Brad Ludden is a professional

kayaker A kayak is a small, narrow watercraft which is typically propelled by means of a double-bladed paddle. The word kayak originates from the Greenlandic word '' qajaq'' (). The traditional kayak has a covered deck and one or more cockpits, each s ...

born in

Sheridan, Wyoming Sheridan is a town in the U.S. state of Wyoming and the county seat of Sheridan County. The town is located halfway between Yellowstone Park and Mount Rushmore by U.S. Route 14 and 16. It is the principal town of the Sheridan, Wyoming, Micropol ...

on May 8, 1981. He started kayaking internationally at the age of twelve. His career has taken him to more than forty countries. Ludden is the founder of a charity called First Descents, an organization that benefits cancer patients. At age 12, Brad learned his aunt was diagnosed with cancer, and shortly after his mother began volunteer work at a local

pediatric Pediatrics ( also spelled ''paediatrics'' or ''pædiatrics'') is the branch of medicine that involves the medical care of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. In the United Kingdom, paediatrics covers many of their youth until the ...

oncology Oncology is a branch of medicine that deals with the study, treatment, diagnosis and prevention of cancer. A medical professional who practices oncology is an ''oncologist''. The name's etymological origin is the Greek word ὄγκος (''ó ...

camp. He volunteered one day each summer, instructing campers on kayaking. This is when he realized he could serve his community while kayaking. In 1999 he began construction of First Descents and in 2001, construction was finished, with aid from The State of Colorado. In 2008 he was named

Cosmopolitan Cosmopolitan may refer to: Food and drink * Cosmopolitan (cocktail), also known as a "Cosmo" History * Rootless cosmopolitan, a Soviet derogatory epithet during Joseph Stalin's anti-Semitic campaign of 1949–1953 Hotels and resorts * Cosmopoli ...

Magazine's "Hottest Bachelor in America." Ludden's has also started a blog known as Athletes Givin

where he highlights athletes involved in charitable work. He lives in

Kalispell, Montana Kalispell (, Montana Salish: Ql̓ispé, Kutenai language: kqayaqawakⱡuʔnam) is a city in, and the county seat of, Flathead County, Montana, United States. The 2020 census put Kalispell's population at 24,558. In Montana's northwest region, ...

. he has numerous sponsorship deals, including deals with -

Nike Nike often refers to: * Nike (mythology), a Greek goddess who personifies victory * Nike, Inc., a major American producer of athletic shoes, apparel, and sports equipment Nike may also refer to: People * Nike (name), a surname and feminine given ...

, Smith Optic

Dagger Kayaks Confluence Outdoor (formerly known as Confluence Watersports) is an American manufacturer of kayaks, canoes, and related accessories. The company comprises eight separate brands which each specialize in paddling sport boats or accessories. Histor ...

Subaru ( or ; ) is the automaker, automobile manufacturing division of Japanese transportation conglomerate (company), conglomerate Subaru Corporation (formerly known as Fuji Heavy Industries), the Automotive industry#By manufacturer, twenty-first ...

AT Paddles Confluence Outdoor (formerly known as Confluence Watersports) is an American manufacturer of kayaks, canoes, and related accessories. The company comprises eight separate brands which each specialize in paddling sport boats or accessories. Histor ...

, Kokata

and 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 * 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 * Teva Mountain Games medals between 2001 and 2008"Teva Mountain Games Results"

References

External links

Sports Illustrated ''Sports Illustrated'' (''SI'') is an American sports magazine first published in August 1954. Founded by Stuart Scheftel, it was the first magazine with circulation over one million to win the National Magazine Award for General Excellence twic ...

Adventure "Show Boaters

*

USA Today ''USA Today'' (stylized in all uppercase) is an American daily middle-market newspaper and news broadcasting company. Founded by Al Neuharth on September 15, 1982, the newspaper operates from Gannett's corporate headquarters in Tysons, Virgini ...

First Descents program raises hope for cancer patient

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Magazine's Hottest Bachelor in America 200

* Cosmopolitan Being a Cosmo Bachelor: The Play-by-Pla

* Vail Dail

* Vail Magazine "The Many Dimensions of Brad Ludde

* Outdoors Fan Hous

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ludden, Brad Kayakers 1981 births Living people People from Kalispell, Montana