There is more to paddling than hitting big rapids and crushing boofs, its about the lifestyle. Encouraging others, staying safe, having fun, keeping the outdoors clean, and getting others on the water are just a few of the many things we look for when we think about candidates for TEAM ROA.
MEL SHAFER
POCONO MOUNTAINS, PA
1.) How long have you been boating?
I have been boating almost seven years now. Went straight to canoeing with none of that mucking about with kayaking.
2.) What got you into boating?
I was going through a really hard time in my life. One morning I woke up and realized I was becoming an alcoholic. I realized all my other friends had hobbies, so I knew I had to pick something up. I grew up hiking the shores of the Lehigh River in northeastern PA, where I saw people in their little boats floating down and always wanted to try it. So I joined the Lehigh River Canoe and Kayak club on Facebook, and asked for help. The support was amazing. I was in a tandem canoe that weekend on the Stony Creek (class III) during the Stony Rendevous with the one and only Marie-eve Beauchamp. I was hooked. People started lending and giving me gear. I was able to try many boats before I decided which one to buy.
3.) Favorite Local paddling spot?
Favorite local paddling spot is the Upper Yough, arguably one of the best rivers on the east coast
4.) Full time profession / job / career?
I'm currently in grad school working on my masters degree in forestry, with a focus in forest hydrology. My research based on characterizing and quantifying the whitewater resources of the United States. This data is being used for the Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative that is focused on changing the economy of West Virginia to an Outdoor recreation based model.
5.) Current Location and Hometown?
I'm currently living in Bruceton Mills, WV. I was born in upstate New York, but I call the Poconos In PA my hometown.
6.) Anything else you would like to add?
Whitewater has changed my life and many of my friends lives. So many helped me to get where I am today. I think it is extremely important to continue to keep giving back to the sport by getting new people into it
GREG MURPHY
WINSTON SALEM, NC
1.) How long have you been boating, what got you started?
I have been paddling since I was introduced to canoe camping by my Boy Scout Troop in 1989. After high school I put my paddle down until my boss approached me in the spring of 2009, concerned I was burning out, and suggested I needed a hobby. I bought a canoe and started paddling whitewater that fall.
2.) Favorite Local paddling spot?
My favorite place to paddle, as elusive as it can be, is Kibler Valley, the headwaters of the Dan River. I have developed a routine that helps me practice all facets of my canoeing in a fast moving, rocky class 2+ stream.
3.) Full time profession / job / career?
I am a twenty year veteran teacher of band, orchestra, and jazz in the Winston Salem/Forsyth County School System.
4.) Current Location and Hometown?
I currently reside in Winston Salem, NC. I am a native of New Paltz, New York
5.) Anything else you would like to add?
I have been exploring and documenting the best whitewater creeks in Wilkes and Yadkin counties, the foothills of NC. You can explore our local goods on my YouTube channel: gregmurphycanoes
Jacob Martin
New Castle, VA
1.) How long have you been boating, what got you started?
I’ve been paddling for 2 years now as of May 2022. I’ve been into kayak fishing for years now, so kayaking isn’t too new to me but back in May of ‘20 when I had a little over a year sober and a friend of mine hooked me up with an old Wavesport EZ on the condition that I give whitewater a real shot. I watched a bunch of YouTube videos, taught myself how to roll then one of my best friends took me down Balcony Falls on the James for the first time. The progression, my homies, the community and all the dope things I’ve gotten to see along the way have kept the fire lit on an exponential level ever since.
2.) Favorite Local paddling spot?
Favorite local spot has to be Johns Creek, especially in a full slice. There’s nothing like having some super quality whitewater 10 minutes from my house. The rapids are great, the downriver play is great, and our little crew of regulars make it that much better.
3.) Full time profession / job / career?
I’m a CNC Machinist, been doing that about 11 years now.
4.) Current Location and Hometown?
New Castle, Virginia is where I’m from and where I’m at now. Got a love the quiet small town mountain life.
5.) Anything else you would like to add?
Whitewater has given me a feeling that I tried to get for whole lot of years with a whole bunch of not so healthy things. The past and the future don’t bother me when I’m on the water, just what’s happening in the then and now. The community is full of some of the best people I’ve met, especially the crew of folks we have here locally.
Heath Honaker
Salem, VA
1.) How long have you been boating, what got you started?
I have been boating since 2002, when I picked up a Dagger Legend and began fishing, casual boating, and camping on the New River. I was no pro then but fell in love with being on the water. Unfortunately, as life happens, I had to take a sabbatical from being on the water somewhere around 2007 and was only occasionally on the water until 2018, when the uncontrollable itch hit. I decided to get back on the water. I fell in love again and then dove headfirst into the whitewater world. I took a class in the fall of 2020, ordered my first WW Boat shortly after, and started hitting it hard at my first ALF in 2021!
2.) Favorite Local paddling spot?
My favorite place here locally has to be Back Creek; although it does not run very often, it is tons of fun and when that rain spike comes, you gotta grab it while it's hot!
3.) Full time profession / job / career?
I have worn a few hats as I was in retail for several years, but my profession has been in private and public procurement for the past 12 years.
4.) Current Location and Hometown?
I currently reside in Salem, VA. I am a native of SW Virginia and moved out of my comfort zone for only a short period of time to a big city. I realized that was not my style and came back home to the mountains of Virginia.
5.) Anything else you would like to add?
I like solving puzzles and honing my skills. I worked on learning to roll, videoing myself, and attending workshops with ROA. I finally got it this past Spring. Folks would say I'm pretty handy and am willing to tackle a new skill. I love outfitting boats, hot tent camping, and overnights down the rivers. I love the outdoors and like to document my travels be it Camping or Canoeing. You can catch all of my videos on my YouTube Channel if you like here The H² Experience
Cameron Hall
Todd, NC
1.) How long have you been boating, what got you started?
16 Years, A friend took me out in a canoe on Balcony Falls and ironically I saw Travis Overstreet II and Nick D’Addario in playboats throwing loops. I was hooked.
2.) Favorite Local paddling spot?
Watauga River, which is only 45 minutes from my house!
3.) Full time profession / job / career?
Property manager/ Caretaker
4.) Current Location and Hometown?
Todd, NC.
5.) Anything else you would like to add?
SYOTR!!!
