Marc Girardin
Age: I can't tell you all my secrets
Number of Years Kayaking: 8 (not enough)
Hometown: Bordeaux (France)
Backyard Run: At the moment the Rio Orosi (Costa Rica), and play any time on Atlantic Ocean.
Why did you learn to kayak: To spend good times with my friends, to have a good feeling while I'm on the water and to discover new interesting places!
Favorite river and run: The White Nile (Uganda), Cauteret (France), Rio reventazon (Costa Rica), and so many more.
Favorite Play Spot: Bussy (Ottawa), Lyon, La Malate, La Scie (France), Nile Special (Uganda)
Greatest Accomplishment:
C1 Silver medalist 2007 World Freestyle Championships, Canada.
C1 Silver medalist 2005 World Freestyle Championships, Australia.
C1 and K1 Silver medalist 2006 Nile River Festival, Uganda.
First descent in Costa Rica on the Rio Volcan.
Interesting or funny anecdote others wouldn't know about you:
Anytime when we try a “bread race” I lost....(If I tell you what a “bread race” is..I’d have to kill you)
Favorite quote: “Can you see where the water is going? Take this way…it's the best!”
Anything else you would like to include:
Europe is a great place where you can spend time kayaking on perfect wave like Lyon, La Malate or La Scie. It’s also an amazing place for steep creeking, like Pyrenees and the Alps. I know it's expensive but I still welcome everyone to come for a visit. Thanks to WRSI for a great helmet!


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Katie Scott
Age: 20
Number of Years Kayaking: 6
Hometown: Lotus, CA
Backyard Run: American River
Why did you learn to kayak: My brother Jake made me so he would have somebody to kayak with.
Favorite river and run: Upper Cherry and Fantasy Falls - California, Lohit River - India
Favorite Play Spot: Nile Special
Greatest Accomplishment:
Taking down Charlie Center in a wrestling match.
Favorite quote: "Everybody dies, but does everyone really live" Braveheart


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Kristin Bierle
Age: 24
Number of Years Kayaking: 11
Hometown: Cornelius, NC
Backyard Run: Payette River, Idaho
Why did you learn to kayak: My older sister was learning to kayak while I was still in a canoe with Dad. I insisted on doing anything she did - and I fell in love with it a few years after trying to keep up with her.
Favorite river and run: This past year in Chile I ran the Rio Enco with a group of beginner students. It is a fantastic river for instruction, with big waves and deep rapids but few obstacles and low consequences. The students loved it and so did I- they were able to experience bigger water without having to worry about them getting pushed around and getting into trouble. We had a blast.
Favorite Play Spot: Climax, Payette River, Idaho
Greatest Accomplishment:
Believing in myself enough to make our (Sean and my) dream happen - ALZAR SCHOOL
Interesting or funny anecdote others wouldn't know about you:
I was a unicycle performer for halftime shows for the Charlotte Hornets (professional basketball team) when I was in elementary school.
Favorite quote: "Don't sit upon the shoreline and say you're satisfied- choose to chance the rapids and dare to dance that tide." – Garth


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Sean Bierle
Age: 26
Number of Years Kayaking: 8
Hometown: Boise, Idaho
Backyard Run: Payette River, Idaho
Why did you learn to kayak: I started out working as a raft guide on the Payette and fell in love with rivers. Learning to kayak was a natural progression which allowed me to explore more rivers around the world. Kayaking is one of those activities that you start doing and the next thing you know you are jonesing for your next chance to get in a boat.
Favorite river and run: The Rio Achibueno, in Chile... Crystal clear water with great boulders to thread in and out of... what more could I ask for?
Favorite Play Spot: The Bladder Wave, Payette River
Greatest Accomplishment:
My wife Kristin and I started the Alzar School, designed to give teenagers a chance to develop their leadership skills through the challenge of the outdoors.
Interesting or funny anecdote others wouldn't know about you:
I once ate a cricket lollipop... and loved it. You see, I majored in Entomology at the University of Florida and while teaching frequently tell students a "bug fact of the day." After a semester with me going on about insects, a couple of students found and brought me a cricket lollipop. I had no choice but eat it and love it.
Favorite quote: "We should come home from adventures, and perils, and discoveries every day with new experience and character" - Henry David Thoreau
Anything else you would like to include:
The Alzar School (http://www.alzarschool.com) is a dedicated to providing educational expeditions for teenagers around the United States and the world. We know from experience that when they are challenged they will elevate themselves and achieve great things. It is our mission to help students find opportunities to realize their potential. In 2008, we will be taking groups to the Ottawa, Western Maryland, and Mexico. We are also organizing a slalom competition for kids in Western North Carolina's summer camps.


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Charlie Mix
Age: 22
Number of Years Kayaking: 8
Hometown: Grew up in Heflin, AL/currently living and going to school in Jacksonville, AL
Backyard Run: Little River Canyon and its tribs (Alabama)
Why did you learn to kayak: It looked really fun, so my Dad and I got into it together and I haven't stopped loving it since.
Favorite river and run: Little River Canyon because I owe so much to that place. Oh Be Joyful and the Green come to mind too, just because they're such great training grounds.
Favorite Play Spot: Put in waves of the New River Dries
Greatest Accomplishment:
Being able to keep good grades and still getting to go kayaking as much as possible
Interesting or funny anecdote others wouldn't know about you:
My middle name is Merlin, a lot of people think that's funny...
Favorite quote:Live free or die
Anything else you would like to include:
Come down to 'bama and check out some dirty south paddling!!!
Check out the Bama Boys BLOG:
http://bama-boys.blogspot.com/

Mathieu Coldebella
Age: 19
Number of Years Kayaking: 8
Hometown: Erce, France (Pyrenees) but studying in the French Alps (Chambery)
Backyard Run: Austria, East Canada
Why did you learn to kayak: I started it at school in physical education, afterwards I practiced in the nearest club, in Seix (that's not a joke ;-)
Favorite river and run: Garbet gorges (2 minutes walking from my family house), Ottawa River (CA), Otz river (Austria)
Favorite Play Spot: Hawaii sur Rhone, Inner City Wave
Greatest Accomplishment:
European and French Junior Champion
Interesting or funny anecdote others wouldn't know about you:
Do you know what I am called in France? The Bear, I think you can imagine why...
Favorite quote:It “makes or breaks”
Anything else you would like to include:
Here in Chambery there are a lot of other sports you can practice. For sure you can ski, but you can learn to Long board, Rock Climb, and many other things too. Of course kayaking.
There are numerous good freestyle and creek spots all around. All those who pass near to me and who need a roof to sleep are welcome, my home is yours. Thanks to WRSI for making safe helmets.


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James Thorp
Age: 27
Number of Years Kayaking: 14
Hometown: Hobart, Tasmania...come visit (http://goboatingaus.blogspot.com)
Backyard Run: The Broad River- (a sweet little creek run)
Why did you learn to kayak: I wanted to learn to kayak cause I like water and jumping off things, and exploring crazy corners of the world.
Favorite river and run: The Franklin River (Tasmania)
Greatest Accomplishment: Surviving 14 years of kayaking with only 3 shoulder reconstructions and a few concussions - Represented Australia on the Jr. National Slalom Team.
Favorite quote: 'Be Yourself, cause everyone else is taken' Oscar Wilde.
Where can you find me on the water: Canada (BC), Mexico, Tasmania and New Zealand of course!


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Christine Clark
Age: 22
Number of Years Kayaking: 3
Hometown: Evergreen, CO
Backyard Run: Clear Creek
Why did you learn to kayak: I started out rafting with friends but I didn't like not being in total control as a passenger. Kayaking seemed to be more of an individual sport. I learned to kayak with the CU kayak Club in Boulder.
Favorite river and run: My favorite rivers are the Merced in Cali and the Ojo Frio near Cuidad Valles in S.L.P., Mexico. Picking a favorite run is like picking a favorite flavor of ice cream; there are just too many independent variables. But if I had to pick one right now, I would pick Micos; I love the clean waterfalls and dropping 380 ft in less than a mile is a pretty awesome feeling.
Favorite Play Spot: Salida Play Park
Greatest Accomplishment:
Getting others as excited about boating as I am.
Interesting or funny anecdote others wouldn't know about you:
When I get bored I build huge basswood models of cities and buildings that I randomly design in my brain.
Favorite quote: "Those that put you down for trying too hard are unable to compete at your level." - Francisco Gonama
Anything else you would like to include:
I am super excited to be part of the WRSI TEAM. I hope that my presence on the team serves as an inspiration to other girls out there, and also as an example that girls can look good and kick ass on the river at the same time!


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Scott Ligare
Age: 30
Number of Years Kayaking: 15
Hometown: Lotus, CA
Backyard Run: American River
Why did you learn to kayak: I guess because all of my buddies were doing it.
Favorite river and run: Marsyangdi River - Nepal, Middle Kings - California, Lohit River - India
Favorite Play Spot: Nile Special
Greatest Accomplishment:
Should be happening any day now...
Favorite quote: "If you get eaten by a shark it is pretty much your time to go anyway." - Nick Turner before entering the fridged waters of California's North Coast.
Anything else you would like to include:
Check out our current project "The Last Descent" at www.thelastdescent.com


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Dan Caldwell

Age: 28
Number of Years Kayaking: 5
Hometown: Burford, Ontario (small farming town)
Backyard Run: At the moment its the Kicking Horse River in Golden BC
Why did you learn to kayak:
It was part of an Outdoor Adventure college diploma course.
Favorite river and run:
Have to say the Ottawa.
Favorite Play Spot:
Gladiator, Ottawa River (at coliseum when the river is in flood)
Greatest Accomplishment:
Being able to kayak 300 days a year and save up enough money for my Fiancee's engagement ring.
Interesting or funny anecdote others wouldn't know about you:
I have a degree in Music. Yup, I am a classically trained flautist.
Favorite quote:
"My cats breath smells like cat food." - Ralph Wiggum
Anything else you would like to include:
The first time my Fiancee saw me was when I was in a karaoke contest wearing purple spandex, singing the song, kiss, by Prince. I didn't win.


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Matt Wilson
Age: 29
Number of Years Kayaking: 15
Hometown: Telluride
Backyard Run: Dolores
Why did you learn to kayak: My pops got me hooked.
Favorite river and run: Ikopa, Madagascar
Favorite Play Spot: M-wave
Greatest Accomplishment:
Inspiring and teaching many youths how to become dirt bag kayakers.
Intersting or funny anecdote others wouldn't know about you:
Don't mess with my coffee!
Favorite quote: "What, you not gonna be alright?"


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Seth Warren
Age: The Dirty Thirty
Number of Years Kayaking: 16
Hometown: Missoula, Montana
Backyard Run: Alberton Gorge
Why did you learn to kayak: Because Willie said it was cooler then climbing.
Favorite river and run: White Nile, Uganda
Favorite Play Spot: Bus-Eater, Ottawa
Greatest Accomplishment: Staying alive all this time.
Intersting or funny anecdote others wouldn't know about you:
I was conceived under what was suppose to be a one night stand. I spent the first two years of my life traveling around North America in a milk truck, and finally landed in Park City, UT. I started skiing at age 2, and was flinging myself off of things by age 5. I had a ski lift a block from my house and got on the hill every day growing up. I got kicked out of the house and emancipated at age 16 and moved to Montana the day I graduated from high school. It took me 7 years to finish my degree in resource conservation, and I used my student loans to travel around the world kayaking between semesters with the boys.
Favorite quote:
"The more you offer the world, the more it offers back."
Anything else you would like to include:
Hats off and helmets on to Gil Turner.


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Rob Litherland
Age: 21
Number of Years Kayaking: About 10
Hometown- Betws y Coed in deepest darkest Snowdonia
Backyard Run- I live at the take out for the Fairy Glen.
Why did you learn to kayak: For the adventures.
Favorite river and run:
-The Fairy Glen for all the great runs with the 'Bangor Yahoos', the top drop still gets you psyched even after hundreds of runs.
- The Gol Gol in Chile, perfect big drops and a scary lower canyon!
Favorite Play Spot:
I don't really play boat, but if I do it's at the Bitches, even if the waves not on form it's an amazing place.
Greatest Accomplishment:
The first descent of the Lohit river in North Eastern India 3 years ago and the Likinie canyons in Chile, it was one of the most nervous days boating I can remember in three committing, spectacular and full on canyons.
Interesting or funny anecdote others wouldn't know about you:
I really like parties where you get to dress as a Mexican...
Favorite quote:
'Find what makes you happy and let it kill you.'
Anything else you would like to include:
Check out the Fat Cat boy's videos, they're the best boaters no one has heard of and they make a good flick.


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Dan Burke
Age: 25
Number of Years Kayaking: 10
Hometown: Portland OR, but now am living far far away in Amherst NH
Backyard Run: Was the Little White Salmon, now it is the Mighty Nashua
Why did you learn to kayak:
I'm in it for the money :) wait, there's no money in kayaking!
Favorite river and run:
My favorite run would be the Farmlands to the lower White Salmon in Washington.
Favorite Play Spot:
Locally, The Crack Pipe. If I road trip, I go to the Lachine Rapids.
Greatest Accomplishment:
Becoming a father and winning the World Championships in 2007.
Intersting or funny anecdote others wouldn't know about you:
When I was 17 I went to run a creek in Washington with some friends. it was the first time that i ever went "Creekin'". We got to a fun looking drop so i hucked my meat off of it. i had no idea what a boof stroke was and i  got stuffed so deep and ended up rolling up in a cave behind the falls, I ended up swimming and never saw my boat or paddle again. Ever since then i have focused on safety first, boating with in my limits, and trying not to get chunderd.
Favorite quote: "Half the paddle, twice the man."
Anything else you would like to include:
A Special thanks to all of the crew at WRSI for making the safest helmet on the water.


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Brad Ludden
Age:  26
Number of Years Kayaking: 17
Hometown: Kalispell, MT and Vail Valley, CO
Backyard Run: Colorado River
Why did you learn to kayak: My whole family does it, and I wanted to do it since I was seven.
Favorite river and run: Lochsa river. I grew up there.
Favorite Play Spot: Super Wave on the Kootenai river
Greatest Accomplishment:
Founding First Descents, a kayak camp for young adults with cancer
Interesting or funny anecdote others wouldn't know about:
I lived with Nick Turner for 2 years and when I moved out I spent a whole week just cleaning out helmet prototypes.
Favorite quote: The joy is in the journey
Anything else you would like to include:
Kayaking's crazy enough, not wearing a WRSI helmet is just plain stupid!


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Adam Herzog
Age: 27
Number of Years Kayaking: 17
Hometown: Johnson City, TN
Backyard Run: Watauga, NC
Why did you learn to kayak: It was a great way to spend time with my Dad. 
Favorite river and run: Linville Gorge
Favorite Play Spot: Gorilla
Greatest Accomplishment: Two time winner Jerry's Baddle (Green Biathlon)
Interesting or funny anecdote others wouldn't know about you:
I am afraid of mice. 
Favorite quote:
"If you are planning a trip that a lot of people want to go on, it is probably not going to be a very good trip.  When you plan a trip that no one wants to go on, you have yourself a great trip" -Jon Turk, Adventurer


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Dominic Lavallee
Age: 27
Number of Years Kayaking: I've been paddling for 10 years.
Hometown:Quebec City
Backyard Run:
The Jacques Cartier, the Nelson, the Caché, the Taureau... Got a big back yard!
Why did you learn to kayak:
I learned to kayak in Equator. I was working as a raft guide in Quebec and my friend Claudio lived in equator. He proposed to go work as a raft guide and showed me how to kayak. Man that's a beautiful country!
Favorite river and run:
I think that my favourite river has to be the Jacques Cartier River just because I've been paddling it for so long but my favourite run would have to be the lower caché at high water... for now anyways!
Favorite Play Spot: I live right in front of the Lachines... the spot is hard to beat!
Greatest Accomplishment: To be able to make a living of the things I love!
Interesting or funny anecdote others wouldn't know about you:
My growing up in a military back round makes me very demanding and unforgiving toward myself... oh yeah... and I love to BBQ!
  Favorite quote:
"There is no try, just do or do not!" -Yoda
Anything else you would like to include:
If anybody needs a hand in the Quebec and Montreal region for paddling, give me a shout! Have fun out on the water!!!


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David Laroche
Age: 26
Number of Years Kayaking: 14
Hometown: Pont-Rouge, a small village 20 minutes west from Québec city
Backyard Run: Neilson river
Why did you learn to kayak: I was born just beside the Jacques-Cartier river. Since the early age of 7 years old, I knew that kayaking was going to be my favorite activity. With my friends, we were going down the downtown rapids wearing hockey gear! Couple years later, I was paddling down the beautiful Jacques-Cartier river where I learned the basics with Expédition Plein air, the kayaking school where I'm now teach. 
Favorite river and run:
Québec: Jacques-Cartier (Taureau)
WV: Mann's creek
VT: Big Branch
BC: Ashlu
Favorite Play Spot: The Lachine (Big Joe)
Greatest Accomplishment:
The 1st descent on the Jacques-Cartier Nord-Ouest. It is so remote in a deep gorge. One of my favorite runs around Québec city.
Interesting or funny anecdote others wouldn't know about you:
I have been paddling since I was 14 years old and I got my first play boat this year!! I'm almost old school.
Favorite quote:
"Go big or go home"


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Logan Grayling
Age:19
Number of Years Kayaking: 4
Hometown: Canmore, Alberta Canada
Backyard Run: Johnson Canyon, Kananaskis
Why did you learn to kayak: I was on a school trip that was going kayaking. So I decided to take a roll clinic before the trip so I could impress the girls. 
Favorite river and run:
My favorite rivers would have to be the White Salmon and the Little White Salmon in Washington. My fav run is the bottom section of the Jerricane river on Malaysia.
Favorite Play Spot: Bussy
Greatest Accomplishment:
Graduating Highschool ang being at the forefront of exploration kayaking.
Interesting or funny anecdote others wouldn't know about you:
I work on the Oil Rigs.
Favorite quote:
"Follow Me, I think it’s ok."
Anythng Else You Would Like to Include:
Yea, Props to the guys behind the scenes at WRSI, they make it all possible for us. Check the Tribe Farm team and the new YGP flic comin in soon!


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Jerry Sparks
Age: 26
Number of Years Kayaking: 32 (old timer, I know...)
Hometown: Apple Valley, Ca
Backyard Run: SEA Kayaker living in the desert. If I had one, it would be; Newport Beach, Ca
Why did you learn to kayak: Kids that grow up the desert dream of the ocean.
Favorite river and run:
I paddled from the Pacific up the Klamath River to use a phone and eat lunch at Subway once.
Favorite Play Spot: Big Sur, Ca
Greatest Accomplishment:
Oregon Boarder to Mexico Boarder 1000 miles June 08 to Aug 08
USMC 2/7 Fox Co. 0351
Interesting or funny anecdote others wouldn't know about you:
I'm sea kayaker from the desert, how does that happen?
Favorite quote:
"Do you have the mind to do it?" "I think that unless you try you will never know. If you have the mind to try and plan well, you will probably do it." by Ed Gillet


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Todd Richey
Age: 23
Number of Years Kayaking: 8
Hometown: Missoula, MT
Backyard Run: Bear Creek
Why did you learn to kayak: Cross training, looked super fun!
Favorite river and run:
Ashlu Creek(BC),Upper Mine.
Favorite Play Spot: Lachine Rapids(QC)
Greatest Accomplishment:
Setting and meeting my goal to graduate college and then to kayak around the world1
Interesting or funny anecdote others wouldn't know about you:
'Those times when we hoof our kayaks miles through the woods and we don't even get to the water...those moments are not really 'training' exercises.... they're more like half truths and strong hopes for a sweet new creek falling out from beneath us....lol classic'!
Favorite quote:
:”It all flushes out soon enough' - Jonaven Moore
Anythng Else You Would Like to Include:
I just started blog about the daily shenanigans of our Africa trip to Uganda feel free to check it out http://toddrichey.blogspot.com

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Tracy d'Arbeloff (Junior Team Member)
Age:16
Number of Years Kayaking: 5
Hometown: Concord, MA
Backyard Run: The Deerfield River
Why did you learn to kayak: I learned to kayak when I was at a summer camp. I wanted to try everything offered during the summer. I tried riflery, water skiing, archery,sailing, arts and crafts, diving, and ended up at the kayak dock. I loved the kayak dock and spent all my time there,
and one day an instructor decided to teach me to roll. Turns out I caught on pretty quick. The instructor found a way to get me on the river, and I fell in love. I love the chance to explore the wilderness on a really personal level. I love the chance to push my limits. I love the rush of
getting a new move, or getting through a hard rapid. It sounds cheesy, but whitewater kayaking just makes me happy.
Favorite river and run:
This is a hard one... I'd have to say The New River at flood level. There are these huge wave trains, it is like a roller coaster...minus the fact that it does not terrify me like roller coasters do....
Favorite Play Spot: It is not well known, but during the spring floods, there is this construction site near my house. I think they are creating a dam? Anyways, it turns into this awesome hole if there is enough water. It is kind of gross water, and right next to a highway, and probably not legal. But man, you can cartwheel forever in there.
Greatest Accomplishment:
OI'd have to say, when I am teaching kids (which is what I do for a job) and they get their roll, or make it down their first rapid...the look on their face; totally estatic. Probably the best feeling ever.
Interesting or funny anecdote others wouldn't know about you:
I am terrified of the dark. As in, sleep with a nightlight scared.
Favorite quote:
"respect yourself and others will respect you" -Confucius

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