Brad Ludden has travelled to over 40 countries as a Dagger athlete, has competed on the freestyle circuit and can be seen gracing the cover of magazines such as Outside, Men’s Health and Men’s Journal. Brad was also voted Cosmopolitan’s Bachelor of the Year in 2008, which must be a first for any kayaker.
In 2000, at the age 18, Brad founded the non-profit foundation, First Descents in order to provide young people affected by cancer the chance to utilise whitewater kayaking and other outdoor adventures in order to play a key role in their recovery process.
Brad Ludden is one of my all time favourite professional kayakers. I am so pleased that Brad agreed to take part in the 2011 Unsponsored Q&A series.
When and how did you first start paddling?
My parents taught me when I was 9. My first boat was a Dancer XS. Kayaking was a family affair with my Sister and both parents spending every sunny weekend on the rivers of BC, Montana and Idaho. It quickly turned into more travel with trips to Chile, the East Coast, California, Europe, Asia, Africa, etc.
What is your current location?
Denver, CO
What scares you the most?
Losing a friend to this sport and not being able to do anything about it.
What was your biggest hurdle in kayaking when you started out – finding people to paddle with, nailing the third end, lack of rivers etc?
Finding ways to sneak out of school without failing completely. I realized that the best option was to take online classes and graduate early. I haven’t returned to school since.
What has kept you in the sport?
Sunny days on the river with good friends. There is no greater stoke.
Who is your biggest source of inspiration within the paddling world (and why)?
I have SO many! The Kern brothers because they taught me so much and keep the soul in the sport. Dan Gavere because he’s the smoothest mo fo I’ve ever seen paddle. Brennan Guth for all the right reasons. Arnd and Bernd. Nico Chassing, Steve Fisher, Rush Sturges, Tyler Bradt, Rob Lesser (DUH) and so many others.
Given the choice where would want to paddle?
The Lochsa river in northern Idaho with my family. Those are my favorite days.
What do you dislike most about the competition scene, the industry and media, and what you’d change if you had a blank cheque or God like powers?
The competition scene takes itself too seriously in my book or maybe I took myself too seriously when I competed. I never got into kayaking because I wanted to be serious. I think they need to figure out how to make the competitions more available to the masses either through media or venue choices. The industry is awesome but sometimes I feel like it would be good for ALL of us to take a step back and look at this thing with different eyes. If I had a blank cheque, I would fund “Paddlequest 2”.
What kit are you currently using?
Kokatat. The stuff is sick
Many thanks Brad!
Awesome interview. Awesome website.