What does it take to fall in love with kayaking for life—not just for the next big rapid? In this episode, I sit down with Ottawa River local and Head of School at World Class Academy, Kalob Grady, to talk about the evolution of freestyle, the joy of paddling for fun, and the mindset shifts that keep you in the sport for decades.

We dive into:

🌊 Why the “middle ground” of freestyle fun matters for skill and stoke

🧠 How to build a growth mindset and embrace failure in low-consequence environments

💛 The power of community, mentorship, and connection over ego

🎯 Knowing when to push your limits—and when to walk away

✈️ Why putting yourself in the discomfort zone prepares you for life on and off the river

Whether you’re chasing waves, running creeks, or just want to paddle well into your 80s (yes, we talk about that goal!), Kalob’s insights will inspire you to reconnect with what makes kayaking—and life—fun.