Kayaking and the lifestyle that accompanies it have led Joe to some of the most inspirational places and inspirational people. Although he finds it difficult to express what draws him to rivers so strongly, he is thankful for that draw and considers himself incredibly...

If you ask Joshua today, he’ll tell you he still remembers his first ever lesson with Ace. Josh was ten years old when Jeff, Joe, and Emily took him down the Hiwassee River for a joint lesson with his family....

Lucien is a whitewater paddling enthusiast based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, driven by a deep passion for exploration and the pursuit of happiness. With a love for the outdoors, especially the mountains and rivers, he has dedicated the last 30 years of his life to the...

Erik was born in Knoxville, Tennessee where he spent much of his youth enjoying the mountains and rivers of the southern Appalachians with his family, especially his father who is an avid...

Morgan has been a member of the ACE team for six years. Her love of whitewater started as a kid while taking summer family trips to raft on the Ocoee River. Nine years ago, a friend, who later became her husband, convinced her to go to Georgia State University’s raft...

Natalie’s journey into kayaking began in the summer of 2015 when she embarked on her first thrilling adventure down the Middle Ocoee in a raft. She was captivated by the whitewater with its unique blend of adrenaline, tranquility, and community.  She watched wide-eyed...

I’m Cade Burkhardt and I’m 16 I’ve been paddling for almost 3 years. I first learned about kayaking from my dad as he would always go on big trips far from home. I originally lived in Anderson Indiana and moved to Chattanooga Tennessee in 2019. Around this time we...

Kirk’s dad cultivated a deep respect and appreciation in him for wild places and adventures when he was just a boy, where they spent lots of time exploring the mountains and rivers of the world.