Kayaker Chris Korbulic

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Kayaker Chris Korbulic 

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When did you start paddling?

I started kayaking with my dad when I was 10, but got more serious about it around 16.

Where were you mostly paddling as a kid?

When I was just learning the basics, I was always with my parents on the Rogue River and even went to a kayaking kids camp on the Rogue. After that, I visited some Northern California rivers such as the Salmon and Klamath, but I spent most of my time on the Rogue—anywhere from above Lost Creek Lake to down into the Wild & Scenic Rogue.

Who were your mentors in the water? Icons?

I think my parents have themselves to blame for worrying about me now because they were the first to bring me on the river, put me in a kayak and teach me to roll. My dad paddled and, of course, I wanted to be out there with him, so I just tried to keep up! I really look up to the Knapp brothers and crew from Southern Oregon—and pioneers of California High Sierra rivers like Lars Holbeck, Chuck Stanley, Royal Robbins and Reg Lake. The list goes on and on, though, as there are so many motivated and creative people in the kayaking world.

When and how did you decide to make paddling your life, your career?

I don’t think I ever really “decided” to make paddling my life, other than when I nailed my first Class 3—it just is. I have always loved it and wanted to pursue it more than anything. I’ve been lucky enough to be able to work hard and have things fall into place to make it a career.

Tell us your major milestones on the water.

An early milestone that allowed for vast improvement was learning to confidently roll in whitewater. After that, my first waterfall on the White Salmon River in Washington made me realize how amazingly fun kayaking can be and how to push my comfort and skill. Then my first proper expeditions in Pakistan and India were huge in pushing me to make kayaking a more significant part of my life, and go on more expeditions.

You say the Central African journey changed your perspective on what
is possible after your friend Hendrik Coetzee was killed by a crocodile. How so?

Despite, and until, its tragic end, our expedition through Central Africa was amazing. It was the best trip ever, and it was getting better and harder and more committed, but also more dependent on and integrated with the places and people we were passing. I see future expeditions following that mold: long, more committed, and for the appreciation of the whole place, not just the whitewater.

Where are you headed next?

I’m packing right now to go to a pretty unlikely kayaking destination, Hawaii, but hoping to find gold in waterfalls and the volcanic geology.

Hawaii, hard?

I’m sure we’ll find a way to make it hard.

What are some of your favorite runs in Oregon?

My favorite run will always be on the Rogue, ten minutes from where I grew up. Not difficult, but a good paddle any day. On the other end of the spectrum is Tokatee Falls on the North Umpqua, which is up there as my favorite waterfall in the world.

For more on his adventures, see Chris’s blog, Same Deep Water.

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3 Comments

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  1. says: Carol

    I raft the upper Rogue in my tahiti a couple times/week in the summer. Raft middle and lower Rogue when I can. Did the Grand Canyon when I was 65. I'm two years away from 80 and would love to learn to kayak with you.

  2. says: Jared Cruce

    Super sweet to hang with Chris – a true modern day adventurer. Chris would have been the first guy off the boat in the days of Columbus! Can't wait to follow his next adventure – or better yet shoot something with him again!

  3. says: Steve Bollock

    Chris, your interview and blog sie are totally awesome! Great writing/story telling. You gunna write a book some day? Can't help but imagining Shon joining you and Ben on some not too distant EPIC adventures! Even from my minimal class V boating I have no trouble jumping into your experience through your writings, really groking your inner world and all that keeps you on the edge. Love It!!