looking to apply your passion for kayaking in a meaningful and life-changing way? First Descents is looking for passionate people to give a week (or more) of their time to volunteer at a First Descents program this year. 

The openings include

Camp Mom

Camp Photographer

Medical Volunteer

To learn more about the opportunities and/or to fill out an application, please click …

It's that time of year when the snow starts melting and the rivers start running and that means you need to be getting in shape for an epic paddling season. 

As we all know, strong shoulders are key to a successful paddling season! There are a few simple movements you can be doing now to get your shoulders in peak shape for paddling this year.

1. The hand stand push up is a great movement that can be done at home or in the gym. There are several variations of…

For those of you looking for a meaningful way to put your passion for the outdoors and kayaking to work, look no further! First Descents is looking for volunteers for a week-long life changing program (they're all over the country) to attend and take photos. It will bring a whole new meaning to your kayaking, trust me.

Here's the link to get you started or email programs@firstdescents.org with questions

LINK for information on the position: …

For those of you who don't know what First Descents is, we're an organization that provides free outdoor adventure programs to young adults (18-39) with cancer. Our adventures are all over the country and world, primarily in the summer and include surfing, kayaking and climbing.

We're always looking for interested participants. Thus, if you know anyone between 18 and 39 who has or has had cancer, please send them to www.firstdescents.org to…

it's that time of year when water turns to snow and the skis come out. I was filming a tv show in Valdez, AK this summer with Dean Cummings who is one my childhood heroes. Dean was in all the major kayak films back in the day and his voice, like Warren Miller's, brings back countless memories. This summer, while kayaking on the Tsaina river near Valdez, I had a chance to hear all about Dean's life and my sense of hero only grew. Here's a great blog post on Outside's blog about Dean. Be sure…

A cool feature on www.firstdescents.org (a non profit that Dagger supports) on PBS. It's also an awesome tribute to Nick "Nickname" Raitt. Good friend, good boater, good guy.

http://byutv.org/watch/937a3970-27a0-4c49-82f6-278f8ea92f60

Finally kayaking is getting the recognition it deserves as is a great organization, First Descents.

Check it!

People_FD.pdf

If you know someone between 18-39 with cancer, please tell them about the free adventure at First…

If you're anything like me, texting and driving is safe compared to driving along a river in the spring time! This year is especially bad if you live in the Northern Rockies, California or the Northwest. After a MASSIVE snow year, all signs are pointing to an equally epic run off. It's time to get ready for spring, paddling and all things awesome!

Here are a few key pointers to get ready for big water.

1. MOBILITY IS KEY! Avoiding injuries is better than rehabbing and…

Check out David de Rothschild's new site myoo.com I'm honored to be a contributing editor and recently wrote this article about a first descent in Madagascar for their site's launch.

http://myoo.com/features/around-the-bend/

This one is simple. With kayak season right around the corner, I need you all to start challenging yourselves to get ready for an epic season of run off.

Here it is: If you know a young adult 18-39 with cancer (they can have it, have had it, be in treatment or anything in between) your challenge is to tell them about the free adventures that First Descents offers. This is a chance for you to share your love of kayaking with someone who could really stand to benefit from it!…

It's a question that most of us kayakers ask ourselves all too often. It's what draws us to the sport. Through challenge we grow, learn and find presence.

What many of us don't realize is that challenge can be more than just a life refresher. It can be medicine...therapy. At least that's the feedback we've had at First Descents. Through legitimate outdoor challenges, our participants defy cancer, understand it,…