Stories
Adam has been an iROCKER Ambassador for over five years. Dorothy has been part of the iROCKER community for just over one—but together, they move like they’ve always belonged on the water.
Now husband and wife, they’ve built a lifestyle around exploration—chasing new waterways, new landscapes, and new experiences with their two dogs always along for the ride.
From Florida’s familiar coastlines to environments that feel almost otherworldly, their adventures are less about the destination and more about how they experience it together.
For their latest journey, Dorothy and Adam set out on a 25+ hour road trip from Florida to one of the most remote and visually striking paddling destinations in the U.S.: Big Bend National Park.
What they found wasn’t just a paddle route—it was a landscape that felt like every desert they’ve ever loved, all in one place.
From a Passing Idea to a 25+ Hour Road Trip
A Landscape That Feels Like a “Grand Finale”
- The color palettes and formations of the Mojave—like Valley of Fire and Bryce Canyon
- Towering red rock structures reminiscent of Zion, the Colorado Plateau, and the Great Basin
- Desert plants and cacti similar to Saguaro National Park
- And winding water corridors that feel like Havasupai or the Grand Canyon—only here, carved by the Rio Grande
Why Big Bend Became a Bucket-List Paddle
On the Water: Flowing Rivers & Quiet Canyons
The Moment That Stayed With Them
Paddling Big Bend vs. Florida Waters
Gear, Setup & Packing for the Journey
- Battery-powered pump
- Life vests
- Repair patch kit
- Extra paddle (required for Santa Elena permits)
Adventuring with Their Dogs
Planning Around the Pups
Dogs on Board
How the Dogs Shape the Experience
What They’d Tell Anyone Planning a Trip Like This
- Bring more water than you think you need
- Check all permit-required gear ahead of time
- Pack sun protection—even for driving
- Download maps offline (there’s no signal in the park)
- Expect gravel roads and remote conditions
What Didn’t Go as Planned
Why They Keep Chasing Trips Like This
Why Paddle Boarding Is Central to Their Lifestyle
Advice for First-Time Big Bend Explorers
Best seasons:
Must-haves:
The Dynamic Behind the Trip
One Word to Sum It Up
Where They’re Headed Next
Being Part of the iROCKER Community
Guiding with purpose. Paddling with passion.
Ashley Albani (@smashsups) is a Florida-based paddle guide, naturalist, and founder of Florida Paddle Excursions. With a lifelong connection to the water, she creates personalized on-the-water experiences that blend adventure, education, and conservation—helping paddlers explore with confidence while protecting the places they love.
If you’ve ever wondered what it really means to experience Florida’s waterways—not just see them—Ashley is the kind of guide who shows you how.
As a passionate iROCKER ambassador, she brings something deeper to every paddle: connection, confidence, and a genuine respect for the water
From Lifelong Paddler to Purpose-Driven Guide
Ashley’s love for the water didn’t start with a business—it started in childhood.
Growing up paddling Florida’s waterways, it became second nature. But what transformed that passion into something bigger was her desire to share it in a more meaningful way.
“There are a lot of eco-tour companies in Florida, but I wanted to create something more personal,” she explains. “I’m not just a guide—I’m an advocate, educator, photographer, therapist, coach… whatever the moment calls for.”
That adaptability is what makes her tours feel less like a checklist—and more like an experience you’ll remember.
Why Knowledge Changes Everything on the Water
Ashley’s background as a naturalist completely reshaped how she approaches paddling—and how she teaches others.
“It’s one thing to grow up on the water. It’s another to understand how to protect it.”
For paddlers, that means every trip becomes more intentional. You’re not just floating—you’re learning how to move through ecosystems responsibly, spot wildlife, and leave no trace.
And that’s where real confidence comes from.
How to Have Your Best Paddle Day (According to a Pro)
Whether you’re new to paddle boarding or planning a full-day excursion, Ashley keeps it simple:
1. Set the tone
Bring a good vibe. It sounds small—but it shapes your entire experience.
2. Know your conditions
Weather and tides can make or break your day in Florida. Plan ahead.
3. Hydrate + fuel up
Sun + saltwater = faster burnout than you think.
4. Know your route
Confidence comes from knowing where you’re going—not guessing along the way.
“When you feel prepared, it’s so much easier to actually relax and enjoy the water.
What to Bring on Every Paddle
Ashley’s essentials go beyond the basics—because the best days on the water are the ones where you’re ready for anything:
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Snorkel gear for spontaneous exploring
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A “snackle box” (snacks + tackle, obviously)
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A phone or camera for wildlife encounters
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Plenty of sun protection
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Dry bags for valuables and extra layers
And of course—never underestimate the power of good snacks.
Where to Paddle in Florida
While Ashley keeps her exact spots close to her chest, she shares this:
“If it’s water in Florida, I want to explore it—but the springs will always have my heart.”
That said, she’s just as comfortable on saltwater, having grown up paddling the Intracoastal.
For beginners:
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Calm springs
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Protected waterways
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Guided tours or lessons
For experienced paddlers:
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Tidal estuaries
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Mangrove trails
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Longer-distance routes
If you’re unsure where to start, her advice is simple: get a lesson. A short session can fast-track your confidence in a big way.
Why Owning Your Own Board Changes Everything
Renting is great for vacations—but if you’re serious about paddling, Ashley says ownership unlocks a completely different experience.
“Having your own board gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. That’s where real relaxation happens.”
For longer paddles, she looks for:
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Stability for all-day comfort
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Attachment points for gear
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Space to move (or even “dance,” as she puts it)
Ashley’s Go-To Setup for Long Days on the Water
Ashley’s setup is built for comfort, flexibility, and full-day adventure:
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BLACKFIN MODEL V with dual river fins
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Deck cooler (doubles as a seat + snack storage)
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Dry bags for camera gear and clothing
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Snorkel gear + sun protection essentials
“I’ll start inflating with the electric pump while I pack everything—it makes the whole process seamless."
Paddling with Purpose: Protecting What You Love
Ashley isn’t just guiding tours—she’s helping protect the waterways she loves.
As a co-founder of the Clean Water Coalition, she and fellow guides turned a simple habit—picking up trash during paddles—into a larger mission.
“We were already doing it every time we went out. So we decided to build a community around it.”
Simple Ways You Can Help
Every paddler plays a role. Here’s how to do your part:
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Pack it in, pack it out
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Use reef-safe sunscreen
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Respect wildlife and other paddlers
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Practice mindful recreation
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Get involved with local conservation efforts
Even small actions add up—especially when more people start paying attention.
One Last Piece of Advice
Ashley couldn’t pick just one—so here’s her short list:
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Be safe
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Know the rules
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Check weather and tides
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Plan your route
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Stay present
And maybe most importantly:
“Leave your speaker at home. Listen instead—you’ll see so much more wildlife.”
Ashley’s story is a reminder that paddle boarding isn’t just about getting on the water—it’s about how you experience it.
With the right mindset, the right gear, and a little intention, every paddle can become something bigger: a reset, an adventure, or even a way to give back.
And that’s what makes it worth doing again and again.
At iROCKER, we believe time on the water builds connection — and connection builds stewardship.
Today, we’re shining a spotlight on one of our ambassadors, Alexa Putillo (@ocean_alexa), a PhD student in Biological Oceanography at Florida State University, whose research focuses on understanding and protecting sea turtles along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Her journey blends exploration, science, and a deep love for the ocean — something many fellow paddlers share.
The Moment That Sparked a Passion
Her love of science and the ocean began early, but the defining moment came during an undergraduate travel course to Costa Rica. She witnessed her first Olive Ridley sea turtle haul herself onto the beach to lay eggs. Watching this ancient, marine-adapted animal navigate the shore was awe-inspiring. Volunteering at a sea turtle rehabilitation center soon after exposed her to the very real threats these animals face — from entanglement and boat strikes to habitat loss — and she knew she wanted to dedicate her life to protecting them.
Beneath the Surface: Science, Sea Turtles & the Ecosystem
The world above the water is the one we tend to know best. The ecosystem beneath your board is another story entirely — quietly shaping the waters we paddle. For Alexa, these aren’t just facts — they’re the foundation of her research:
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Seagrass is more than scenery: It stabilizes the seabed, supports marine life, and keeps the water clear.
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Turtles are ecosystem engineers: Their grazing maintains healthy seagrass meadows, benefiting fisheries and water quality.
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Feeding behaviors shape the coast: What turtles eat can influence food webs, ecosystem dynamics, and the overall health of coastal habitats.
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Multiple threats exist: Pollution, boat traffic, and disease can stack, impacting both turtles and the habitats they rely on.
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Small actions make a difference: Be a safe boater in shallow coastal waters by following all speed/no wake zones and staying in channels with deeper water whenever possible.
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Paddling builds awareness: Being on the water lets you notice subtle changes in clarity, wildlife behavior, and habitat health — and connect your experience to stewardship.
Sea turtle photos taken during permitted research activities, authorized by NMFS Permit # 19496 and FWC Permit # 243, do not attempt to recreate.
Science in Action
On the water, every paddle stroke counts. By observing how sea turtles forage in seagrass meadows and monitoring habitat conditions, she contributes critical data that guides conservation efforts along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Her findings support the protection of the habitats that sustain both wildlife and coastal communities, ensuring future paddlers can continue exploring responsibly.
Exploration, Stewardship, and Advocacy
For Alexa, paddle boarding is more than recreation — it’s research, reset, and responsibility. Gliding quietly through nearshore habitats allows her to observe wildlife without disturbing it, while freediving teaches presence, humility, and respect for the ocean.
She also shares her knowledge with the community, inspiring others to take stewardship seriously — whether through workshops, social media, or ambassador programs. Her story reflects core values we hold dear at iROCKER: curiosity, resilience, and a commitment to protecting the waters we love.
Sea turtle nesting and hatching photos taken during permitted monitoring activities.
What Sea Turtles Teach Us
Sea turtles have survived over 100 million years of climate shifts and mass extinctions, yet human activity has pushed many populations toward threatened status. The hopeful part? Where protections are in place, populations recover. Their story is one of resilience — and a reminder that our choices matter.
At iROCKER, we believe the more time we spend on the water, the more we understand what’s at stake. By exploring, observing, and acting thoughtfully, paddlers can help protect the oceans we love — one paddle stroke at a time.
What happens when a sport explodes in popularity almost overnight?
During the pandemic, paddle boarding didn’t just grow — it skyrocketed. Lakes filled. Shorelines sold out. First-time riders discovered the freedom of being on the water.
And behind the scenes?
Factories raced to keep up.
As demand surged at record speed, a wave of new manufacturers entered the market. Many had never produced an inflatable paddle board before. Production lines pivoted. Materials were sourced quickly. Boards began rolling out at scale.
To customers, it looked like growth.
Inside the industry, it was a sprint.
And not everyone was built for it.
We Weren’t Catching Up — We Were Already There
Long before paddle boarding became a pandemic phenomenon, we were already deep in development.
Refining materials.
Strengthening construction.
Building relationships with experienced inflatable manufacturers.
Improving our bonding technology year after year.
We didn’t pivot into paddle boards.
We built our brand on them.
That distinction matters. Because inflatable construction isn’t simple. True rigidity, long-term durability, and consistent performance come from process refinement — not reaction to demand spikes.
Quality Isn’t Claimed. It’s Engineered.
When new manufacturers flooded the space, many focused on speed. But speed doesn’t create structural integrity.
We continued doing what we’ve always done:
• Sourcing premium multi-layer raw materials
• Advancing superior bonding processes
• Implementing rigorous durability and performance testing
• Maintaining dedicated, on-the-ground quality control oversight
Every layer, every seam, every reinforcement is intentional.
Because the difference between a board that lasts one season and one that performs year after year is rarely visible at first glance.
It’s built into the details.
Our Customers Define Our Non-Negotiables
Perhaps most importantly, we don’t treat feedback as a formality.
We treat it as direction.
Over the years, customer input has shaped what we call our “non-negotiables” — the standards every board must meet before it reaches the water. If something can be stronger, we push for it. If something can be refined, we refine it.
We advocate for the rider, not the production timeline.
That mindset doesn’t change when demand spikes. It doesn’t shift with trends. And it doesn’t get diluted when the market gets crowded.
Built for the Long Game
The paddle board boom brought attention to the sport. But lasting quality doesn’t come from a boom.
It comes from experience.
From discipline.
From years of refinement most customers never see.
When you step onto one of our boards, you’re not stepping onto a trend-driven product.
You’re stepping onto years of intentional development, tested processes, and standards we refuse to compromise.
And that’s a difference you can feel — every time you hit the water.
How Paddle Boarding Brought Ambassadors Carson & Bridget Together
At iROCKER, we’ve always believed paddle boarding is about more than getting on the water. It’s about slowing down, showing up, and finding connection—whether that’s with nature, with friends, or sometimes, with the person who ends up changing your life.
For Carson and Bridget, their story began exactly that way: on a paddle.
Where Their Story Began: A Paddle in Florida
Carson and Bridget first met on a group paddle through a swampy stretch of water that opened into one of Florida’s iconic crystal-clear springs. Carson had borrowed an iROCKER paddle board from a friend that day—and by the time the paddle ended, he knew he needed one of his own.
That first outing wasn’t just a great day on the water. It became the starting point of something bigger.
From Shared Hobby to Shared Life
When we asked Carson and Bridget if there was a moment they realized paddle boarding had become more than a shared hobby, their answer felt familiar to us.
There wasn’t one moment—it was the lifestyle.
Early mornings. Being the first ones on the river. Packing lunch and eating it right from their boards. Choosing the outdoors and time together, again and again. Paddle boarding created space for them to connect without distractions, and that connection grew naturally.
Finding Community Through iROCKER
One of the things we hear most from our community is how welcoming paddle boarding feels—especially for people who are new. Carson and Bridget felt the same way.
They didn’t start paddling alone. They showed up to group paddles with people they didn’t know yet—many of whom they found through the iROCKER community. Being part of a larger group made it easy to relax, meet new people, and build friendships.
Before long, those group paddles turned into carpooling, planning trips together, and eventually, paddles that were just the two of them.
Turning Time on the Water Into Real Connection
As their relationship grew, so did their adventures. Morning paddles became full-day excursions. Full days turned into weekend trips. The water became their place to reconnect, talk, and simply be present with each other.
That presence matters—especially when conditions change.
Carson and Bridget still talk about getting caught in the middle of the water during a sudden Florida thunderstorm. Instead of panicking, they trusted their gear, trusted each other, and waited it out together. Moments like that build confidence—not just in paddle boarding, but in partnership.
Why Quality Gear Matters
For Carson and Bridget, feeling confident on the water has always come down to preparation and trust. From stable, durable paddle boards to waterproof backpacks and essential accessories, having the right gear allows them to relax and focus on the experience.
Even paddling in darker, swampier Florida waters, they never worried about their boards. That peace of mind is exactly why we design iROCKER paddle boards to handle everything from calm springs to long adventure days.
Growing Together—On and Off the Water
Life looks a little different now than it did when Carson and Bridget first met. They don’t paddle as often as they used to, especially with a baby on the way—but the water is still where they dream about what’s next.
Their paddles may be shorter these days, but they’re still filled with conversations about future trips, new places to explore, and all the ways water continues to shape their lives together.
Why Becoming iROCKER Ambassadors Felt Natural
For Carson and Bridget, becoming iROCKER ambassadors was never a question—it was a reflection of their journey.
They met while paddle boarding on iROCKER boards.
They got engaged on the water, standing on their boards.
They announced their baby—arriving May 2026—from their iROCKER paddle boards.
When friends ask why they trust iROCKER, their answer is simple: the boards hold up. After years of heavy use, they still look and feel brand new. Knowing the brand stands behind its products—and that we’re based right here in Florida—only reinforces that trust.
As they prepare to welcome their first child, safety and quality matter more than ever. Carson and Bridget say there’s no other brand they’d trust to take them—and soon, their daughter—out on the water.
Sharing the Love of Paddle Boarding
Introducing friends to paddle boarding has become one of their favorite things to do. When someone feels nervous, they start them on a wider BLACKFIN paddle board for extra stability, choose an easy route, and let confidence build naturally.
By the end of most paddles, those friends are standing up, smiling, and talking about getting their own board.
That’s how this community grows—one paddle at a time.
Why This Community Matters
Some of Carson and Bridget’s favorite memories are still the big group paddles—especially summer bioluminescence paddles, where everyone arrives with their iROCKER boards and lights up the water together.
Those moments capture what iROCKER is all about: shared experiences, connection, and a community built around getting outside
Looking Ahead
When we asked Carson and Bridget what role paddle boarding will play in their story years from now, their answer was simple.
It’s the beginning of everything.
And soon, they’ll be bringing baby Buchanan along for the ride.
Follow their adventure @carsonbeachfl @impulse4adventure
If you’ve ever thought paddle boarding was strictly a summer sport, Rich Loftin is here to change your mind.
Picture this: snow falling quietly around you, glassy water stretching out ahead, sea otters floating around peacefully and harbor seals surfacing nearby while bald eagles circle overhead. No crowds. No noise. Just calm, cold air and steady strokes through one of the most peaceful landscapes you can imagine.
That’s a winter paddle in Alaska—and for Rich Loftin (@loftinrides_ak), it’s second nature.
Rich has been part of the iROCKER ambassador family since 2017, making him one of our longest-standing ambassadors. Based in Alaska, he’s spent years exploring what paddle boarding looks like beyond peak summer months, proving that with the right mindset and preparation, paddling can truly be a year-round pursuit.
We caught up with Rich to talk winter paddling, cold-weather gear, and why some of the most
rewarding days on the water happen when most people stay inside.
Where Winter Paddling Happens in Alaska
During the winter, Rich paddles primarily in Port Valdez, America’s northernmost ice-free port. While most lakes and rivers freeze solid, the ocean remains open—creating rare and incredible opportunities to paddle even in the heart of winter.
This alone challenges a common misconception: that cold climates automatically mean the end of paddle season.
Why Paddle in the Winter?
For Rich, the draw is simple:
peace and serenity.
“There’s nothing like paddling during a snowstorm,” he says. “It’s quiet, calm, and completely different from anything you experience in summer.”
Winter paddling isn’t mainstream. It’s more challenging, more intentional, and—according to Rich—it “takes a rare spirit.” But that’s also what makes it special. Fewer people. More connection. More presence.
Common Misconceptions About Cold-Weather Paddle Boarding
The biggest misunderstanding?
That it’s too cold to be safe or enjoyable.
Rich is quick to point out that winter paddling is all about having the right gear and knowing your limits. Cold temperatures don’t have to be a barrier when you’re prepared—and preparation is what separates a great winter session from a risky one.
Knowing When Conditions Are “Right”
Winter paddling requires more intention than summer outings. Rich follows a clear set of guidelines before heading out:
- Air temperature above 20°F
- Wind below 5 mph
- Tides within one hour on either side of high tide
If those boxes are checked, he’s good to go—usually for 1–2 hours max.
Must-Have Winter Paddle Gear
Staying warm doesn’t mean bulky or restrictive. Rich swears by lightweight, functional layers:
- Synthetic quick-dry base layers
- Fleece-lined softshell pants
- Merino wool socks
- Skate or bike-style shoes for grip and warmth
One standout favorite? DC Pure Hi-Top cold-weather shoes, which offer warmth without sacrificing board feel.
Safety First (Always)
If Rich had to give just one safety tip to first-time winter paddlers, it would be this:
Never paddle alone.
And always let someone know your paddle plan.
Cold water demands respect, and the buddy system—paired with clear communication—is non-negotiable.
The Mental Side of Winter Paddling
While preparation is key, mindset matters too. Fortunately, Rich describes himself as “a winter person,” and approaches cold-weather sessions with genuine excitement.
That mindset—embracing the season instead of resisting it—is a big part of what makes winter paddling rewarding rather than intimidating.
What Winter Gives That Other Seasons Don’t
When asked what winter paddling offers that summer doesn’t, Rich comes back to the same words:
Peaceful. Serene.
One of his most memorable paddles took place in Port Valdez during a heavy snowstorm, sharing the water with harbor seals, otters, bald eagles, and his buddy Steve. It’s a reminder that winter doesn’t quiet nature—it just reveals it differently.
Curious but Nervous? Start Small
For anyone intrigued by winter paddling but unsure where to start, Rich recommends baby steps:
- Get comfortable in lightweight winter gear (wetsuit, drysuit, or softshell layers)
- Spend time outdoors before paddling to understand how your body responds
- Start with short sessions (15 minutes or less)
- Gradually work your way up—or go with an experienced winter paddler
Confidence comes from familiarity, not rushing.
A Year-Round Mindset
Before every winter paddle, Rich reminds himself of one thing:
Make sure someone knows the plan.
It’s a simple habit—but one that underscores the bigger takeaway here. Paddle boarding isn’t just a summer activity. With the right preparation, awareness, and respect for conditions, it can be a year-round way to connect with the water.
And for paddlers like Rich Loftin, winter isn’t the off-season—it’s where some of the most meaningful moments happen.
Be sure to follow along Rich’s adventures on Instagram @loftinrides_ak
A new year is here.
More time outside.
More memories on the water.
More moments that matter.
At iROCKER, we believe every paddle, float, and adventure comes with a responsibility — to the water we love, the communities we share it with, and the environments that make stand up paddle boarding and floating possible across the U.S. and Canada.
That’s why we live by a simple idea:
Leave nothing but the wake in the water.
What “Leave Nothing but the Wake” Means
Being on the water isn’t just about where you go — it’s about how you show up once you’re there.
Whether you’re stand up paddle boarding on a lake in Canada, floating a river in the Midwest, or paddling coastal waters in Florida or California, the same principles apply everywhere.
Paddle with care.
Float responsibly.
Protect the waterways we all share.
How to Paddle Responsibly Anywhere
Small actions make a big difference when it comes to protecting lakes, rivers, and coastlines.
Here are a few easy ways to practice responsible paddle boarding and floating:
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Bring a small bag to pick up trash along the water
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Avoid disturbing wildlife or sensitive shoreline areas
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Respect local waterways, access points, and other paddlers
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Follow local paddle boarding and boating guidelines
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Encourage friends and family to paddle responsibly too
These habits help keep waterways clean and accessible for paddlers across the U.S. and Canada.
Wildlife Awareness for Paddle Boarders
Responsible paddle boarding means understanding the environment you’re in.
In Florida, warmer winter waters attract manatees — gentle animals that help maintain healthy seagrass ecosystems. Slowing down in shallow areas and giving them plenty of space helps protect both wildlife and waterways.
In other regions, this may mean watching for nesting birds, avoiding sensitive shorelines, or being mindful of seasonal fish habitats. Learning about your local ecosystem helps ensure future generations can enjoy the same paddling experiences.
Every Paddle Counts
Protecting our waterways doesn’t require perfection — just intention.
Every time you paddle with care, pick up trash, or share responsible paddle boarding practices, you help preserve the places that make these adventures possible.
Make every paddle, float, and on-water adventure count this year — because the only thing we should leave behind is the wake.
Living it to the fullest with Ed “Cosmo” Reed
When I reach Ed, he’s unsurprisingly out exploring, walking a greenway along a river in Nashville, Tennessee. He’s come here to visit his daughter as well as escape the massive snowstorm blanketing his home back in Colorado. “It’s okay, we need the snow,” he states, adding, “but I’m glad I’m not sitting there.” The more I talk to Ed, the less it sounds like he ever really sits anywhere.
Starting in February each year, Ed has a “major trip planned for each month.” And when winter hits, “I’ll ski or travel to places like this,” he says of Music City. A schoolteacher for over 40 years, Ed is taking full advantage of his retirement, exploring the US one magical place at a time. But his travel bug isn’t anything new to retired life, but rather a part of his personality since the beginning.
WALK TIL YOU CAN’T
Ed, who also goes by his trail name “Cosmo,” began his teaching career “in the bush in Alaska in a fishing village,” he explains. And while people usually associate Alaska with snow, Ed is quick to point out that Hydaburg, located in the southern part of the state by the Canadian border, is more akin to the rainforest, with an annual precipitation of over 100 inches.
“So, I lived in a village of 300 people and back then it was 10 hours by boat or 2 hours by air to get there. We had a town phone, a town generator, I mean it was like camping for 2 years,” he laughs. And when it was time to move on, Ed understandably went searching for a bit of sunshine. Landing in Grand Junction, Colorado, Ed taught shop and eventually engineering, spending the last 6 years of his career working with children with disabilities, “just because they’re my favorite kids.”
His decades-long career not only introduced him to hundreds if not thousands of people along the way, but also introduced him to a love of travel. “When I was teaching, I went to a lot of conferences and […] I just grew up liking different places and different things,” he says. But it wasn’t until his 5th back surgery that Ed really set his mind on seeing what was out there.
“I had a really active childhood growing up, I mean I jumped out of planes for 20 years, I flew hang gliders, I skied, rode motorcycles, rode horses, I just physically got beat up,” Ed explains. Four years ago, after emerging from his 5th back surgery at a hospital in Nashville, Ed found himself paralyzed from the waist down. “Through the grace of God, I was able to at least get up on a walker. And then I spent 9 months after I got home in rehab just learning how to walk,” he says. After such a grueling and challenging experience, “I was just determined to walk until I can’t.”
Today, not only does Ed walk, but he paddles.
TIMING IS EVERYTHING
When he’s not working on his farm or paddling Colorado’s lakes with his dog in tow, Ed is saving spots on Instagram to his wanderlust bucket list. The latest spot he knocked off that list—Death Valley in California’s northern Mojave Desert. But not just hot, dry, and low Death Valley, but Death Valley after a deluge of storms created a lake in one of the driest places on Earth.
Most of the time, water evaporates faster than it can accumulate in Death Valley’s Badwater Basin, which at 282 feet below sea level is one of the lowest-elevation places in all of North America. But after a record 4.9 inches of rain in the past 6 months (it typically sees 2 inches a year), Lake Manly formed to the delight of Ed and explorers everywhere.
Having already booked his trip out to the desert months prior, Ed happened to be watching the news when he saw a broadcast about the lake. Wanting to make sure he could believe his eyes, he called a park ranger within the national park to confirm that it was in fact there and that you could paddle board on it. The answer was a resounding yes.
Grabbing his BLACKFIN for its maiden voyage, Ed headed down to Badwater Basin. “There was this one serene moment where I was out in the middle of the lake, and I was the only one on the lake for as far as I could see. It’s just hard to describe something like that. You’re one of few people that have done that and you’re right in the middle of it you don’t see any people and there’s no noise, it’s so quiet out there.”
A week after Ed left, the lake had gone. Winds from the Sierra Nevadas had blown the lake until it became too shallow and dissipated. “Timing is everything sometimes,” he says.
LIVE THE ADVENTURE
So, what’s next for the avid explorer? “So, I’m in Nashville now. At the end of this month, I’m going to be in Arches. The middle of next month I’m going to be in Capital Reef. May will be Grand Canyon and Zion. I’m going to climb Angel’s Landing. So, I’ve got the summer planned up to August,” he says. And wherever there’s water, he’ll bring his paddle board along for the ride.
Sharing his photos from his travels, Ed notes he’s always seen sitting on the board and paddling it like a kayak with some help and comfort from his kayak seat. “Part of my surgeries that I’ve had balance and equilibrium is just something I don’t have,” he explains, adding, “So I just compensate, so I can still paddle board, I just kayak. Just because you have a disability doesn’t mean it should stop you.”
“A lot of my friends are retired you know and they just kind of sit around and talk about the things they want to do. And I’m going, ‘Do you know how easy it is to do this?’ “It just takes desire.” And the desire to explore is something Ed has in spades. And he’s not slowing down anytime soon.
“The more you travel the more you see. So, I go to these places where there’s just no people but the coolest things on the planet. That’s just it, life’s an adventure,” he says.
We’ll raise a paddle to that.
PLEASE NOTE: As of April 2024, there is no longer a lake at Death Valley. Please do not attempt to paddle here. Always check weather conditions and check in with the National Park service regarding paddle boarding locations and rules.
Paddling through Iceland with Florida native and avid explorer Liam MacLean
What prompted the idea to travel to Iceland?
I was born and raised in Florida and still live here in North Central Florida amidst many beautiful springs that are perfect for paddling. My girlfriend and I have wanted to go to Iceland for the last couple of years and after looking at flights one night, just decided to go since we had some time. I really wanted to photograph some of the glacial rivers as well as lagoons and thought it would be a really cool place to paddle and be able to explore with the paddle boards.
Was this your first time traveling with your SUP?
I have travelled all over Florida with the paddle boards, but this was my first time traveling via plane with them. The boards were easy to travel and bringing them through the airport wasn't a problem at all. I definitely think some planning ahead is necessary; we had to have a large van to accommodate them along with all of our gear, but that’s to be expected on a van camping trip.
Tell us about your itinerary.
We arrived in Keflavik and immediately headed towards Reyjavik so we could stock up on food and supplies for the trip. We then started on the Ring Road towards the southern coast of Iceland.
We stopped as often as possible to just take in the beauty all around and stopped at a couple of the glacial rivers including the Olfus River to paddle the beautiful bluish green waters descending from the glaciers. There were a ton of waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss, and we ended up spending the night in front of Skógafoss. The next morning, I put a paddle board in the small creek that led up to the massive waterfall, paddling against the very strong current and got up to a close but safe distance to the falls.
From there we continued along the southern coast and hiked to the glacier at Sólheimajökull and went to see the church and explore the small town of Vik, which was surrounded by the blooming lupins. The next day we hiked a few trails to some scenic canyons and made it to Jökulsárlón late in the afternoon. We put our boards in there to explore the icebergs up close and encountered grey seals darting under the ice and popping their heads up to check us out.
Driving almost through the mountainous interior of Iceland felt like a different planet with snow everywhere and the sun low on the horizon. We didn't see a car for hours (it was the middle of the night). We came across some of the geothermal sites with boiling mud pits on our way North and had it to ourselves for a couple of hours.
From there we continued across the northern section of the Ring Road and ended up making our way to the Easternmost point in Iceland to see the cliffs where the Atlantic puffins had come to mate. We were able to get within feet of them and spent hours shooting and exploring the massive cliffs.
Out of all we saw and did, my favorite location to paddle was Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. It was a wild experience to paddle amongst icebergs the size of buildings at almost 11 pm with the sun still above the horizon. We spent hours there shooting photos and just taking in the experience of paddling among the ice. I think it was the coolest place I have paddled and will be hard to beat.
How did paddling in Iceland differ from other places you’ve paddled?
Paddling around Iceland is a very different experience than in the US. There is far less public access to many of the waterways we saw along the road, and you cannot really just pull over on the side of the road or just turn down a street and park somewhere.
Also, the weather can be very unpredictable. One minute you can be experiencing 20 plus mph winds and the next, almost no wind at all and glassy calm waters. This happened while at the glacier lagoon and I wasn't sure if it was going to be safe to paddle, but after about an hour of waiting, the wind died down it was beautifully calm.
Overall, it was the most new/foreign place I had ever paddled, and I will never forget it.
Did you need any specific gear for paddling in Iceland?
The water temp ranges from 35 to 40 Fahrenheit and the air temperature was in the mid 40s, so it was important to wear a wetsuit as well as layers of wind protection in case we fell into the water.
What were some of the challenges of paddling in such a different locale?
It is important to keep your distance from the icebergs as they can break up or fall apart without warning. One of the icebergs, about the size of a small house, broke in half while I was about 100 feet from it, which was a very real reminder of how dangerous but beautiful they can be.
Even with some of the challenges we faced, it was one of the coolest, most mind-blowingly beautiful places I have been and every spot we put the paddle boards in was amazing. I would say it is a challenging, but extremely rewarding location for paddlers.
Do you have any upcoming trips with your board planned?
I don’t have any big trips planned, but we do plan on taking a paddle board down to South Florida to find and shoot photos of baby turtles and bioluminescence later next month.
Lastly, I would like to add just how versatile my iROCKER boards have been, they have been used for shuttling gear and as a float for freediving to paddling through icebergs and have always been extremely reliable, convenient and easy to use.
Follow along with Liam’s adventures on Instagram @liam_maclean