In 1996 my college roommate crashed my 84 Toyota Tercel. I was studying Forestry at UW Madison and the $1800 insurance check seemed better spent on a kevlar solo canoe than another car. I was able to paddle all around the city of Madison WI. To and from class and then portage back from late night “study” sessions at the library (yeah right). Look at a map of Madison WI and see that it is a fine town to commute by canoe. This committment to the canoe landed me a job at Carl’s Paddlin’ (www.paddlin.com) in Madison WI. I had never met such a group of committed paddlers. I worked along side Carl Busjahn and learned a lot about the business. Most importantly I saw that customers would drive hours just to tell a joke to Carl. He had turned customers in to clients and then clients into friends. Carl’s didn’t need to show everyone he was a hot shot boater. It was simply the desire to show people the fun of messing around in boats. He always signed his letters “happy paddlin’”. I’d like to hope that I continue his tradition of turning people on to the most versatile craft in the world. All that matters is that you are happy paddlin’ no matter what your particular discipline may be. I say try them all! 

HAPPY PADDLIN”!!! It is also my response to the those bumper stickers we all see that say,” I’d rather be __________”. I’m Happy Paddlin’. I wouldn’t rather be doing anything else! 

As a manufacturer’s representative in the Western US for the last 9 years I have been able to see and paddle a lot of the waters of the west. I’ve met even more people that, like Carl, have committed their livelihood to the sport in its purest form. I also am lucky to work with manufacturers that embrace these same values. Eddyline has invested and changed their entire production process so that it is cleaner for the environment and their workers. Bending Branches paddles use sustainable wood products and a “green factory”. Stohlquist WaterWear was one of the first PFD companies to go to Gaia (PVC Free) Foam. In July, I plan to take my operation Green by biking and paddling my entire territory showing off my favorite places and gear.

I’m having so much fun and I hope it never stops. I hope to see you down the road and on the water!

Happy Paddlin’,

Ethan and Bamboo

Introducing Bill Walker as EDI Sub Representative

Bill Walker has joined the team to help with events, training and sales in the Seattle area. Bill is the former owner of Seattle Raft and Kayak and has decades of experience in the NW paddling. Best of all his passion for our industry is contagious. He recently helped organize on the Deception Dash Race and has created numerous community paddling events.

To contact Bill you can email him at:
paddlazz@comcast.net

Bill will take some initiative to organize events and contact your store so please welcome his enthusiam. He is a great diplomat for paddlesports and we are lucky to have him in the NW!