Joel Kowalski

Name: Joel Kowalski
Nationality: Canadian/American

DOB: Nov 7, 1988

Hometown: Beachburg, Ontario, Canada

Height: 6’2”

Weight: 195lbs

Home River: Ottawa River

Favorite Destination: Mexico

Destinations Kayaked: Canada, USA, Mexico, Costa Rica, Chile, Indonesia, China, Uganda, Switzerland, Austria, Australia

Strengths: Freestyle, Big Water, Racing, Expeditions, Coaching

Kayaks: Karma Large, Superstar, Zen Large

Other Sponsors: Wilderness Tours Rafting Ottawa River, Ottawa Kayak School, Level Six, Core Paddles, Smith Optics

Top Competition Results:
-      1st 2008 North American Freestyle Champion – Ottawa River
-      TEAM CANADA – 2004—Present
-      2nd 2014 Ottawa “XL”
-      3rd 2014 Whitewater Grand Prix – Canada
-      5th 2009 World Championships Freestyle – Switzerland
-      7th 2012 Whitewater Grand Prix - Chile
-      10th 2014 Adidas Sickline World Championships
Top Expeditions:
-      First Descent Rio Jalacingo, Puebla Mexico - October 2008
-      First Descent Rio Cajones, Michoacan Mexico - November 2013
-      First Descent Lavafoss Iceland – April 2014
-      Rio Santo Domingo (Steepest river on Earth) Chiapas Mexico – January 2010
-      First Descent Rupert River, Quebec Canada – May 2008
Major Media Appearances:
-      Red Bull “First Descent: Michoacan” TV Series – Star & Expedition Leader November – February 2013-2014
-      Sherpas Cinema “Flyover Canada” – Star & Production Assistant – August 2012
-      Nikon D180 Camera Release – Star - Iceland April 2014
-      Adidas Sickline Finalist - SuperFinals Live Broadcast – October 2013 & 2014
Other Career Highlights:
-      Nominated for Canoe & Kayak Magazine Kayaker of the Year 2014
-      Erik Weihenmayer’s personal Coach for preparation of First Blind Descent of the Grand Canyon – August 2014
-      Swiftwater Rescue Trainer – Canadian Armed Forces - August 2012
-      OKS Keeners Asst. Head Coach – 2007—Present

- Wilderness Tours Raft Trip Leader & Staff Trainer — 2009—Present