Paul Kuthe

Sea Kayaking

Age	28
Hometown	Portland, OR
Experience	The Pacific Northwest provides a training ground that rivals those found almost anywhere in the world. It is there that Paul crafts his own skills, as well as those of his fellow paddler. As Program Director at Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe, he enriches the paddling experiences had by all who share the water with him. Whether it’s dropping class V creeks or paddling out to surf a big set... combining a love of paddling big water, and traveling deep into the wilderness allows Paul to adapt and excel in varied conditions. Paddling has always been, and will continue to be, an escape, a livelihood, and a way of life. He lives to boat. He credits the BCU (British Canoe Union) for most of his modern coaching abilities. He is a Level III BCU whitewater Coach and a 5 star sea leader. He brings 20 + years of participating, teaching, and promoting paddle sports to the diversified job of planning, organizing and directing the educational realm of Alder Creek. Building and nurturing ALL paddling communities by studying many diverse disciplines and improving safety awareness has been a career goal for Paul. Whether creek boating, canoeing, slalom racing, or sea kayaking, he feels a kinship to those who share his passion for our waterways.
Achievements	Despite having paddled some of the most demanding rivers anywhere from a young age and making appearances in numerous paddling films including projects that have taken him to the very brink of what can be done in a sea kayak for National Geographic, and even gracing the pages of the NY Times in defense of free flowing rivers; Paul still feels that his greatest achievement has been carving out a viable living in this crazy business that allows him to spread the joys of paddling to people from all walks of life, while creating positive change for both the individuals participating in the sport, and the waterways we all love and depend on.
Biggest Adventure	The boys and I packed up our long boats expedition style and walked onto a ferry heading north. We traveled 2000 miles north into Canada to explore the Butze Tidal Rapids in its full glory during the largest tidal exchanges of the year. The Spring Equinox gave us long days and HUGE tides. “The Butze"(but-zee) is not one wave but many separate features including big whirl-pools, exploding pour-over’s, and breaking waves that form and then disappear as 30+ feet of tide water squeezes back and forth every six hours through narrow channels between the densely packed cedar covered islands laced across Fenn Passage near Prince Rupert. People have been paddling here for years, but none of the local boaters had ever seen sea kayaks surfing the amazing waves created by this special place. We learned a lot that trip. To see it all unfold check out www.theseasontv.com
Philosophy	Paul has a passion for traveling deep into the seldom seen but always inspirational natural places that both challenge and inspire him. He enjoys sharing and enjoying these places with his closest and most trusted friends and with the rest of the world through his photographs and stories.
Website	www.paulkuthe.blogspot.com