Chris Gragtmans
Nickname: Graggle-pantsDOB: 10/25/1985
State/Hometown: Asheville, NC
Favorite place/drop: Ottawa, Green, Toxaway, Raven's, Upper Cherry, Gatineau, Big Boy, Wintergreen
About Me: I am a transplanted Canadian that has found his way to the small town of Asheville, NC. I love mountains, and strive to experience them in as many ways as possible. My absolute favorite thing to do is get in my creekboat with a couple of days worth of food and gear, and try to solve the puzzles that a remote river has to offer… I cannot think of anything as rewarding as that.
Playboat: Agent 6.2
Creekboat: Nomad 8.5
Favorite Move: Spin to Helix (Butterfly Effect)
Favorite Music: Any good punk, hip hop or reggae
Must-Have Accessory: IR Union Suit or H2O Audio iPod case
Other Hobbies/Activities: DH Mountain Biking, Crossfit, Sailing, Hockey, Videography
Professional Accomplishments:
Kayaking: Top 4 in Green Race for past 6 years; 2x Green Race Ironman Champion; First Descent- DeSoto Falls, Alabama; 3x Canadian National Freestyle Team Member; Successful completion: Linville Gorge, 3 runs/day
Film: Featured athlete in Mission Epicocity, LVMs, Burning Time, Green Race Movie, Ken Whiting’s Playboating, the Eddy Feeling
Magazine: Featured athlete in Kayak Session, Men’s Journal, Rapid, Blue Ridge Outdoors, Canoe & Kayak
Why you love kayaking: When it comes down to it, no matter what other stresses I have going on my life at any moment, I am infinitely happier if I can start my day off with getting on the water. Kayaking has served as a balancing point in my life up until this point, and I am sure that I would not be where I am today without the gifts that it has given me. These gifts include my best friends, self confidence, physical fitness, the ability to witness some of the most beautiful places that nature has to offer, and experience in the burgeoning industries of social media and videography. Kayaking has changed my life for the better, and I love introducing other people to it for the first time.
Check out Chris' blog and youtube channel or follow him on twitter.
