Episode Summary
In this episode, Brett sits down with Brad Burden, whose whitewater story spans early passion, professional intensity, a two-decade hiatus, and an unexpected return that has brought new meaning, joy, and connection to the second half of life.
Brad opens up about his formative days paddling at the NOC, his early rise as a professional kayaker, and the four-year push that culminated in a near-miss incident on the Slave River—a moment that signaled a deeper emotional and mental exhaustion. What followed was a conscious step away from whitewater and eventually a full transition into a stable and grounded life as a high school teacher, basketball coach, husband, and father.
Twenty years later, another shift in Brad’s professional life became the catalyst to rediscover a piece of himself he’d set aside. With humility and curiosity, he stepped back into the whitewater world—beginning with a return to the Gauley, where a swim on Lost Paddle reminded him both of who he used to be and who he is now.
Brad shares how the next generation of paddlers welcomed him in with open arms, how community has shaped this re-entry, and why he feels compelled now to contribute, mentor, and reconnect through his new show, B Flow Sessions, a podcast dedicated to stories and people who shaped his life on the river.
This is a reflective, inspiring episode about going hard, evolving identity, renewal, belonging, and the ways rivers have a way of calling us back.
What We Cover
- Brad’s early years at the NOC and journey into professional kayaking
- The emotional toll and burnout that followed a hard four-year push
- The near-accident on the Slave River that changed everything
- Why Brad stepped away from whitewater for 20 years
- Building a new life: teaching, coaching, marriage, and family
- The moment he realized he wanted to return
- Coming back to the Gauley — and swimming Lost Paddle after two decades off the river
- The generosity and welcoming spirit of the new generation of paddlers
- The creation of B Flow Sessions and Brad’s desire to give back
- How adventure, community, and self-understanding evolve in mid-life
About Brad Burden
Brad Burden is a former professional kayaker, educator, coach, and storyteller whose decades-spanning relationship with whitewater has taken many shapes. After an intense period of professional paddling in the early 2000s, Brad stepped away from the sport for 20 years to build a career in teaching and basketball coaching, while focusing on family and personal growth. Recently, a major life transition brought him back to rivers with fresh perspective and renewed joy. Brad now hosts B Flow Sessions, a podcast exploring the people and stories who shaped his paddling journey and continue to inspire his return to the whitewater community.
About Brett Mayer
Brett Mayer is the host of Following Waters, a storytelling platform sponsored by the American Canoe Association that explores education, stewardship, adventure, and competition across the paddlesports world. His work blends two decades of river experience with a lifelong commitment to environmental education, access, and community.
Brett’s connection to water began long before he picked up a paddle — growing up outdoors, studying environmental science and policy, and developing a deep interest in the ways people form bonds with place. After a Division I soccer career, he transitioned fully into the natural world, finding in paddling a profound sense of connection and purpose.
In 2003, Brett began kayaking, eventually becoming a sponsored paddler working with several outdoor brands, traveling widely, and competing in a range of races. He later became an ACA Level IV whitewater instructor, founded and operated a river school and adventure-travel company, and spent years teaching young people to paddle. His career is distinguished by craft, commitment, and the simple love of being on the water. Over time, the miles on the water shaped him, and they helped him understand the sport in a way few others do.
His perspective deepened through personal tragedy while writing his graduate thesis, The Lived Experiences of Whitewater Kayakers, a four-year exploration of how paddlers form meaning, identity, and community on the water. Brett completed much of this work while grieving the loss of his closest friend on the Grand Canyon — a period that strengthened his dedication to safety, storytelling, and honoring the river community.
Today, Brett serves as Policy Director for the American Canoe Association, where he works on national access, public lands protections, paddlesports safety, and grassroots engagement. He has spent more than a decade collaborating with the Outdoor Alliance, advocating on Capitol Hill, and working with paddlers across the country to protect the places we love. He recently co-authored Smart Start, a modern introduction to paddling designed to welcome new participants and broaden access to the sport.
Across all these roles — educator, guide, athlete, researcher, writer, and policy leader — Brett has shaped a career that represents the full spectrum of ACA’s mission. Following Waters is his way of giving that back to the community: creating access through storytelling, honoring the people and ideas that sustain paddlesports, and opening a world of wonder for listeners the same way it was opened for him when he first sat in a kayak more than twenty years ago.
Above all, Brett believes that paddling isn’t just a sport; it’s deep medicine for the soul, a way to connect, steward, and grow.
About
Research & Academic Work
A phenomenological study exploring why people paddle, conducted during your graduate work in Adventure Education at Prescott College.
Media Appearances & Interviews
Mentioned in this episode:
JointheACA
JointheACA
