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Gorge Paddling Instructors and Guides
"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 the past nine years. An avid waterman and traveler, Kani has paddled, sailed, or surfed in various locations around the world. |
"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. |
"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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