Guest Instructors Bios
Jesse Coombs- (Jackson Kayak)
Named Adventure Hero of 2006 and Class 5 Adventure Hero of 2007 by National Geographic. Jesse and his partner Ben Stookesberry are the force behind No Big Names video series and now produce a company called Clear Water films. Make sure to check out the latest kayak video Hotel Charlie.
Ben Stookesberry- (Jackson Kayak)
Teamed up with partner Jesse Coombs in No Big Names, the two now are producing Clear H2O films. Ben has taken creek and expedition kayaking to the next level by seeking out new unexplored locations. Ben and Jesse Coombs have the honor to be named Adventure Hero of the 2006 by National Geographic. One of Ben’s goals is to raise awareness and generate support for the protection of rivers.
Stephen Wright- (Jackson Kayak)
Nick-named Hobbit King, Stephen has dominated the play boating scene. Stephen is the two-time US National Freestyle Champion taking 1st at Fibark, CO in 2006 and Wisp Whitewater Park in MD in 2007. Stephen was also the silver medalist at the 2006 World Cup.
Clay Wright- (Jackson Kayak)
An Ambassador for American Whitewater, Clay has been kayaking for 20 years and is still excited every time he is paddling. Squirt boat World Champion, Bronze medalist 1996 Pre-Worlds, Bronze medal in the 2006 World Cup and several Extreme race wins on creeks such as, Oh Be Joyful, Cherry Creek, Clear Creek and Gore Canyon.
Nick Troutman- (Jackson Kayak)
For 18 years young, Nick has an outstanding list of accomplishments. Nick has a complete 1st descent on the Rio Alseseca, Vera Cruz, Mexico, member of the Canadian National Freestyle Team, 1st in the World Cup Championships Jr. Men 2006 as well as Bronze medalist at the 2007 World Championships in the senior men, and is featured in several of EJ’s instructional videos.
Eric Jackson- (Jackson Kayak)
Eric Jackson is a legend in the kayaking world. EJ is a four time World Champion with wins in 1993,2001,2005 and 2007 as well as winning the first World Cup in freestyle in 2006 and has been a US Team member since 1989. Owner of Jackson Kayak, EJ has settled down (a bit) in Rock Island, TN.
Emily Jackson- (Jackson Kayak)
Emily’s kayaking skills have soared in the past couple of years. Current Junior Women’s World Champion and silver medalist in the Women’s class at the 2006 World Cup. She is also current National Champion as well. Emily is a 3 time winner in the Teva Mountain Games Pro Women’s Rodeo (2005, 2006 &2007). Emily is also current Women’s National Champion and spends her free time raising money for non-profit groups that aid in the health and education of impoverished African children.
Ruth Gordon- (Jackson Kayak)
Growing up 30 min. away from the Ottawa River and learning to kayak at 18 yrs. Young. Ruth’s moves are textbook quality. Current Freestyle World Champion and two-time Canadian National Champion. She lives out of her bright yellow van and storage unit and knows she will wake up and paddle with Team Jackson.
Dane Jackson- (Jackson Kayak)
Dane is going to be the guy to beat. He took 3rd place at the Teva Mountain Games against the world’s top pros at the age of 13. Dane is current Junior National Champion as well as taking home silver in both The ’07 World Championships and ’06 W0orld Cup in the junior class.
Graham Seiler- (Pyranha)
Graham learned to kayak when he was 11 years old through the Philadelphia Canoe Club. He works roof construction when he is not traveling and kayaking with Team Pyranha. He loves to playboat, river run and creek boat. One of his favorite places to kayak is in the Pocono mountains in NE Pennsylvania.
Dave Fusilli- (Pyranha)
Dave learned to kayak with his Dad when he was 7 years old. He became serious about kayaking 6 years ago when he became a raft guide on the Arkansas River. His current favorite river is Cherry Creek, CA. Dave is a graduate in Environmental Science.
Jared Seiler- (Pyranha)
Jared has been kayaking for 11 years. He loves to play on the New River Dries, Upper Gauley and the Ottawa River. One of his favorite rivers is the Royal Gorge in California.
Ken "Hobie" Hoeve (Dagger)
15 years as a paddler and 10 years with Dagger kayaks.
Winner of the Gore Canyon Race and holds the first descent of both Upper Black Gore Creek and Upper Gore Creek in Vail.
Has traveled and paddled around the country offering river running and creek clinics as well as play boat clinics with Dagger's Paddle with the Pros. He also introduced the industries first ever free swiftwater rescue class, The Dagger Safety Initiative. In addition he has been the announcer for every large paddle sports event in the country including the freestyle world championships on the Ottawa and the upcoming championships in 2009.
Alex Mohn (Dagger)
Birthday: 3/13/89
Hometown: Henderson, KY
Paddle For: Dagger
Boat of Choice: Agent
Favorite River: Futaleufu
Local Stomping Grounds: Well, middle of KY is kind've terrible for boating... so i'm going to go with fayetteville, WV cause that's where i've spent most've my boating career... I think. Extra Activities: Judo and Jui-jitsu
I just finished my first year of school at the University of Kentucky with a major in Mechanical Engineering.
Eleanor Perry
Age: 23
Boats: I love my Agent; it is fast in a hole and stable on a river run. I have paddled the Nomad 8.1 since it came out; it is responsice, controllable and comfortable. However, I have recently moved to the Nomad 8.5 and it has stolen my heart. The Nomad has allowed me to paddle to the best of my abilities and to feel condident on the water.
2007 Results:
1st place - (Women's) South Saint Vrain Race
1st place - Pine Creek Boater Cross
1st place - Teva Mountain Games Crazy 8 Ball Race
2nd place - US Women's Freestyle Nationals
3rd place - North American Freesyle Championship Cup
Who I paddle for I am fortunate enough to have support from the two best companies in the industry: Dagger Kayaks and Immersion Research.
Tommy Hilleke(Liquid Logic)
Tommy started kayaking in North Carolina while attending Brevard College. He honed his skills doing numerous runs on the infamous Green River Narrows in North Carolina and winning the infamous Green River Extreme race four consecutive years. Tommy is also one of the premiere expedition paddlers in the world. Tommy’s one day assault on the Stikene River and the Middle Fork of the Kings will long be the bench mark for expedition paddlers.
Jules Campbell (Liquid Logic)
Known for his smooth style Jules has many first descents under his belt. Jules mother (US team member for 8 years) and father (’72 Olympic Slalom Team) were both US Team Slalom paddlers/coaches in the earlier 70’. Jules started paddling when he was two years old and got his first roll at five. Often seen on Lunch Video Magazine Jules quite confidence shows through time and time again whether running huge rivers in Alaska or steep creeking in California Jules is a top shelf kayaker.
John Grace(Liquid Logic)
John is the owner/producer of Lunch Video Magazine which is based on the now famous Green River in North Carolina. John is a master of expedition kayaking, whitewater videography and is an outspoken advocate of whitewater safety. His mantra of “just do it” has led to first descents all over the world and his eye for the camera has produced over 26 videos over the last six years.
Steve Sell (Confluence Watersports): Dagger, Wave Sport, Wilderness Systems, AT Paddles)
I have been messing about in boats for over 20 years. If you ask me about my paddling experience. I’ve probably done it. From exploring the Boundary Waters in Northern Minnesota in canoes, whitewater kayaking all over the country, sea kayaking many destinations and the last few years really enjoying using flat water styles of kayaks to fish in the high Rocky Mountain lakes. More importantly I enjoy introducing new people to the sport. I love talking to new paddlers and sharing my experience. I put myself in their shoes and think back to my beginnings and how excited I was about the sport, but also how naive I was. My wife and I still laugh about the first canoe I bought and the cup holders I bought to put in the boat. At the time boats had no special outfitting or extras. Now cup holders and such are standard. So I love talking to people about the differences in boats, paddles, gear and how it has all evolved. I was recently paddling by myself on a beautiful river in South Texas. I had time to reflect. And I said to myself this is who I’ am. A paddler! It doesn’t matter what style of water it may be. I’m all in.