In this episode of Following Waters, I sit down with Chad Hoover—kayaker, kayak bass fishing pioneer, creator, and one of the most authentic voices in the outdoor world.

We cover a lot of ground—kayaking, bass fishing, Chad’s time in the Navy, his artwork, and the books he’s written—but this conversation goes far beyond any one discipline.

At its core, this is a raw and honest conversation about mental health, identity, and what it takes to stay grounded in a world that can feel overwhelming.

Chad speaks openly about loss, including the devastating reality of veteran suicide in America, and shares how time on the water—and connection to community—has played a critical role in keeping him steady through it all.

This episode isn’t just about paddling or fishing.

It’s about choosing a life that keeps you close to what matters—being outside, staying connected, and finding a path that supports long-term mental and emotional health.

If something in this conversation resonates with you, consider sharing it with someone who might need to hear it.

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Chad Hoover: @kayakbassfishing

Mentioned in this episode:

JointheACA

Lauren Byrd joins Following Waters for a conversation about discovery, resilience, and building community through paddling.

Lauren’s roots run deep in the Southeast — growing up spending time in and around the waters of the Smokies. But like many river stories, her path wasn’t linear. After time in the Soldier Recovery Unit, paddling entered her life in a new way — not just as recreation, but as something grounding and restorative.

In this episode, Lauren reflects on finding her way back to the waters of the Southeast and why returning there later in life felt like coming full circle. We talk about the RV lifestyle and what it means to build a life around competition, travel, and community. Lauren shares her experience in freestyle kayaking, her hopes for the future of the sport, and the importance of visibility, inclusion, and accessible entry points for new paddlers.

We also dive into her newest project — Paddle Calendar — a one-stop platform designed to help paddlers find events, festivals, competitions, and pool sessions across the country. It’s an effort to make the community more connected and easier to navigate, especially for those just finding their way in.

This conversation is about more than competition. It’s about returning to place, building something that didn’t exist before, and finding purpose in the rhythm of life on and off the water.

Mentioned in this episode:

JointheACA

JointheACA

In this episode of Following Waters, Brett sits down with Erik Amason to explore a life shaped by water, discipline, and an unrelenting pull toward risk.

Erik grew up paddling on the Potomac River, where his early relationship with whitewater set the tone for what would become a lifelong pursuit of challenge. He devoted years to slalom kayaking, chasing the Olympic dream and committing fully to the process—even when it ultimately meant not making the team. That experience, defined as much by effort as outcome, became a foundation rather than an ending.

From there, Erik turned toward a second major calling: serving as a Navy SEAL. He spent nine years in the Teams, including combat deployments, and talks candidly about what that chapter demanded of him—physically, mentally, and relationally. After leaving the military, Erik found his way back to the water, not as an escape, but as a continuation of the same internal drive that has shaped his life since childhood.

Today, Erik is deeply engaged in cutting-edge whitewater paddling, consistently pushing into consequential terrain and big drops. He reflects on near-death experiences, including incidents in places like the Royal Gorge, and the difficult conversations those moments have required—especially with his wife. Throughout the conversation, Erik wrestles openly with what it means to carry a persistent desire for risk, even as life, family, and perspective evolve.

This episode is an honest exploration of devotion, identity, and the through-line of challenge—how the same impulse can shape an athlete, a soldier, a partner, and a paddler across very different chapters of a life.

@amasonerik - Instagram Handle

Mentioned in this episode:

JointheACA

JointheACA