Yesterday, September 10, 2026, marked a historic day for me. I have officially become the first recorded person to paddle the entire Mississippi River from source to sea in a folding kayak.

2,350+ miles. 10 states. 115 days.

It has been one of the longest and most grueling things I’ve ever done. A lot of people told me I shouldn’t do it before I started, including some people at Tucktec Folding Kayak. But after I assured them I could, they agreed to send me a boat.

Well, it’s safe to say they got their money’s worth 😅.

I want to thank every single person who supported me along the way, whether you donated, gave me a ride to the store, helped with a resupply, offered me a place to stay, or simply followed along. I genuinely could not have done this without the kindness of the people I met along the river.

If there’s one thing I hope people take away from this, it’s that people will always tell you something can’t be done, or that you shouldn’t do it.

If you really want to do something, go do it.

There are too many couch kayakers out there and not enough people out paddling!

Very lightweight boats, ranging from 20 lbs. for the clear canoe, to 48 for the three part strip built.

I stuck an aquarium thermometer sticker on the back of my paddle, so I could check out the water temperature at a glance. It’s ultra thin and works really well. So far it tends to favor the water temperature more than the air temperature. I expect that’s because it’s a bit wet even when I pull it out of the water.

I took my fall kayak trip up the Napanee River and upped the game a little. I went for a kayak under the Northern Lights at Deerock Lake in Flinton, Ontario tonight.

I've always wanted to do this and capture it with my cameras. What an unreal experience!

Yesterday was a beautiful day and a great paddle, right up until it wasn’t. This little canoe/kayak thing with an outboard goes roaring by me with a guy and 2 dogs in it, then there’s a huge splash and the motor cuts out abruptly. I turn around to see the boat capsized, and the dogs and owner all splashing frantically. Myself and a nearby pontoon boat make a beeline for them, but by the time we arrive one of the dogs isn’t splashing anymore. It had been leashed to the boat and the leash was wrapped around the hull, pulling it under while the owner struggled to right it. We got the other dog’s collar off, unbinding it from the boat, and pulled everything to a nearby sandbar, the dog swimming alongside. Someone had called Water Rescue, and they showed up about the same time we got everything under control, but it was too late for what we found out was a puppy. The owner was devastated, and I imagine it’s going to be a very long time before he forgives himself. Watching him being towed back with a lifeless dog on his lap is not something I’ll forget soon.

Please lash all your gear to your boats, but never lash yourself, your kids, or your pets to anything when on a boat. When the unexpected hits and all hell breaks loose, not being tied to something can save your life, and the lives of others. Wear your PFDs, and make sure your kids and dogs do too.

Stay safe out there, and look out for each other, it’s just us on the water, and “official”help is never nearby.

First time out this summer. Chicago river at night is like I unlocked a secret room in a video game.

Saratoga Passage, Washington State, United States.

The sign says it's open but there's no one inside.

I've been training him to ride for a few months now. He has started shutting his eyes for the ride, which I have to imagine is a dog's version of being on a yacht.

Loch Etive, Scotland

6 months into creating a first‑person kayaking game (for Steam & Consoles) and I have reached the limit of what I can learn from videos (I used to kayak but unfortunately don't have that chance anymore).

What I have tried to get right far: the boat keeps real momentum (stop paddling and it glides) each stroke makes its own sound, from the side you pull on, water shader and fish behaviour etc..

What is the thing that would instantly make u think "this doesn't look right”?
Kayak behavior, sounds, the way the paddle enters the water? Anything.