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Gorge Paddling Instructors and Guides (Past and Present)
"Whether it's teaching others or paddling with friends, one of my greatest joys is paddling the beautiful rivers here in the gorge ." - Kani Rowland
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Kani Rowland
Gorge Paddling owner and instructor, Kani Rowland, moved to Hood River from Kodiak, Alaska. He opened Gorge Paddling in 2001 to teach others the water sport he enjoys so much. He has taught whitewater kayaking and has paddled rivers in the Columbia River Gorge for many years. An avid waterman and traveler, Kani has paddled, sailed, or surfed in various locations around the world. |
"Kayaking has brought me to some of the most beautiful places in the world, introduced me to some of the most amazing people, and taught me more than I could have ever imagined!"
- Kate Wagner
Kate Wagner
Kate grew up on the water, but being from the flatlands of South Dakota, had to stick to a canoe. So when she moved to the Pacific Northwest it seemed only natural to begin kayaking. Kate took her first lesson five years ago and has been on the water 4 or 5 days a week since. She has been on paddling trips around the US as well as international destinations. Kate loves being on the river. Whether it is a challenging new run, helping beginners learn the basics, or competing or helping in an event, there will be a smile on her face.
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"The reason I got into kayaking was because I love water sports and wanted to experience the outdoors." - Joey Yeaple
Joey Yeaple
Joey Yeaple took up kayaking in 1989, in Washington, DC, and began training for the Olympics in 1990. She became ACA certified to teach kayaking in 1991, and has been teaching kayaking ever since. In 1992 and 1996, Joey qualified for the Olympic trials. Joey is a wonderful kayaking instructor. Her specialty is teaching efficient and precision paddling strokes.
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"Kayaking has become a way of life; I can't imagine a better way to live." - Andy Round
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Andy Round
Moving to the gorge area from Great Britain, Andy has been adventure kayaking for the last 20 years. He has paddled whitewater, sea kayaked, kayak surfed, and guided rafts all over the world. To date, he has kayaked throughout Europe, Nepal, Costa Rica, Ecuador, New Zealand, Fiji, Mexico, Canada, Tibet, and the US (including Alaska). He has completed 30 first descents in Ecuador, England, Tibet, New Zealand, and the French Alps. He has competed in freestyle kayaking and extreme down river racing for roughly 10 years. He was a member of the British freestyle team in 1997-1998 and the British kayak surfing champion in 1996.
Andy now operates his own kayak school called Precision Kayaking and will also be available to teach our advanced lessons. His website is www.precisionkayaking.com |
"Rivers are my life! Whether kayaking, rafting or swimming, the water is essential to my life. I love to teach people about rivers. It’s my passion." - Amy Besch
Amy Besch
Amy Besch grew up in Washington State paddling the rivers of the Olympic Peninsula at the young age of 7 years and has not looked back since. She became an ACA certified instructor in 2000 and has taught all over the Pacific Northwest, Baja California and Ecuador. Amy has a lot of enthusiasm for beginners and helps each student build confidence in feeling comfortable in their kayak.
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Tom Slye
Special Kudos to Tom Slye for taking all the great photos and for his help with our kayaking trips! |
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