BIO

I started kayaking about 5 years ago with my boyfriend, Boyd Ruppelt. Before I started kayaking I had never seen a waterfall, now they are my favorite feature on a river! Kayaking has taken me to so many beautiful places that only the river can take you. It has presented me with both physical and mental challenges that I have had to overcome in order to progress as a paddler and a person. I really love creeking and extreme kayaking right now, but I am also working on my playboating skills. Photography is also something that I love to do and mix with kayaking. It allows me to share my experiences with the world. Currently my pictures have been featured in ads in Outside Magazine, Kayak Session, Northeast Magazine, Canoe & Kayak Magazine, American Whitewater, as well as various web ads and sponsor catalogues.

INDUSTRY GOALS

My goals are both long term and short term. Within the year I plan to compete, do demos for local and regoinal outfitters, do more instruction, and push myself harder this year than last- including more days on the river as well as harder rivers and lines than last season.

As for lor long term goals, I plan to further the sport for women and youth. Women get intimidated in the sport of kayaking, and through instruction and example I plan to turn that fear and intimidation into fun!

Also, I am in school right now, planning on graduating in 2010 with a B.Ed. in Exercise Sport Science and a minor in NonProfit Management. With this I am planning to go to Physical Therapy school and starting my own nonprofit kayaking camp to fight childhood obesity and eating disorders.

OUTDOOR INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE (summary)

Kayaked Whitewater for over 5 years
Professional kayak photographer
Sponsored Whitewater Kayaker
Research & Development for H2O Paddles - 2007
American Canoe Association Swift Water Rescue Certified - 2007
American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR AED certification - 2007
Arthritis Foundation Certified – 2007
Certified Physical Therapy Tech - 2005-2008
Nature Lodge Director for the Boy Scouts of America - 2007
Kayak BSA Instructor for the Boy Scouts of America - 2004-2007
Jackson Kayak Colorado video/photo shoot - Summer 2006
Rescue Kayaker - Great Mississippi Canoe & Kayak Race, Memphis TN - 3 years

EXPOSURE (incomplete list)

Stohlquist Catalog - 2007- 2008
Stohlquist Rapid Magazine Ads - 2007- 2008
Colorado Kayak Squad- 2007- 2008
Memphis Flyer Feature “Memphis Hotties” – Feb. 2007
Jackson Kayak web write-ups - 2006- 2008
Stohlquist Web Ad - 2007-2008
Gaia Sports Athlete Focus - 2006-2008
Stohlquist Ad – American Whitewater Journal, Sept./Oct. 2006 page 46
Stohlquist Ad – American Whitewater Journal, July/Aug. 2006 page 46
Stohlquist Ad – Whitewater Magazine (back inside cover), 2006
2 Full Size Stohlquist Posters – Outdoor Retailer 2006
1 Full Size Stohlquist Poster – Outdoors Inc. (local outfitter)
Stohlquist Catalog: pictured 4 times, including cover - 2006