Kayaker-Turned-Philanthropist Brad Ludden, Help Salute Other Adventurers Giving Back

Text by Tetsuhiko Endo; Photograph: Brad Ludden shadows a First Descents participant

Brad Ludden is a busy guy. In November, the world-class whitewater kayaker notched his latest first kayak descent (he is credited with over 100) on the crocodile-infested Betsiboka River in Madagascar.   Two months later, with orange river mud still staining some of his clothing, Brad found himself being ogled by crowds of women while in New York City to accept his $10,000 prize for winning Cosmo magazine's Bachelor of the Year Award. His cash prize will go to support First Descents, the foundation he started in 2001 to teach outdoor activities to young adults suffering from cancer. Sound improbable? Between Class V rapids, crocodiles, and Cosmo fans, this 27-year-old native of Vail, Colorado, has made a career out of navigating tricky lines in—and out of the water.   

Ludden splits his life between two types of first descents—the kinds he does with a kayak and paddle on wild rivers around the world and the metaphorical kind experienced by the people who participate in his foundation. "You don't really realize that this is a huge demographic with cancer—70,000 diagnosed last year and 500,000 living with the disease…and it is also the most under-served," he says. That is why First Descents offers nine programs in six states where campers can learn to kayak and mountaineer free of charge. "We focus on the emotional aspect of cancer," Ludden explains. "Restoring identity, restoring independence, restoring strength, and giving them a sport."

With a documentary about camp participants due out in May and collaborations with charity sports teams in the works, Ludden has recently spent a lot more time in the board room than on the river. But he's not hanging up that spray skirt just yet. Although he forgoes most of the summer competition season to work as an instructor at First Descents, he stays in shape using the CrossFit training regime.  He also hasn't lost the itch to run big, uncharted rapids as was evidenced in his recent third descent of the Don Khong island rapids in the Mekong River. "You get bored," he explains. "If I haven't paddled for a while, I start feeling like I need to get back to it. I need to get out and scare myself again, challenge myself."

Rapids are a challenge for Ludden. The New York subway system is a challenge for Ludden. Cosmo hair-stylists are a challenge for Ludden. But according to the kayaker-turned-philanthropist, finding the motivation to work with cancer patients was easy. "Once I found myself in the position to help someone, it really wasn't a choice." You can find out more about First Descents by going to their website.

Do you know other adventurers who are giving back? Let us know by posting your comments below.