We sit down with whitewater kayaker Dave Fusilli, who shares the powerful story of how he discovered his passion for whitewater kayaking and transformed it into a lifelong pursuit of adventure on the river. Dave takes us back to the moment that first sparked his connection to moving water and how that curiosity evolved into a career spent chasing rapids, waterfalls, and some of the most demanding rivers in the Pacific Northwest as well as across the United States.

Along the way, he opens up about the lessons he’s learned in high-pressure environments, the mindset required to stay calm when conditions become unpredictable, and the near-death experiences that have shaped his deep respect for risk on the river. His stories give a raw, honest look at what it truly takes to paddle at an elite level in extreme whitewater kayaking.

We also explore the Columbia River Gorge, where Dave highlights some of his favorite places to camp, explore, and paddle. This iconic Pacific Northwest destination is a must-visit for RV travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone planning a river adventure in Oregon or Washington.

Dave also shares valuable paddling safety tips, technique insights, and guidance that applies to paddlers of all levels, including those enjoying recreational kayaking or stand up paddle boarding on flatwater lakes and calm rivers.

This episode also highlights how your RV can serve as the perfect basecamp for outdoor adventure travel. If you’re interested in whitewater kayaking, RV road trips, Columbia River Gorge camping, or stories of adventure, risk, and discovery, this episode is for you.

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