Hailing from Norwich, NY, Ryan grew up kayaking and snowboarding in the lakes and hills of upstate NY. His outdoor pursuits led him to SUNY Plattsburgh where he focused his studies in whitewater kayaking, backcountry snowboarding, guiding, and coaching as a part of the Expeditionary Studies program. During that time Ryan explored the whitewater of the northeast while earning an American Canoe Association Level 4 Whitewater Kayak Instructor Certification. More recently, his passion for coaching adventure sports led him to begin pursuing awards through British Canoeing.

Currently Ryan holds the British Canoeing Sea Kayak Leader Award and is in pursuit of the Sea Kayak Coach Award. His adventures have brought him to international destinations including Slovenia, Wales, Nepal, and Japan. Aligned with the Body Boat Blade ethos, Ryan is committed to a learner-based approach for kayak instruction. He believes adventure sports can facilitate tremendous self-discovery when the student’s goals are the focus. When not in a boat you can find Ryan exploring rivers and trails of the PNW or teaching snowboarding.