Brad Ludden

Brad Ludden is a professional Kayaker born in Kalispell, Montana on May 8, 1981. He started traveling internationally to kayak at age 12 and has been to over 40 countries and completed over 100 first descents.

Contents

• Kayaker Brad Ludden Interview on Outside Today
• Brad ludden s qualifications
• Philanthropy
• Kayaking Career Competition Results
• References

He founded a free outdoor adventure program for young adults with cancer called First Descents in 2001. His Aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer when he was 12 and shortly after that his Mom started volunteering at a local pediatric oncology camp called Eagle Mount. He helped out one day each summer by teaching the kids how to kayak on a pond on the property. It was then that he realized how impacting kayaking could be to those in need and that he was in a place to give it back. In 1999 he started building First Descents and in 2001, Vail, Colorado agreed to help him host the first program. In 2009, First Descents will help over 145 young adults, ages 18–39. It will host 9 weeks of programming in 6 different states.

In 2008 he was named Cosmopolitan Magazine's Hottest Bachelor in America 2008. Brad Ludden’s most recent venture is a blog called Athletes Giving [1] where he focuses on athletes that are giving back. He currently lives in Gypsum, Colorado. His sponsors include - Nike, Smith Optics [2]. Dagger Kayaks, Subaru, AT Paddles, Kokatat [3], Training Day

Philanthropy

First Descents - Founder

Kayaking Career Competition Results

3rd Place Cadet Division at the JR Nationals 1994

JR National Freestyle Champion 1999

3rd Place JR World Freestyle Championships 1997

1st Place Japan Open 1998

3rd Place European Open 1998

2 x Freestyle Athlete of the year, Adventure Quest Kayak Academy 1998, 1999

2nd Place JR World Freestyle Championships 1999

1st Place Lofer Rodeo Austria 2000

13 Teva Mountain Games medals between 2001 and 2008