Sponsored Paddlers

Scot loveland Say hello to our Kayak Habit Team of sponsored paddlers. They might not have won world championships or be sponsored by a kayak company, but they all contribute to the legacy of their sport and the environment. *Isaac Ludwig* <img src='http://static2.jadedpixel.com/s/files/1/0010/4312/files/ISAAC_LUDWIG.JPG' alt='' /> Rio Claro, Chile Isaac Ludwig started out as a hand paddler at the tender age of 16. This was not on purpose; he just couldn’t figure out how to roll with a paddle. He was running the big water on the Ottawa River and hucking waterfalls before he ever had a paddle in his hand. While working on his degree in Public Relations at Westminster College in PA, he honed his craft with friends on Slippery Rock Creek. In college he worked on projects for both MTV and Immersion Research, but in the long run, his love of whitewater trumped his love of music. He worked on the Youghigheny River as a raft guide, videographer and Bed & Breakfast manager in between living and boating in Wyoming and Costa Rica. A job offer with NOC took him down south, and he eventually ended up as the Marketing Manager for Rafting in the Smokies in Hartford, TN (his current position). He recently returned from a long kayaking trip to Argentina, Ecuador and Chile where he participated in a humanitarian project to deliver much needed medicine to isolated childrens' hospitals for Medicines Global. Isaac can be found paddling one of the south's many creeks or racing on the Green, Russel Fork, Upper Youghigheny and Upper Gauley. More iformation and photos of Isaac can be found on his website http://www.isaacludwig.com or at http://www.raftinginthesmokies.com. *I am sad to announce that Isaac Ludwig died on the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River in the Smoky Mountain National Forest, TN on August 26, 2008 while paddling with friends. A more detailed accident report is available on the Blah-blah-blog page. Please pray for all of those left behind that grieve Isaac's loss.* *"www.isaacludwig.com":http://www.isaacludwig.com* _______________________________________________________________________ *Jason Hilton* <img src='http://static0.jadedpixel.com/s/files/1/0010/4312/files/jasonhilton.jpg' alt='' /> Improvement #2 Rapid, Upper Red Creek, WV Hailing from Pittsburgh, PA is 27 year old Jason Hilton. He is obsessed with pushing himself towards new heights, new experiences, and the increasingly elusive first descent. Jason can be found on wet days trying to get in as many creeks as possible and on dry days pouring over sophisticated topographical software looking for that magical combination of gradient and water. While Jason has a healthy respect for all aspects of whitewater and an overwhelming drive to push his boundaries, he has stayed true to an original promise made “to paddle for the journey, not the destination.” With this promise comes a commitment on Jason’s behalf to share his experiences with others by incorporating new and upcoming paddlers into his journeys in the region known for having some of the most dependable whitewater in the US. In addition to his paddling endeavors, Jason is a doctoral student in the School of Education at the University of Pittsburgh, a Social Studies teacher, the Education Chairperson for the Three Rivers Paddling Club, and host of the paddling related web-blog site, www.got-boof.com. You can also find Jason gracing the video screen in all of the Got Boof Crew videos, including the Rattling Run First Descent found in LVM 22, and Russellfork Gorge found in the upcoming LVM 25. Jason’s Top 5 Runs: Upper Blackwater, Rasler Run, Drake’s Run, Paint Creek, Pringle Run *"www.got-boof.com":http://www.got-boof.com* _______________________________________________________________________ *Amos Ludwig* <img src='http://static3.jadedpixel.com/s/files/1/0010/4312/files/IMGP0005c.jpg' alt='' /> Freewheeling Wonder Falls, Lower Big Sandy, WV Amos Ludwig, from Salineville, OH, is just 22 years old, but has been kayaking for almost 10 years. And it shows as he is absolutely one of the most fluid boaters on the water. He is a recent graduate of Muskingum College in Ohio with a B. S. in Conservation Science. Protecting the environment and biological diversity is in his blood, so getting involved with a company like Kayak Habit was a natural fit for him. He is a river professional, having worked as both a raft guide and videographer on the Lower Youghigheny River in PA. When not challenging himself on some of the most difficult creeks in the West Virginia-Pennsylvania-Maryland region (including Drake’s Run, PA- his favorite), this diverse young man can be found snowboarding, backpacking or seeking attractive young women who are financially capable of helping him to pursue his own kayak habit. Before Amos initiates his professional career, he is thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail starting in March of 2008. Don’t expect him to be off of the water for six months though, as he has stashed kayaking gear with friends and relatives in the hopes of creeking his way along the AT. More photos and information on Amos Ludwig can be found on *www.facebook.com*. ___________________________________________________________________ *Jamie Rosenberger* <img src='http://static1.shopify.com/s/files/1/0010/4312/files/jamie.jpg' alt='' /> High Tension on the Gatineau River, Quebec, Canada Fourteen year-old Jamie Rosenberger resides in Pittsburgh and belongs to the Three Rivers Paddling Club. He is a playboater on the rise and with his passion for the sport, his age and his skill level, don't be surprised to see this young man atop some podiums in the future. Some of his favorite runs are the Upper Yough, Cheat, Gauley, Ottawa, and Gatineau. He loves play boating, especially surfing big waves. Jamie’s favorite play spots are Garberator and Corner Wave on the Ottawa, and High Tension on the Gatineau. He is a past student at Riversport School of Kayaking in Confluence, PA and The Ottawa Kayak School in Ontario. This summer he once again attended The Ottawa Kayak School and was able to compete in the North American Freestyle Circuit. After events in NY and Ontario, he is currently ranked 5th in the Mens' Junior Division. Jamie wants to improve his creeking skills, but finds play boating way too addicting. Jamie is a 9th grader at North Allegheny Middle School. When he isn’t on the water, you can find him skateboarding, unicycling, or sitting on the couch watching kayaking videos. Jamie lives with his Mom, Dad, Sister, and faithful Golden Retriever, Chuckie. _______________________________________________________________________ *Team Benson* <img src='http://static2.shopify.com/s/files/1/0010/4312/files/benson.jpg' alt='' /> Triple Drop on the Lehigh River Team Benson is relatively new to the kayaking lifestyle, but their cohesiveness, enthusiasm and indomitable spirit is truly inspiring. While they are not your typical "sponsored paddler", they truly do embody what this sport should be about. They can be found on a river somewhere every Sunday from March until November and sometimes through the winter. They love to paddle as a family and, as you can see from the photo, a family that surfs a wave together, stays together. They really feel that kayaking is the glue that keeps them together. Truly amazing individual and family experiences happen on the river every time they put on. These experiences can be moments of celebration mixed with equal moments of frustration. They have learned more about themselves, and each other, through paddling and have grown much closer for it. They have worked through issues on the river, such as fear, discomfort and conflicting parenting styles. They jokingly say: “Team Benson: We put the fun in dysfunctional”. According to Brynn, they wouldn’t change it for the world. They're in it together; they love to paddle; and they love each other! Here are the Bensons: Brynn, age 12, started kayaking at the age of 8. She is a current, and past, Kid's Camper at Riversport School of Paddling. She can be found on her home river, the Lehigh, most weekends. However, the Loop of the Lower Youghigheny has definitely secured a place in her heart. Her favorite river moments happen when she is surfing a wave because it "is just awesome"! She is the youngest member of Team Benson, but probably the most highly skilled and definitely the most well-dressed. She loves her new Pink Jackson 2FUN and is almost always dressed in her signature color...PINK! Gretchin was introduced to whitewater at the tender age of 39 when she started guiding rafts for Whitewater Challengers on the Lehigh River four years ago. Her favorite River is...the one she is on. She just loves to paddle! Her favorite river moments are when she successfully navigates a rapid that intimidates her and when she nails her combat roll. She is the Mommy of Team Benson and is almost as well-dressed as Brynn. Look for her in lavender in her favorite boats: a Dagger Mamba and RX. Stewart, age 38, started paddling 5 years ago when he answered an ad that said, “So, you wanna be a river guide?” and the rest is history. His favorite river is the Nescopeck Creek in Pennsylvania when it is running, which sadly, is not often. His favorite river moments are right at the top of a rapid- the point of no return- because he has to be totally committed to being in that moment. He paddles a Jackson Super Fun and a Super Hero. To date, he has no desire to adopt a signature color or sense of fashion, despite the best efforts of the girls. Say hello to our Kayak Habit Team of sponsored paddlers. They might not have won world championships or be sponsored by a kayak company, but they all contribute to the legacy of their sport and the environment. Isaac Ludwig <img src='http://static2.jadedpixel.com/s/files/1/0010/4312/files/ISAAC_LUDWIG.JPG' alt='' /> Rio Claro, Chile Isaac Ludwig started out as a hand paddler at the tender age of 16. This was not on purpose; he just couldn’t figure out how to roll with a paddle. He was running the big water on the Ottawa River and hucking waterfalls before he ever had a paddle in his hand. While working on his degree in Public Relations at Westminster College in PA, he honed his craft with friends on Slippery Rock Creek. In college he worked on projects for both MTV and Immersion Research, but in the long run, his love of whitewater trumped his love of music. He worked on the Youghigheny River as a raft guide, videographer and Bed & Breakfast manager in between living and boating in Wyoming and Costa Rica. A job offer with NOC took him down south, and he eventually ended up as the Marketing Manager for Rafting in the Smokies in Hartford, TN (his current position). He recently returned from a long kayaking trip to Argentina, Ecuador and Chile where he participated in a humanitarian project to deliver much needed medicine to isolated childrens’ hospitals for Medicines Global. Isaac can be found paddling one of the south’s many creeks or racing on the Green, Russel Fork, Upper Youghigheny and Upper Gauley. More iformation and photos of Isaac can be found on his website http://www.isaacludwig.com or at http://www.raftinginthesmokies.com. I am sad to announce that Isaac Ludwig died on the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River in the Smoky Mountain National Forest, TN on August 26, 2008 while paddling with friends. A more detailed accident report is available on the Blah-blah-blog page. Please pray for all of those left behind that grieve Isaac’s loss. <a href="http://www.isaacludwig.com">www.isaacludwig.com</a> <hr /> Jason Hilton <img src='http://static0.jadedpixel.com/s/files/1/0010/4312/files/jasonhilton.jpg' alt='' /> Improvement #2 Rapid, Upper Red Creek, WV Hailing from Pittsburgh, PA is 27 year old Jason Hilton. He is obsessed with pushing himself towards new heights, new experiences, and the increasingly elusive first descent. Jason can be found on wet days trying to get in as many creeks as possible and on dry days pouring over sophisticated topographical software looking for that magical combination of gradient and water. While Jason has a healthy respect for all aspects of whitewater and an overwhelming drive to push his boundaries, he has stayed true to an original promise made “to paddle for the journey, not the destination.” With this promise comes a commitment on Jason’s behalf to share his experiences with others by incorporating new and upcoming paddlers into his journeys in the region known for having some of the most dependable whitewater in the US. In addition to his paddling endeavors, Jason is a doctoral student in the School of Education at the University of Pittsburgh, a Social Studies teacher, the Education Chairperson for the Three Rivers Paddling Club, and host of the paddling related web-blog site, www.got-boof.com. You can also find Jason gracing the video screen in all of the Got Boof Crew videos, including the Rattling Run First Descent found in LVM 22, and Russellfork Gorge found in the upcoming LVM 25. Jason’s Top 5 Runs: Upper Blackwater, Rasler Run, Drake’s Run, Paint Creek, Pringle Run <a href="http://www.got-boof.com">www.got-boof.com</a> <hr /> Amos Ludwig <img src='http://static3.jadedpixel.com/s/files/1/0010/4312/files/IMGP0005c.jpg' alt='' /> Freewheeling Wonder Falls, Lower Big Sandy, WV Amos Ludwig, from Salineville, OH, is just 22 years old, but has been kayaking for almost 10 years. And it shows as he is absolutely one of the most fluid boaters on the water. He is a recent graduate of Muskingum College in Ohio with a B. S. in Conservation Science. Protecting the environment and biological diversity is in his blood, so getting involved with a company like Kayak Habit was a natural fit for him. He is a river professional, having worked as both a raft guide and videographer on the Lower Youghigheny River in PA. When not challenging himself on some of the most difficult creeks in the West Virginia-Pennsylvania-Maryland region (including Drake’s Run, PA- his favorite), this diverse young man can be found snowboarding, backpacking or seeking attractive young women who are financially capable of helping him to pursue his own kayak habit. Before Amos initiates his professional career, he is thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail starting in March of 2008. Don’t expect him to be off of the water for six months though, as he has stashed kayaking gear with friends and relatives in the hopes of creeking his way along the AT. More photos and information on Amos Ludwig can be found on www.facebook.com. <hr /> Jamie Rosenberger <img src='http://static1.shopify.com/s/files/1/0010/4312/files/jamie.jpg' alt='' /> High Tension on the Gatineau River, Quebec, Canada Fourteen year-old Jamie Rosenberger resides in Pittsburgh and belongs to the Three Rivers Paddling Club. He is a playboater on the rise and with his passion for the sport, his age and his skill level, don’t be surprised to see this young man atop some podiums in the future. Some of his favorite runs are the Upper Yough, Cheat, Gauley, Ottawa, and Gatineau. He loves play boating, especially surfing big waves. Jamie’s favorite play spots are Garberator and Corner Wave on the Ottawa, and High Tension on the Gatineau. He is a past student at Riversport School of Kayaking in Confluence, PA and The Ottawa Kayak School in Ontario. This summer he once again attended The Ottawa Kayak School and was able to compete in the North American Freestyle Circuit. After events in NY and Ontario, he is currently ranked 5th in the Mens’ Junior Division. Jamie wants to improve his creeking skills, but finds play boating way too addicting. Jamie is a 9th grader at North Allegheny Middle School. When he isn’t on the water, you can find him skateboarding, unicycling, or sitting on the couch watching kayaking videos. Jamie lives with his Mom, Dad, Sister, and faithful Golden Retriever, Chuckie. <hr /> Team Benson <img src='http://static2.shopify.com/s/files/1/0010/4312/files/benson.jpg' alt='' /> Triple Drop on the Lehigh River Team Benson is relatively new to the kayaking lifestyle, but their cohesiveness, enthusiasm and indomitable spirit is truly inspiring. While they are not your typical “sponsored paddler”, they truly do embody what this sport should be about. They can be found on a river somewhere every Sunday from March until November and sometimes through the winter. They love to paddle as a family and, as you can see from the photo, a family that surfs a wave together, stays together. They really feel that kayaking is the glue that keeps them together. Truly amazing individual and family experiences happen on the river every time they put on. These experiences can be moments of celebration mixed with equal moments of frustration. They have learned more about themselves, and each other, through paddling and have grown much closer for it. They have worked through issues on the river, such as fear, discomfort and conflicting parenting styles. They jokingly say: “Team Benson: We put the fun in dysfunctional”. According to Brynn, they wouldn’t change it for the world. They’re in it together; they love to paddle; and they love each other! Here are the Bensons: Brynn, age 12, started kayaking at the age of 8. She is a current, and past, Kid’s Camper at Riversport School of Paddling. She can be found on her home river, the Lehigh, most weekends. However, the Loop of the Lower Youghigheny has definitely secured a place in her heart. Her favorite river moments happen when she is surfing a wave because it “is just awesome”! She is the youngest member of Team Benson, but probably the most highly skilled and definitely the most well-dressed. She loves her new Pink Jackson 2FUN and is almost always dressed in her signature color…PINK! Gretchin was introduced to whitewater at the tender age of 39 when she started guiding rafts for Whitewater Challengers on the Lehigh River four years ago. Her favorite River is…the one she is on. She just loves to paddle! Her favorite river moments are when she successfully navigates a rapid that intimidates her and when she nails her combat roll. She is the Mommy of Team Benson and is almost as well-dressed as Brynn. Look for her in lavender in her favorite boats: a Dagger Mamba and RX. Stewart, age 38, started paddling 5 years ago when he answered an ad that said, “So, you wanna be a river guide?” and the rest is history. His favorite river is the Nescopeck Creek in Pennsylvania when it is running, which sadly, is not often. His favorite river moments are right at the top of a rapid- the point of no return- because he has to be totally committed to being in that moment. He paddles a Jackson Super Fun and a Super Hero. To date, he has no desire to adopt a signature color or sense of fashion, despite the best efforts of the girls.

2008-02-26T22:42:56-05:00