About our founder

Founder

I’m Jodi, a member of the American Canoe Association (ACA) and founder of the leading woman-owned free digital resource brand, Flatwater Kayak Club. I also have a current, active certification in Adult & Pediatric CPR/AED/First Aid by the American Red Cross.

I grew up in a family of sailors, but after living in Manhattan throughout my thirties, water activity in my life was virtually nonexistent. When I found myself parenting two little kids while juggling a full-time job, turning forty, and then surviving the height of the pandemic in NYC–my mental health had taken a toll. It was a life-changing research trip to Bend, Oregon that reignited my love for kayaking, and soon after, we relocated to the great beaver state.

I started Flatwater Kayak Club to fill a niche I couldn’t find in the existing recreational kayaking digital space – bringing more women into the conversation. Through my regular flat water kayaking adventures, I’ve felt more powerful, confident, and capable than I ever imagined and have nurtured a deep appreciation for this beautiful region where we call home. And one of the best parts of flatwater kayaking? I’ve made some great connections along this journey too, and I’m always looking to connect with other paddlers.

As a former freelance writer for the National Geographic Channel and Nat Geo Wild, I’m also passionate about taking care of our planet, so you’ll learn a bit about protecting our waterways, plants, and wildlife on this website too, and we intend to give back to our community and conservation efforts in the region as our company grows. I want to dive into conversations about how kayakers can be better stewards of our natural world, and how we can foster a love for science and conservation with the next generation through recreational kayaking.

So, join me on this journey of self reconnection, enjoying movement, fresh air, learning, and company. I’m here to help connect kayaker with the incredible experiences they’re looking for…. and at Flatwater Kayak Club, we can chart that course together.

See you on the water!

He’s an adorable, snuggly, and super friendly 5 year old male chihuahua, saved from a hoarding situation by a dog rescue organization.

Boomer’s been kayaking for two years now, and he spins and howls in excitement when we grab his life jacket and leash – especially if the sun is out in the Pacific Northwest.