Ken Driscoll

Ken Driscoll
Discipline: Freestyle K1, Starting to surf kayak.
Hometown: Born in Mobile AL
Class: K1
Living Now: Salt Lake City, UT
Current Boats: Astro 58, Thunder, Magnum Flair 57
Shaft of Choice: Werner Bent Shaft.
Big Volume or Steep Creeks: Creeks
Favorite Paddling Spot: Lachines.
What is Next - Ambitions/Plans: Expose PeakUK to the US and Candian markets.
Best things about paddling: The places you get to see where you can only get to by kayak.
Best boating moment: There are to many to choose just one.
Worst boating moment: Crash of the Topo Duo
Heroes, On and Off the water: Steve Jobs and Bill gates. Both excellent natural marketers. I find them both fascinating.
Other Hobbies: Snowboaring, Skiing, Mtn biking, nerding (computer games)

Favorite Stuff:

• Food: Mexican chilli verde
• Drink: Diet Coke
• Music: Lots of choices here. Interpol, Chameleons, James, AFI, Bad Religion etc
• Film: Office Space
• Books: I can choose one, I read everyday.

Top Tip on Life and Everything: Do not be afraid to live outside of what is considered normal.
Find out more:
www.peakuk.com
www.riotkayak.com

Jennifer Kellerman - Team Manager

Jennifer Kellerman
Discipline: River Running, Playboating, learning to squirt.
Hometown: Ottawa, ON CANADA
Class: K1
Living Now: Beachburg, ON CANADA (582 Ottawa River Local)
Current Boats: Jackson Star, 2Fun, Punk Rocker/ New Wave Maestro
Shaft of Choice: (hee hee you said "Choice") AT4 Play Small Shaft
Big Volume or Steep Creeks: Volume, but starting to figure out smaller, steeper stuff
Favorite Paddling Spot: Ottawa River, Upper Gauley
What is Next - Ambitions/Plans: Share my passion for paddling with as many people who will tolerate it!
Best things about paddling: The ability to forget everything else, and just focus on the "now' in beautiful locations, with wonderful people
Best boating moment: Anytime I ace a new run, drop or move.
Worst boating moment: Trapped alone upside down against trees on the Black River in NY during flood stage (22,000cfs) while waiting to drop in and surf Big Brother.
Heroes, On and Off the water: The brave men and women of the armed forces, anyone who is brave enough to take chances, and anyone able to triumph over adversity
Other Hobbies: cycling, instructing Spinning, hiking, weight training, smiling, house design
Favorite Stuff:

• Food: Thai, Sushi, cheesecake, Eggs Benny
• Drink: Water, rum & coke when it's time to wind down OR fire it up!
• Music: Everything! Anything I can sing along to! Classical, dance, rock, metal, ska, jazz, alternative, Canadian music kicks butt!
• Film: Run Lola Run, Dumb and Dumber, Nacho Libre
• Books: B-o-o-k-s? Does the Black & Decker Home Improvement Manual count?

Top Tip on Life and Everything: You’re only young once, but you can stay immature indefinitely!
Find out more:
http://jennyrightside.blogspot.com
www.riverjunkies.net
www.worldkayak.com

Jeremy Laucks

Jeremy Laucks
Discipline: If it floats, I paddle it. If it doesn't, i mystery move it.
Hometown: York, PA
Current Boats: Pyranha 4-Twenty, Burn, and Ammo. A handful of squirtboats, and a funky little composite OC-1
Shaft of Choice: Straight- Wood is good
Big Volume or Steep Creeks: The steeper the better
Favorite Paddling Spot: I've gotta go with my backyard spot- Holtwood on the Susquehanna
Awards: 2x US C-1 Freestyle Silver Medalist. 2005 North American Freestyle C-1 Champion. 2006 North American Freestyle OC-1 Silver Medalist. 2007 US Freestyle Team member for OC-1 and Squirt.
What is Next… Ambitions/Plans: Keep chasing the rain. My overall goal is to become the best, most rounded paddler I can be. I want to spend as much time on the water as I can, and rip it up the best I can.
Best things about paddling: Lieing in bed at night, sore and exhausted from the best day of boating you've every had, listening to the rain pounding on the roof, not knowing where or what or with who you'll be boating tomorrow, but knowing that it'll be even better. That and big loops. And mystery moves.
Best boating moment: There are so many, but if I had to pick one, it would be my first descent of Cinnamon Falls in Colorado.
Worst boating moment: Landing flat off David's falls on Hornbeck's Creek in PA, trying to eat my paddle and ending up with a hole through my lip- 6 stiches. Now I've got a full face helmet and a good tuck.
Heroes, On and Off the water: I've always been really impressed with Jim Snyder's vision and nonchalant attitude about it. He makes his own fun, and lets other people figure out for themselves that it's fun- rather than telling them how the need have fun. He makes a darn nice paddle, too.
Other Hobbies: I used to climb, bike, go backpacking, etc. Now I mostly just go kayaking
Favorite Stuff:

• Food: Steak. Throw in some potatoes and I'll be happy.
• Drink: Iced Tea
• Music: I've got pretty broad musical tastes. Lately I've been into pretty mellow stuff.
• Film: I have to punt on this one. I just can't think of one
• Books: Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.

Top Tip on Life and Everything: Don't let money get in the way of living life the way you want to.
Find out more:
First descents, big waves, drops, playholes. Find more time to go kayaking and more ways to make living the kayak lifestyle work financially.
Find more about me at www.ChasingRain.com

Matthew Rusher

Matthew Rusher
Discipline: Whitewater and Surf
Hometown: Camden,SC
Living Now: Bozeman, MT
Current Boats: Riot Astro58, Flair57, Magnum, Boogie
Shaft of Choice: H20 Bent with Grips
Big Volume or Steep Creeks: Steep Creeks
Favorite Paddling Spot: Norway and Costa Rica
What is Next - Ambitions/Plans: Iceland Boieeeeee!
Best things about paddling: The friends you make along the way
Best boating moment: Running Gorilla for my 22th Birthday
Worst boating moment: Currently trying to forget about it!
Heroes, On and Off the water: Shawn White, Kelly Slater, Christiano Ronaldo
Other Hobbies: Surfing, Snowboarding, Skateboarding, Soccer

Favorite Stuff:

• Food: Comida Mexicana, Grilled Cheese
• Drink: Ginger Ale, Makers Mark
• Music: Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, De La Soul, Dialated Peoples, Old School Rap
• Film: Any good classic Comedy - Caddyshack, Spaceballs, Fear of a Black Hat
• Books: I only look at the pictures

Top Tip on Life and Everything: Treat everyday like its your last!

Jeff Banks

Jeff Banks
Discipline: Kayaking, and bringing back old school Whitewater Dories
Hometown: SLC, UT
Living Now: Boise , ID
Current Boats: Riot Magnum, Jackson Super fun, 16 ft wood dory
Shaft of Choice: AT, and Werner
Big Volume or Steep Creeks: Both
Favorite Paddling Spot: Alpine Canyon of the Snake, Surfing Kahuna in a rain or right after a summer shower
What is Next - Ambitions/Plans: Balance boating and family, Show my kids how to paddle
Best things about paddling: Getting away, pushing my limits, and hanging with friends
Best boating moment: Learning not to throw my paddle to roll, I learned to hand roll first and would always through my paddle, even in the schiznit.
Worst boating moment: Anytime I am running the last Drop of the Malad
Heroes, On and Off the water: My Friends are my heroes.
Other Hobbies: Anything outdoors, mountain biking, hiking, camping

Favorite Stuff:

• Food: Mexican and Charlie chows
• Drink: Mountain dew, Sweet nectar of life
• Music: SKA
• Film: Hoosiers, "don’t get caught watching the paint dry"
• Books: Art of War

Top Tip on Life and Everything: Life is all about making memories
Find out more:

Christina Russell

Christina Russell
Discipline: Freestyle kayaking and creeking
Hometown: Freestyle kayaking and creeking
Living Now: Bend, Oregon- we have a lot of lava rock if ya want some
Current Boats: Liquidlogic Vision 44 and Huck
Shaft of Choice: Werner Player 188
Big Volume or Steep Creeks: BOTH! How can you possibly choose?!
Favorite Paddling Spot: Granny's Wave on the Wenatchee, the Futaleufu and Rio Palguin in Chile. oh and Icicle Creek, WA
Awards: 2nd Kaituna Slalom Race, New Zealand (2005)
3rd in Collegiate Nationals Boatercross semi-finals (2007)
5th place in Collegiate Nationals Freestyle Event (2007)
2nd place Men's Boatercross at Oregon Cup (2007)
1st place Women's Boatercross at Clackamas River Festival (2007)
2nd place Men's Boatercross semi-finals at Clackamas River Festival (2007)
1st place Women's Big Air Ramp at Clackamas River Festival (2007)
What is Next - Ambitions/Plans: kayak the world and smile while I'm at it. In the near future I hope to return to New Zealand for some heli-boating, head up to Canada for some play, and possibly do some paddling in Japan,,,,.wanna come with?
Best things about paddling: Traveling the world and getting to experience other cultures. I love the feeling of lacing a class five drop or throwing a big move. It's about enjoying every moment and living life
Best boating moment: Everyday I'm on the water.
Worst boating moment: Losing my contacts on lower Zig Zag on the Green Truss….flipping, missing the cave, nailing every rock and surfing every hole….not cool- Revenge is MINE! MWHAHAHA!
Heroes, On and Off the water: My sister Kim and David Hughes
Other Hobbies: skiing, rock climbing, backpacking, target shooting, painting, slacklining, Frisbee golf, running, mountain biking, running through sprinklers, and eating eating eating
Favorite Stuff:

• Food: pasta pasta and anything Oriental. Just NO meat-I'm a vegetarian
• Drink: guava smoothie or some strong Chilean coffee
• Music: Jedi Mind Tricks, Swollen Members, Sweatshop Union, Jurassic 5, Blackalicious, K7, Beatnuts, Sahara, Shiny Toy Guns, The Faint, OPM, Abandoned Pools, Anberlin, Zap Mama, Gypsy Kings
• Film: Step into Liquid, Kill Bill, The Whole Nine Yards, The Italian Job
• Books: Lord of the Rings, The White Spider, Up Shit Creek (Hooray for bathroom humor!)

Top Tip on Life and Everything: Live life to its fullest...it's too short to hold back. Always give 100% and remember to smile while you're at it!
Favorite Quote: "I came to kick ass and chew bubble gum....and it looks like I'm all out of bubble gum"
Find out more:
www.liquidlogicladieslounge.blogspot.com
www.kayak247.blogspot.com

Greg Parker

Greg Parker
Discipline: Freestyle, Creeking
Hometown: Verona, WI
Current Town: winters in school at La Crosse, WI, summers at Salida, CO
Current Boats: Jackson Kayak Allstar and Rocker
Shaft of Choice: 197 15 degree Werner Double Diamond
Big Volume or Steep Creeks: steep creeks
Favorite Paddling Spot: Salida, CO
Awards: Have won many local/ community events

• 1st at 2004 and 2005 Midwest Freestyle Championship
• 8th at 2006 Teva Mountain Games
• 3rd at 2006 Lyons Outdoor Games
• 6th at 2008 BV Pro Rodeo

Whats next... ambitions/plans: Continue to teach kayaking at RMOC during the summer and finish up 2 more years of school. I am majoring in Physical Education and Spanish and plan to move out West.
Best things about paddling: Learning new tricks, the moment after running a big drop, and the places it takes me
Best boating moment: How can I choose just one?
Worst boating moment: Maybe my last swim which was 8 years ago under a raft through Right Horseshoe on the Ottawa.
Heroes, On and Off the water: Probably Stephen Wright because you can tell he has so much fun on the water.
Other Hobbies: Rock climbing and ultimate frisbee

Favorite Stuff:

• Food: BBQ Ribs
• Drink: Purple Gatorade
• Music: hip hop and reggae
• Film: V for Vendetta
• Books: I haven't read a book outside of school in years.

Top Tip on Life and Everything: Love what you do and do what you love. Life's to short to waste time.
Find out more:
http://www.jacksonkayak.com/teamjk/team.cfm
http://www.coloradokayak.com/CKS-Profiles/CKS-Squad
http://www.peakukus.com/t-PeakUKUS-team-blog.aspx
http://www.shredready.com/team/index.html

Marie-Pier Côté

Marie-Pier Côté
Discipline: Freestyle, creek, squirt, downriver, slalom
Hometown: I'm from Quebec City but have spent my last 3 years in Montréal
Current Boats: Flair 47 and Magnum 72
Shaft of Choice: I paddle with a Select W1 bent shaft.
Big Volume or Steep Creeks: Depends of where I am. Both are exciting!!!
Favorite Paddling Spot: Montréal is very good for freestyle but all rivers in the province of Quebec are good to paddle in. Lots of good creeks and big rivers here.
Awards:

• 2008 Canadian Freestyle Team Member
• 2008 Canadian Squirt Team Member

Whats next - ambitions/plans: I just want to continued to have fun and to perform on the sport I prefer the most.
Best things about paddling: Paddling is my lifestyle. It makes me free.
Best boating moment: When I was coaching kids for slalom competitions. And when I fly on Big Joe when the wave is green.
Worst boating moment: When my ankle broke on the Petite Bostonnais during an Xtreme race at the beginning of the season 2008.
Heroes, On and Off the water: On the water, my hero always pushes me hard when we're paddling together. She's one of the best paddlers in the world. She's a model for me. That's my friend Valérie Bertrand.
Other Hobbies: Rock climbing and ultimate frisbee

Favorite Stuff:

• Food: Hummmmm....Sushi!! Also pasta... thats the best for champions before a race... and a big steak after!!
• Drink: Water is good.... but a little flat beer after a down river is better.
• Music: Every thing ... depends of how I feel.
• Film: Matrix, S.W.A.T...

Top Tip on Life and Everything: Si ça fait mal c'est que tu n'est pas mort. (If you feel pain it's coz your not dead)

Adam Herzog

Adam Herzog
Discipline: Paramedic
Hometown: Currently Johnson City, TN but I am moving to Lebanon, NH in the Spring
Current Boats: Liquidlogic Jefe, Jefe Grande, Remix 100 and session plus (the last rodeo move I learned was the splitwheel)
Shaft of Choice: Aquabound
Big Volume or Steep Creeks: I like moderately steep rivers (200 to 300 fpm) with a lot of water (3000 + cfs).
Favorite Paddling Spot: Russell Fork and Linville
Awards:

• 1st place in Jerry's Baddle in 2005, 2006, and 2007
• 3rd place Russell Fork Race 2006, 4th place Russell Fork Race 2007
• Top ten Green Race 4 years; 2nd place Chatooga Race 4 years

Whats next - ambitions/plans: I am excited about exploring and paddling new creeks and rivers in New England and Canada over the next few years. I am also fired up about the Fall creek racing season.
Best things about paddling: Ultimate focus. The euphoria that can only be achieved by picking a line and nailing it when it counts.
Best boating moment: Arriving at the takeout of Linville after a double solo.
Worst boating moment: Arriving at the takeout of Linville after a double solo.
Heroes, On and Off the water: Steven Matz for running the shit before it was cool. Brad Kee for running, biking and paddling everyone else to death. My parents. My wife, Alenda, for her passion for life.
Other Hobbies: Road biking, trail running, playing with the cats.

Favorite Stuff:

• Food: Road biking, trail running, playing with the cats.
• Drink: Steel Reserve
• Music: Recently I have experienced a 90's renaissance. Nirvana, Alice in Chains, the Offspring. Also Amon Amarth, Jack Johnson, Secret Machines and Wolf Parade.
• Film: Heavy Metal in Baghdad, The Wire
• Books: My Revolutions by Hari Kunzru, A Peoples History of the U.S. Howard Zinn

Top Tip on Life and Everything: Always keep moving.

Find out more: zogtraining.blogspot.com

Cody Howard

Cody Howard
Discipline: Expedition Boating, Creekin' & River Running
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
Living Now: Bellingham, WA
Current Boats: Pyranha L Burn, Karnali & Everest
Shaft of Choice: Werner Powerhouse
Big Volume or Steep Creeks: Both are great! But my roots are in the steeps.
Favorite Paddling Spot: Toss up between Cali, Mexico & BC....but pretty much anywhere there is a high concentration of quality, demanding runs.
Whats next - ambitions/plans: To continue to explore and push my limits on serious creeks and rivers.
Best things about paddling: Ultimate focus. The euphoria that can only be achieved by picking a line and nailing it when it counts.
Best boating moment: I can't quite narrow that down to one best, but more like a “greatest hits”...one that stands out is take out beers at the bottom of The Stikine. Worst boating moment: The loss of a good friend on the river.
Heroes, On and Off the water: My family and those taking care of us overseas.
Other Hobbies: Mainly water sports - Spearfishing, Surfing, Wakeboarding, Body Surfing, Swimming...

Favorite Stuff:

• Food: Mexican. Carne Asada Burritos
• Drink: and a nice cold beer. Or horchata!
• Music: It all! Everything from rock, rap, country to reggae, whatever...
• Film: Jaws
• Books: Sun Tzu The Art of War

Top Tip on Life and Everything: Pain is weakness leaving the body. Go exercise, you'll feel better.

Sam Fulbright

Sam Fulbright
Discipline: Freestyle and Creeking
Hometown: Chattanooga, TN
Living Now: Bellingham, WA
Current Boats: Bliss-Stick Super Rad, any creekboat that gets me down the river
Shaft of Choice: Werner Double Diamond
Big Volume or Steep Creeks: Tough one here- I'll go with both! .
Favorite Paddling Spot: New River Dries-Put in waves, or The wave of the Salween River
Whats next - ambitions/plans: Getting my boat and self to the Salween river in China with out speaking a work of the language, and then back. Then boating as much as possible all over the place.
Best things about paddling: I really just love it all, nothing beats a good day on the water whether its running the gnar in some crazy canyon or playing at the local play spot. Being around the people and pushing yourslef wherever theres water.
Best boating moment: Cruising to the Horizon line of the final rapid on the Moon Gorge on the Mekong. It was a mighty horizon line, and a narrow canyon with a lot of water. Hopped out to take a look and got right back in so I didn't scare myself out of running it. Hit the first big hole and rolled up just as I was dropping into the big hole at the bottom for one crazy surf. Worst boating moment: Is there really such a thing? Maybe that time I broke my nose running some slide on the Green upside down. Who would have thought I can't run Class V backwards?
Heroes, On and Off the water: Scott Lindgren-he makes totally sick movies all why running the mank in order to get all the shots.
Other Hobbies: Video and photography, ultimate frisbee, trying to ski, and just being outside

Favorite Stuff:

• Food: Burritos
• Drink: Pineapple banana juice
• Music: Dave Matthews, Bonobo, Nujabes
• Film: The Bourne series, and just about all kayak films
• Books: Into the Wild, The dharma bums

Top Tip on Life and Everything: "You can't laugh too much"

Find out more at: Feedtherat.com