My name is Wesley R. Bradley (A.K.A. wildwildwes – BT and WK Handle). I live in Elizabethton, TN of the good ole U.S. of A. I have lived here my entire life and love the region. I went to school in the Happy Valley School system – Elementary through High School (Class of 1999). I attended College at Northeast State (Class of 2001) and East Tennessee State University (Class of 2004). I have an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Drafting Design Technology and Bachelor of Science in Digital Media with an emphasis in Architectural Design Graphics. I am currently employed by Design Build Construction, LLC as an Architectural designer. I enjoy my job!
I was very active in the Cub Scouting and Boy Scouting program in my youth with my dad as an adult leader. I am an Eagle Scout. I credit the Scouting Program for many of the skills that I use on a day to day basis. I am also a member of First United Methodist Church of Elizabethton, TN. I have been an active member in this church since I was born. I love my church family!
I love the great outdoors! I have many outdoor related hobbies, which include: mountain biking, road biking, alpine skiing, hiking, camping, backpacking, mountaineering, whitewater rafting, and of course kayaking! Whitewater kayaking is my favorite hobby!! I learned to paddle when I was 12-13 years old @ Buffalo Mountain Camp on the lower Nolichucky River, French Broad, and Nantahala River.
I returned to the sport in the year of 2000, when I had enough money saved up to purchase the equipment and a car to haul the stuff around. I quickly became enamored with the sport and could not get enough of it, while in college. I had a rather slow progression, due to the lack of paddling buddies and safety concerns. My top priorities in my paddling life is safety first and fellowship with other paddlers. I love to get out on the river!
I am a confident class IV-V whitewater boater. I also enjoy educating others on the great sport of whitewater kayaking. I voluntarily teach basic kayaking skills at the Freedom Hall Pool On Tuesday nights in Johnson City, TN. I like Creeking, Playing and River Running. Creeking and River Running are my favorite aspects of the sport. I love to run waterfalls! Some of my local favorite runs include: the Nolichucky Gorge, the Doe, Wilson Creek, Little River in the Smokies, Tremont, Cheoah, Gauley, Watauga Gorge, Green River Narrows, Tallulah Gorge, Russell Fork, and Whitetop Laurel. I am always up for something new that is within my skill level!
I have been very fortunate to team up with Jackson Kayak since November of 2006. I am a volunteer ambassador (Regional Team Member) for them and they supply me with a demo fleet of boats for people to try out in my region. Check out the J.A.W. page on my blog for more details…
Through my affiliations with Jackson Kayak, I have also become the World Kayak Ambassador for the Tri-Cities Region. I have been serving in this position since April of 2007. My volunteer duties include posting regional news and events for the Tri-Cities Region on the World Kayak Web Site. I also organize, host and coordinate events sponsored by World Kayak throughout our region. I have a lot of fun doing this and enjoy volunteering my time to get folks together for some paddling fun!
I am a member of the following paddling clubs and/or organizations:
- American Whitewater (2004-Present)
- Appalachian Paddling Enthusiasts (2006-Present)
- Paddlers for Christ – P4C (2005-Present)
I hope to see you on the river and have a nice day!
Wesley Hucking in Mexico
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