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Written by: Ava Simpson I’ve been dreaming about doing a Grand Canyon river trip since I first started raftguiding and kayaking. Back then it felt huge and kind of out of reach — like somethingmore experienced guides did, something you worked your way up to over time. Sowhen we pushed off from Lees Ferry on December 21st, it felt pretty surreal. I’d beenthinking about this trip …

Until recently, I haven’t spent much time in Pyranha kayaks. It’s not that I have anything against them—they just never really aligned with my paddling style or felt quite right for my body. But that changes the moment I sit in the Medium Firecracker. Within minutes, I can tell: this boat is different. Comfortable, balanced, and full of potential, it makes me excited to get it ou …

When I first laid eyes on the 20-foot Clipper Mackenzie that would carry our family through the Broken Group Islands, I wasn’t sure if it would even fit on top of our car. But with two growing kids, our trusty 17’ Prospector was starting to feel cramped. The kids weren’t quite big enough to rely on for long crossings or headwinds, so we found ourselves standing outside Western C …

When I first considered the idea of winter paddling, my initial thoughts were ‘cold and miserable’ and ‘not worth it’. However, my perspective changed dramatically after I had the opportunity to spend a day on the river during the winter months. I came to realize that I really enjoy being on the river in the winter. So, what is so special about winter paddling? For me, it …

In the dynamic world of whitewater kayaking, it's a universal truth that everyone will experience swimming; the river’s unpredictable nature ensures that each paddler faces this reality. I have encountered plenty of swims, especially in the earlier days. Most of the time, you come out unaffected and can hop back in your boat right away. However, sometimes there is an instance where the river …