Geoff Seaborn
Age: 19
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 190 lbs
Years Paddling: 7 years
Location: Kingston or Ottawa, Ontario
Geoff is a university student
at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. He is currently studying Biomedical
Computing, and hoping to go into Orthodontics post-grad. Due to the lack of
whitewater in the immediate area (Lake Ontario), Geoff does everything he can to
get into 
his boat, including driving to the Ottawa Valley area, and becoming
involved in his University’s Kayak Club. Geoff is on the executive for the Queen’s
University Whitewater Club and is mainly in charge of deciding how the club
spends its money, buying new gear and teaching people tricks in the pool
sessions. He does a bit of guiding and safety boating during the club’s river
trips as well.
Geoff’s Paddling Resume:
I started off sea kayaking with my Dad back when I was in grade 7. He took me on a few trips in Eastern Canada, which got my interest in kayaking going. With the popularity of kayaking in Ottawa city, playboating caught my attention a few years ago. I spent a lot of time at Bate Island under the Champlain Bridge in Ottawa, learning to kayak. I started getting to the Gull and the Ottawa more nad more, and things really just started to take off from there. I learned most of what I know in terms of kayaking by paddling with friends and from Liquid Skills instruction.
Rivers Paddled:
Although I’ve paddled a few other rivers here and there, the upper Ottawa, lower Ottawa and the Gull are the only rivers I tend to frequent. Living in such a perfect location for playboating, it doesn’t really make sense to head out to other rivers that often! I’m making a point of getting to Lachine, the Gatineau, and the Black at ICS as soon as I can in 2007. Finally, I’m hoping to head out to either the Nile or the Futaleufeu before too long once I’ve decided that I’m good enough.
Even though the waves aren’t gigantic, and the water is freezing cold, my favourite spot to paddle is at the Champlain Bridge in Ottawa in the wall waves when the water’s really high (early April). It’s really fun to see everyone out there in the eddy, and all the tourists coming by taking pictures, trying to figure out what on earth we’re doing. You can’t beat a paddling spot like that, especially since it’s only ten minutes from your house.
Dream Paddling Spot:
I’m still looking for something more fun than Garb; probably won’t find it.
Favourite
Gear:
Being 6’6”, my choices in terms of paddling gear are somewhat limited. Of all of the “tall-guy” boats, I haven’t found anything I like nearly as much as the Jackson designs, as they don’t prevent me from being able to feel my ankles after every loop. I’m a pretty big fan of Werner’s paddles because they’re stiff, fit well, and as far as I can tell, are indestructible. Finally, I’ve had pretty good luck with Astral PFD’s—as ridiculous as it might sound, my playboating took a leap forward thanks to the added mobility they give me in my boat.
Why Geoff is a River Junkie:
“I suppose the main reason I’m a river junkie is that there aren’t many things that I would rather be doing than kayaking! It’s hard to beat spending time on the river with your friends learning new moves, meeting new people and running new lines.”