James McBeath

Why indeed its nice to stroll along a riverbank... its even nicer to paddle the entire thing. I've been getting people into boats since I was 11 years of age and continue to have one foot in the water and one on relatively dry land. Since the teen years, I have built three major paddling organizations, Kayak Futaleufu, Kayak International and Liquid Skills. All three are thriving now under partnership care... but are three of the top adventure sports organizations today... DO check them out, they all rock! I have been involved in developing youth programs since the early days of paddling. I feel it paramount that adventure sports take a larger role in bringing kids off of the street and onto a clearer path. I have seen kids from all sectors of life and from REALLY tough neigbourhoods sit in a kayak and change their lives forever. Kayaking has exposed them to group dynamics, healthy living, international destinations and cool communities. I've done it for kids from Lanark county, I'm doing it for kids in Chile, Peru and Uganda and am doing it for our town... starting this summer! Almonte is home to my next project... the World kayak organization. I am now the acting COO of the WK and am working with some amazing folks from across the globe on an initiative that will encourage adoption of this great, healthy sport. Stay tuned for some exciting programs. Web site to be launched soon.