Episode 2: Kickflips, Currents & Preparation — The Adam Herzog Story

From skate parks to the powerful flow of the Stikine River, Adam Herzog shares how intentional preparation and a love for place shaped his journey as a paddler, racer, and wilderness medicine educator.

Featured Guest: Adam Herzog

Adam Herzog started out skateboarding in Western North Carolina before discovering paddling in his teens. Over the years, that transition blossomed into a paddling career defined by discipline, edge-of-your-seat adventure, and deep purpose. After racing the Green Race annually for over two decades, he ultimately fulfilled a lifelong aspiration: running the legendary Stikine River, often dubbed the “Mount Everest of kayaking” .

Adam’s pursuits extend beyond the water—he’s a paramedic, trauma nurse, and wilderness medicine educator, known for his "Close Calls" storytelling in American Whitewater, exploring near-miss rescues and lessons in risk management. He also teaches via NOLI Learning (kayaking and rescue training)—find more at NOLILearn.org

Follow his journey and daily reflections on Instagram: @ZogTraining

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

1. How Adam’s skateboarding roots led to a paddling obsession.
2. A behind-the-scenes look at training for the Green Race and staying injury-free.
3. The physical and mental preparation for paddling the iconic Stikine River.
4. Lessons learned from injuries and rescue scenarios as a trauma nurse.
5. His philosophy around teaching, safety, and passing paddling on to the next generation.

Other Podcasts Featuring Adam

1. Epic follow-up interview on Inspire Campfire in The Highs and Lows of Adventure with Adam Herzog
2. Also featured on The Discomfort Zone Podcast discussing resilience post accident.

Share the Journey

If you found Adam’s story inspiring, please subscribe and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Share with a paddling buddy or a friend who loves adventure and deep conversations.

Stay tuned for Episode 3 with Gordon Dalton, where we will explore Virginia Creek culture, race organizing, and the life of a grassroots paddling legend.