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ProStaff Team
Our ProStaffers are a team of individuals that are passionate about paddlesports and love sharing their adventures and experiences.
Beth Poliquin
Hometown: Grand Marais, Minnesota
KAYAKING + SUP
Beth Poliquin
#404041
Grand Marais, Minnesota
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. I enjoyed getting to explore new areas and test my skills in waves. A good swell meant taking surf boats out and brushing up on those white water skills. After a couple years 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'm now the General Manager and have the privilege of leading a great team of people who love the outdoors and helping people experience it safely.
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.
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 and Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
KAYAK FISHING
Bill Schultz
#404041
New Berlin and Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
Like many, I was introduced to fishing as a youngster by my Dad. Also, like many, I drifted away from it until 25 years ago when I was again bitten by the fishing bug in 1992. For the past 27 years my fishing has grown into a Smallmouth Bass obsession. I caught my first smallie in 1994 and have caught and released over 22,500 since. Over the past 18 years this has led to writing dozens of articles on Smallmouth Bass, kayak fishing and fishing in general. I have also given talks and seminars at numerous large sports shows in Wisconsin and Illinois, plus speaking at many fishing clubs. I've also had the pleasure of appearing on several TV and radio programs, along with being featured in quite a few fishing articles.Accomplishments/Experience
* Pro Staffs: Bending Branches Paddles, Aqua-Bound Paddles, Jackson Kayak, Malone Auto Racks, St. Croix Rods, Kalin's Lures, RAM Mounts, Yar-Craft Boats and Mercury Marine. Along with sponsorships by an additional 15 fishing and outdoor companies.
* Seminars: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Sports Show ( 12 times since 2001), Chicagoland Outdoor Show ( 9 times, 2004-2019), Madison Fishing Expo (4 times, 2003-2018), Bass Pro Shops Fishing Classic, Chicago (each year since 2003), NE Wisconsin Fishin' Show ( 3 times, 2011-2016), Wisconsin Smallmouth Alliance (5 times, 2007-2017) and Canoecopia (largest paddle sports expo in US, (10 times, 2010-2019).
* Events: Created "Smallie Night Out" in 2011 and this “evening” event has sold out nine years in a row. Created the very successful, "Smallie Weekend in Door County" in 2012.
* Feature in articles: Bassmaster Magazine (2001 & 2003), Outdoor Life (2001), Wisconsin Sportsman (2008), Sunday edition Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (8 times since 2008) and Kayak Angler Magazine ( 6 times since 2011) and Badger Sportsman Magazine (4 times since 2017)
* Published articles: www.lake-link.com (top national fishing web site), www.riversmallies.com , www.doorcountydailynews.com and www.kayakfish.eu. Tango Carbon World Class Smallmouth Bass Fishery of Sturgeon Bay, WI on Green Bay and Lake Michigan
Bill Schultz
Chantal Clarke
Hometown: Robina, Australia
SUP
Chantal Clarke
#404041
Robina, Australia
Aqua-Bound's influence extends south to the Land Down Under, where one of newest recruits is Chantal Clarke. Owner of SUP Wilderness Adventures (www.supwildernessadventures.com) - the world's largest operator and distributor of stand up paddleboard adventure tours and expeditions - Chantal started paddling canoes at the tender age of 5, before getting hooked on paddleboards in 2013.
These days, most of Chantal's paddling is recreational coastal touring, swift water river adventures or the exploration of rapids and caves by SUP. Each month, she's in another country, breaking-in new waterways and introducing SUP-virgins to the sport. (Her oldest recruit? A 78 year-young woman who took on one of Vanuatu's jungle rivers and won!)
Although most people opt for lighter-weight fibreglass paddles, Chantal's travels tend to take her to remote jungle locations without roads or cell phone coverage. As she says' "...if your paddle and board aren't tough and reliable, then you'll soon find yourself in a whole bunch of strife!'
Chantal chose Aqua-Bound's ultra-durable 4-piece Freedom-85 SUP paddle; a model that is compact enough to travel safely in her board-bag, yet strong enough to take any kind of rough treatment the rapids dish out.
What's in store for Chantal in 2019? NZ, Lombok, Komodo, the Solomon Islands, Galapagos Islands, Vanuatu, Bora Bora, Laos, Croatia, Viet Nam, the Philippines and her local stomping ground: Australia.
SUP Wilderness Adventures
Journeys of Discovery
www.supwildernessadventures.com
Two Llamas
Environmental & Social Projects
www.twollamas.org.au Freedom 85 4-Piece http://www.supwildernessadventures.com
Chantal Clarke
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
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
Hans-Petter Frøhaug
Hometown: Alta, Norway
KAYAKING
Hans-Petter Frøhaug
#000000
Alta, Norway
Hans-Petter has completed a bachelor's degree in outdoor activities and nature-based guidance at UIT, The Arctic University of Norway. He loves to be outdoor and experience wilderness and untouched nature. He is passionate about kayaking and skiing. He is an educated activity leader for sea kayaking from the Norwegian paddle federation (NPF).In the study year 2015/16 he spent a whole year at Svalbard where he took an Arctic Nature Guide education (ANG) and worked for Hurtigruta Svalbard. Hans-Petter has experience with hiking trips, snowmobile trips, ice caving, beltwagon trips, kayak expeditions and ski expeditions. In may 2016 he went on a 14-days ski expedition to the higest mountain on Svalbard with guests.
He is now working as an guide manager for "NORD Ekspedisjon", and also do some guiding himself. He is also the deputy chairman of the local kayak club in Alta.
Accomplishments/Experience
Educated Arctic Nature Guide (ANG) - working as a kayak guide
Educated Activity leader according to the Norwegian Paddle Federation - NPF
Responsible for the sea kayak courses in the local kayak club in Alta, Norway Whiskey Carbon Kayaking https://www.instagram.com/hpfant/
Hans-Petter Frøhaug
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
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
Jim Russell
Hometown: Watsonville, California
FISHING
Jim Russell
#404041
Watsonville, California
I grew up fishing the offshore oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico with my Dad, started diving at the age of 15, and have been hooked on kayak fishing/diving since the first time I tried it here in California. I love the adventure of paddling out in my kayak and diving off to see what kinds of fish, abalone, or other critters I can find. Monterey Bay is literally in my back yard, but I also like exploring up and down the coast from Big Sur to Humboldt County. I’m looking forward to many more paddling and diving adventures with my Aqua-Bound paddle!Accomplishments/Experience
*Three time and current California State Diving Record Holder for Monkeyface Prickleback
*Winner of the Gimme Shelter IV Kayak Fishing Tourney in 2010
*Winner of the NorCal Kayak Angler's Diver Of The Year competition in 2013
*Winner of the Top2Bottom2 KayakFishing and Freedive Spearfishing Contest in 2015 Aqua-Bound Surge Carbon Monterey Bay
Jim Russell
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
After 21 years working as a scientist at the University of Bergen, Norway, Laila Reigstad now works fulltime with 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: Farmington, New Mexico
KAYAKING
Marcel Bieg
#404041
Farmington, New Mexico
I owe so much to paddle sports; my character, passions, personality, relationships and even my life. I have always believed in a balanced life, so for me, if I owe something or someone one I better make good on it. This may be by repaying my teachers by continuing their teachings, honoring a mentor by becoming a mentor, or simply trying to convey the joy I have felt within an activity to others who could grow their lives through the activity.
This is why I am so dedicated to experiential education and kayak instruction. I want not only to provide people the opportunity to learn to paddle, but ultimately learn to grow as people, individuals and within their community. The best way for me to do this and ensure success for these individuals is learning how to be the best teacher I can be. The ACA has provided me with the tools to be a paddle instructor and the rest of my education has provided me with the knowledge to be a reasonable life instructor. Together I have been able to use paddle sports as the mechanism for growth.I feel so much passion is missing in our world today due to several factors. I believe art, dance, science, and nature can all aid in reviving some of this passion. Paddle sport is my main instrument in reestablishing this idea and love for life. By insuring that I am teaching to the highest standards of quality has aided in planting this passion in so many students; many of which I would have never connected with without the experiences I have had through my own paddling path.
Accomplishments/Experience
Competition
1st Place Rodeo- Nenana River Festival Alaska 1998,
1st Place Rodeo- Mother’s Day Rio Grande River Festival 2006,
3rd Place Rodeo- Pueblo River Festival 2008 and 2009. I also have the following designations:
American Canoe Association Instructor Trainer WW Kayak Level IV,
American Canoe Association Instructor Trainer Examiner Candidate WW Raft Level IV,
American Canoe Association Instructor Trainer Candidate Coastal Kayak Level IV,
American Canoe Association Instructor Trainer Swift Water Rescue Level V,
American Canoe Association Instructor SUP Level II Manta Ray Carbon http://www.sanjuancollege.edu/outdoor
Marcel Bieg
Marianne Nysted
Hometown: North Zealand, Denmark
KAYAKING
Marianne Nysted
#404041
North Zealand, Denmark
I’m a Danish IPP sea kayak instructor-2. I teach students in my local community and I participate actively in my kayak club. I paddle every day all year round and try to inspire everyone who comes by, with images seen from the kayak.Motivation: Denmark has more than 7300 km of coastline, so we are never far away from the water. I hope my pictures can motivate everyone to go out and use the nature that is right out there. Tango Carbon Roskilde Fjord
Marianne Nysted
Nick Sander
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
KAYAKING + WHITEWATER
Nick Sander
#404041
Chicago, Illinois
Growing up near Lake Michigan made water sports the summer activity of choice. Before I could walk was sitting in kayaks, on sailboats, and enjoying all that Lake Michigan had to offer. I have been lucky enough to continue to to pursue these passions in my young adult life. When I left for college in Oregon I started paddling with a little more intensity. I quickly got into whitewater kayaking and expedition based sea kayaking all over the west coast, Canada, and Mexico. Kayaking has become my life, it gets me out of bed in the morning and after a long day returns the favor by making me tired and putting me to sleep.I am now a kayak instructor and guide in Oregon and Chicago. I am passionate about education and staying safe on the water. I am always trying to get more paddlers on the water and look forward to using my skills to connect more people with the sport and find the same joy I find in paddling.
I would not be the paddler I am today without my family and friends they accompany me on adventures and inspire me to push the sport.
Let go paddling sometime! Whiskey Carbon Lake Michigan and Mckenzie River, Oregon
Nick Sander
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
#025589
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
KAYAKING
Torbjorn Soderholm
#000000
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
