Hip & Back Pain associated with kayaking

by heatherherbeck | Mar 10, 2019 | Fitness, Internationalisation, United States, Video, Whitewater

 The latest epidemic these days is SITTING.  Most people have desk jobs, then come home to sit even longer at the end of the day scanning through social media or watching a movie.  On weekends rally for a few laps down the river . . . only to sit even...

Things to consider when choosing your paddling partners . . .

by heatherherbeck | Feb 24, 2019 | Whitewater

Everyone has different templates on the type of people they enjoy paddling with, but here are just a few of my thoughts and some characteristics I look for and expect of my close paddling circle when I take on challenging whitewater.   The harder and...

Halloween Paddle on the White Salmon 2018

by heatherherbeck | Nov 1, 2018 | Event Coverage, Events, Internationalisation, Uncategorized, United States, Whitewater

Not much water, but tons of Ghosts and Goblins We’ve lived along the banks of the White Salmon River for over 13 years.  And, it has NEVER FAILED that when the Annual Halloween Paddle would happen, we’d either have just the right amount of water to paddle the...

Seasons Change, and so do we . . .

by heatherherbeck | Mar 8, 2018 | Creeking, Internationalisation, Trip Reports, Trips, United States, Whitewater, WW Disciplines

When people ask me how long I’ve been kayaking, I tell them about 10 years . . . but, the other day I stopped and actually added up the years in my head and it’s been almost 18 years!   A lot has happened in 18 years.  I went from being the paddler that...

Ladies on the Lake Sea Kayak Symposium

by heatherherbeck | Dec 3, 2017 | Event Coverage, Events, Recreational/Touring

This past August, I was invited to be the “guest instructor” at the Ladies on the Lake Sea Kayak Symposium on Lake Superior in Munising, MI.  I don’t have much background in sea kayaking  (not sure I can even say I have ANY), but I was invited to share...

Spooky and Creepy Sightings White Salmon River

by heatherherbeck | Oct 31, 2017 | Creeking, Internationalisation, rivers, United States, Whitewater, WW Disciplines

Nothing brings out the creepiest, scariest, spookiest and most creative costumes EVER, then the Annual White Salmon River Halloween Paddle.    Paddlers came from all over to participate in this year’s festivities.  Costumes ranged from mummy’s, to...

Cancer, Kayaking and First Descents

by heatherherbeck | Sep 6, 2017 | 2016 Rock Star Competition, Antix, Featured Post, Internationalisation, rivers, United States, Whitewater, WW Disciplines

I have shared my experiences working with First Descents each year and this year is no different.  I choose to share my experience with this organization to each of you because it is a “life changing” week for everyone who’s involved. First Descents (FD) is a...

Creating Family Adventures . . .

by heatherherbeck | Jul 26, 2017 | Family Zone, Internationalisation, Karma, River Running, rivers, United States, Whitewater, WW Disciplines

If there is anything that JK symbolizes, it’s FAMILY and ADVENTURE!  I have been part of the JK team since 2005.  Over the years there has been lots of change – boat designs, business structure, team members, etc – BUT, one thing has stayed...

Mexican Whitewater – Top Destination for whitewater enthusiasts

by heatherherbeck | Jan 31, 2017 | Creeking, Event Coverage, Events, Internationalisation, rivers, Trip Reports, Trips, United States, Video, Whitewater, Wrap Ups, WW Disciplines

If you paddle any level of whitewater, you have already heard about the epic rivers in Mexico.  In the last 10 years, I have returned ‘south of the border’ for the incredible river adventures, but also for a lot more than that.  Here are my top #5 reasons to...

First Descents 2014

by heatherherbeck | Sep 11, 2014 | Whitewater

This is my 8th year being part of First Descents (www.firstdescent.org). It has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. This season was no exception. Late July/Early August, I spent a week in Montana on the Clarks Fork River, shortly followed by two...

Mexico 2014

by heatherherbeck | Feb 1, 2014 | Whitewater

I’m sure by this time, you have all read at least one post about the Alseseca race in Veracruz, Mexico. And, if you haven’t already bought your ticket for next year, I know you are all considering it! So, if you’re interested in reading more about...

Health, Fitness & Kayaking

by heatherherbeck | Mar 5, 2011 | Internationalisation, JK University, United States, Whitewater

Do you keep yourself fit & healthy to become the BEST kayaker you can be? Or, do you choose to kayak as a way to IMPROVE your health & fitness? Have you ever really thought about it? Jackson Kayak team members, Samantha Brunner Ruppelt and Heather Herbeck, are...