevin_Whitley_32138811-a158-424b-b366-e30ec3f5e379_800x.png?v=1718810336)
Kevin Whitley
Hometown: Norfolk, VA
KAYAKING
![](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Kevin_Whitley_32138811-a158-424b-b366-e30ec3f5e379_1000x.png?v=1718810336)
Kevin Whitley
![Eric Jackson](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Laila_Reigstad_AB_Bio_800x.png?v=1659452455)
Laila Johanne Reigstad
Hometown: Bergen/Sotra, Norway
KAYAKING
![](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Laila_Reigstad_AB_Bio_1000x.png?v=1659452455)
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
![Eric Jackson](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Lars_Klueser_800x.png?v=1718810404)
Lars Klüser
Hometown: Germany
Sea Kayak
![](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Lars_Klueser_1000x.png?v=1718810404)
Lars Klüser
![Eric Jackson](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Marcel_Bieg_bio_Pic_800x.png?v=1674571347)
Marcel Bieg
Hometown: Eugene, Oregon
WHITEWATER + SURF KAYAK
![](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Marcel_Bieg_bio_Pic_1000x.png?v=1674571347)
Accomplishments/Experience:
• Father/Husband
• MS Experiential Education
• Multi-discipline ACA Instructor to Instructor Trainer Educator Manta Ray Carbon Colorado River, Grand Canyon 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
![Eric Jackson](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Untitled_design_10_800x.png?v=1645561503)
Molly Hagbrand
Hometown: Sweden
Sea Kayak
![](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Untitled_design_10_1000x.png?v=1645561503)
Molly Hagbrand
![Eric Jackson](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Nick_Ray_photo_a1bb1abe-6282-459d-a69a-c4b8f3e8dca0_800x.png?v=1660052821)
Nick Ray
Hometown: Tobermory, Isle of Mull, Scotland
SEA KAYAKING
![](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Nick_Ray_photo_a1bb1abe-6282-459d-a69a-c4b8f3e8dca0_1000x.png?v=1660052821)
Nick Ray
![Eric Jackson](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/peter_tjarnlund_packraft_800x.jpg?v=1645719849)
Peter Tjärnlund
Hometown: Malå, Sweden
WHITEWATER PACKRAFTING
![](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/peter_tjarnlund_packraft_1000x.jpg?v=1645719849)
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
![Eric Jackson](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Rachel_Bott_Bio_800x.png?v=1613291679)
Rachel Bott
Hometown: Pembrokeshire, Wales
SEA KAYAKING
![](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Rachel_Bott_Bio_1000x.png?v=1613291679)
As a guide in Pembroekshire I have the privilege of guiding and instructing folks around some of the most spectacular scenery in the world (not biased at all!!). Sea kayaking also takes me over-seas guiding, instructing and exploring and I have found this to be one of the most powerful vehicles for exploring the mind as well as the coastlines!
I work as a freelance guide and coach for a number of local companies such as Sea Kayak Guides Pembrokeshire and I love working with different groups such as women specific weekends, mixed ability development or leadership qualifications. The beauty of sea kayaking is that it's accessible for everyone, what are you waiting for??!! Rach Tango North Pembrokeshire https://www.instagram.com/rachlette_b/?hl=en
Rachel Bott
![Eric Jackson](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Reidar_Sether_Bio_Pic_800x.png?v=1674572219)
Reidar Sether
Hometown: Trondheim, Norway
Sea Kayak
![](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Reidar_Sether_Bio_Pic_1000x.png?v=1674572219)
Reidar Sether
![Eric Jackson](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/rob_800x.jpg?v=1613633321)
Robert McNamee
Hometown: Sweden
SEA KAYAKING
![](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/rob_1000x.jpg?v=1613633321)
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
![Eric Jackson](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Tomasz_Furmanek_800x.png?v=1718810526)
Tomasz Furmanek
Hometown: Norway
Sea Kayak, Packraft
![](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Tomasz_Furmanek_1000x.png?v=1718810526)
Tomasz Furmanek
![Eric Jackson](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Willy_Heindel_800x.png?v=1718810633)
Willy Heindel
Hometown: WI, USA
Whitewater
![](http://aquabound.com/cdn/shop/files/Willy_Heindel_1000x.png?v=1718810633)