Adventure Sports Experts 2025

Ryan Kading is the founder and general manager of Extreme Arizona. Growing up in Cave Creek, Ryan and his friends explored off-road terrains and waterways throughout the region. Frustrated by limited rental options, Ryan set out on a mission to offer affordable, top-tier off-road and watercraft rentals that both beginners and seasoned riders can enjoy. Under his leadership, Extreme Arizona prides itself on safety, quality, flexibility, and creating one-of-a-kind experiences.

Outdoor, travel, and lifestyle writer with over two decades of lived stories and hundreds of articles published. I have penned three books on craft beer, traveled to multiple foreign countries and every U.S. state. I currently write hunting and fishing-based articles for onX Hunt and serve on the Board of Directors for the Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA). I'm happy to consider traveling to your neck of the woods to create unique content.

Tana Hoffman Cook is an outdoor lifestyle expert, venture-backed entrepreneur, coach, and formerly sponsored athlete who's spent her career proving that the outdoors are the best MBA program you never knew you needed. She believes the skills you learn when decisions have real consequences - like in uncontrolled outdoor spaces - translate directly to building the life and business you actually want. Named to the Forbes Next 1000 List in 2021, she has spoken at SXSW and is the founder of ILLA Adventures, where she's helped 3,000+ women embrace uncertainty through outdoor pursuits. Her perspectives on entrepreneurship and adventure have been featured in Business Insider, Forbes, Thrive Global, and Teton Gravity Research. Based in Jackson, Wyoming, Tana continues to practice what she preaches by committing to the outdoor lifestyle year-round and helping high-performers discover why the outdoors might be the missing piece to stronger leadership, deeper connection, and a more fulfilling life.

As the founder of Himalayan Rides and a former national mountain bike champion, I specialize in leading high-altitude motorcycle and MTB expeditions across Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. With over 20 years of experience mapping remote trails like the Great Himalayan Trail, I focus on delivering technically precise, "local-first" adventures that have been featured by Red Bull and National Geographic. My mission is to combine elite logistics with a deep commitment to sustainable, community-focused exploration.

I’m Balaram Thapa, the founder and CEO of Nepal Hiking Team, a leading agency offering trekking and adventure tours across Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. With over 20 years of hands-on experience in the tourism industry, I specialize in designing safe, culturally rich, and memorable trekking experiences in the Himalayas. My journey began as a trekking porter and evolved into leading one of Nepal’s most trusted adventure companies. This deep field experience—combined with a strong commitment to sustainable travel—gives me a unique perspective on high-altitude trekking, traveler safety, and authentic Himalayan exploration.

For the past six years, my family and I have lived and traveled continuously around the world, visiting every continent in a 13-month span and documenting the experience as full-time travel creators. Along the way, our YouTube channels have grown to more than 700,000 subscribers, drawn not to glossy brochure travel, but to the real version: the logistics, the decisions, the tradeoffs, and the moments that don’t fit neatly into an Instagram square. After decades spent running digital marketing agencies, I co-founded ABC Trips, a luxury and adventure travel agency focused on high-touch, experience-driven travel—polar expeditions, African safaris, expedition cruising, private yachts, and deeply cultural itineraries designed for solos, couples, groups, and families. The work sits at the intersection of brokerage, storytelling, and logistics, with a strong bias toward knowing what’s genuinely worth the splurge—and what’s just good marketing. Along the way, I’ve served as a quoted travel industry source for major publications, appeared on network news segments and podcasts, and collaborated closely with leading travel brands, lodges, and expedition operators worldwide. My commentary often focuses on luxury and expedition travel, family and multigenerational travel, travel trends, and what it actually takes to design a location-flexible life that works long-term. These days, my time is split between: - Advising clients on exceptional luxury and adventure travel through ABC Trips - Serving as a media source and collaborator for journalists and brands - Continuing to explore the world with my family—still learning, still curious I’m not especially interested in chasing trends or shouting into the void. I value thoughtful questions, smart conversations, and people who care about doing things well—and enjoying the ride while they’re at it. If our paths cross, there’s a good chance we’ll have something interesting to talk about.

Maina is a tourism professional with extensive experience working at eminent East African brands such as Elewana Collection, Soroi Collection and Angama. She has a love for storytelling, and for the behind-the-scenes intersections where travel, conservation, and relationships converge.

Experienced Chief Executive Officer with a demonstrated history of working in the leisure, travel & tourism industry. Skilled in Leisure Travel, Tour Operators, Incentive Travel, Hotel Management and Hospitality Industry. Strong business development professional focused in Operations, Finance, and Marketing from Cornell University.

After being told to stop running because of osteo-arthritis I run Marathon des Sables, 250 Km in the Sahara, Everest Marathon and Antartcica marathon. My book Extreme Adventures (Meyer & Meyer Sport) can be pre-ordered and will be out in June. About the book: Extreme Adventures is a rocket-fueled, heartwarming journey through curiosity, self-doubt, reinvention, and improbable triumph, where every finish line is the next starting point. Emerging from a childhood where she skipped gym class and was mystified by mathematics to a high-flying career in finance, on the outside, Beatrice Lessi seemed to be conquering the world. But inside, she was battling eating disorders and struggling to find meaning in her life. Fast forward to her forties when on a whim Beatrice signs up for the Marathon des Sables, the grueling multi-day ultra race across the Sahara Desert. No training plan. No race preparation. Zero athletic experience. Instead Beatrice competes in the toughest footrace on earth fueled by wild curiosity and a hint of madness. What follows is an outrageous, exhilarating, and soulful transformation that takes her to Everest Base Camp, the glaciers of Antarctica, and into the heart of ultra-endurance culture. Along the way, she proves that a person doesn’t need youth, talent, money, a perfectly healthy body, or mathematical brilliance to live adventurously—just curiosity, guts, and a sense of humor. Extreme Adventures inspires anyone who has been told they’re too old, too unfit, or just not “sporty” enough by showing them how they can achieve any goal in life. With laugh-out-loud anecdotes, honest confessions, and bold inspiration, Beatrice Lessi makes the reader believe that the best time to start is right now because it is never too late to seek adventure.

Maina is a safari travel specialist, dedicated to helping travelers from around the world experience Africa’s wild beauty safely and authentically. With years of hands-on experience exploring Kenya’s national parks and working closely with trusted safari operators, Maina combines insider knowledge with a passion for wildlife conservation.

College graduate with degree's in both Criminal Justice and Paralegal Studies. My passion has always been law, however, I have stumbled into a journalism profession after years of freelance writing. I hope one day to combine my love of the law with my love of writing. I own and operate a hiking, outdoor, and military lifestyle blog that has over 20,000 readers. I am an avid hiker and spend most of my time either on the trails or traveling. I am currently open to working with brands in the outdoor, camping, and hiking sector. My specialties include photography, document creation, legal document preparation, editing, and keeping people on their toes!

Luxury travel advisor, 500hr yoga-trained, aerial instructor, community leader of 150K, international resort leader

I am the founder of Latin Adventures, a boutique Destination Management Company specializing in luxury, sustainable, and tailor-made travel across South America. With over a decade of experience in the travel industry, I design high-end journeys that combine comfort, cultural immersion, and responsible tourism in destinations such as the Galápagos Islands, Peru, Patagonia, the Amazon Rainforest, and Easter Island. I work closely with travelers from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, creating personalized itineraries that balance exclusivity, authenticity, and seamless logistics. My expertise includes luxury adventure travel, multi-country itineraries, wildlife experiences, and sustainable tourism practices that support local communities and conservation efforts. I am frequently consulted for insights on luxury travel trends, safe and responsible travel in South America, and how travelers can experience iconic destinations while preserving their cultural and natural heritage.

I’m a cycling travel expert focused on gravel and bikepacking adventures. I provide practical insight on planning long-distance routes, choosing reliable gear, and managing logistics for self-supported bike travel.

Life-long entrepreneur with a passion for building beautifully-designed products that delight customers. Optimist at heart.Formerly the co-founder & CEO of BookOutdoors (acquired by Hipcamp) and the co-founder & CEO of Sellbrite (acquired by GoDaddy).Previously, founded online retailer Top Bargains, and was a key player at CPO Commerce, an online retailer in the IR500 and Inc. 500, as the Director of Marketing and Director of Strategic Initiatives. Was head of product at Fan Appz, a social media marketing platform, co-founded Suspect Clothing, a menswear apparel company, was Technical Project Manager at Move.com (formally Homestore.com), co-founded FluxOne, a web development firm specializing in digital online video, and was consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Received my Bachelor’s degree from the Marshall School of Business at USC. #FightOnProud member of the Academy of Magical Arts at the world famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, CA.

Sarah Storm is an experienced environmental educator and the School Programs Manager at Yampatika, specializing in developing and delivering Colorado state standards–aligned outdoor and environmental education programs across Northwest Colorado. With a background in teaching, environmental science, water education, Indigenous land stewardship, and hands-on field science, she collaborates closely with schools, community partners, and land management agencies to create meaningful learning experiences for students from preschool through high school. Sarah is known for her operational strength, program leadership, and her ability to build lasting partnerships with organizations such as Colorado Parks & Wildlife, Trout Unlimited, NRCS, the Upper Yampa Water Conservancy District, and other local conservation nonprofits. She is also a CSU Extension Master Gardener and contributes regularly to community education through articles, outreach events, and place-based gardening and ecology instruction. Dedicated, creative, and deeply committed to expanding environmental literacy, she works to foster student curiosity and connect youth to the natural landscapes of the Yampa Valley and the surrounding Northwest Colorado region.

Professional Yosemite guide and founder of Yosemite Life (yosemite.life). NPS-permitted for guided backpacking trips and day hikes in Yosemite National Park under a Commercial Use Authorization. Completed all 63 U.S. National Parks over years of road trips, van life, and backcountry travel. Years of experience in Yosemite across all four seasons, including winter backpacking and snow camping. Wilderness First Aid and Leave No Trace certified. Yosemite expertise: trail conditions and route planning, wilderness permits and the recreation.gov lottery system, Half Dome permits, bear safety and food storage, high sierra backpacking logistics, campgrounds, and trip planning for first-timers through experienced hikers. Broader national parks: trip planning for any of the 63 parks, road trip routing, campground strategy, seasonal timing, park history, geology, wildlife behavior. Visitor strategy for Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Zion, Glacier, Rocky Mountain, Grand Teton, Acadia, Great Smoky Mountains, and Joshua Tree, plus remote parks like Gates of the Arctic, Katmai, Isle Royale and the Dry Tortugas. Wildlife and safety: bear encounters, wildlife encounters with elk and mountain lions, wildlife viewing ethics, solo hiking and backpacking safety, emergency preparedness, satellite communicators, backcountry navigation. Gear and preparation: backpacking and hiking gear, layering systems, ultralight packing, hiking fitness, altitude acclimatization. Photography: landscape, wildlife, night sky and astrophotography, smartphone photography outdoors. Conservation: park overcrowding, reservation systems, Leave No Trace, impacts of social media on parks, public lands policy. Van life: van build, overlanding, dispersed camping, boondocking, road trip planning, living on the road full time, mobile office setups. Remote work: Starlink for vans, Starlink Mini for backcountry, mobile routers, cellular bonding, dual-carrier mobile setups, digital nomad productivity. Small business: launching an outdoor guide business, NPS permitting, solopreneurship, transitioning from corporate tech to an independent outdoor career, running a business from the road.

I'm currently wrapping up my work at Velia. From lab supply management and accounts payable to employee onboarding and performance management, I've developed a broad base of skills through this start-up experience. I'm open to new temporary or contract onsite and hybrid opportunities, full- or part-time, through August 2025. I'm also interested in long-term full- or part-time remote opportunities that will permit employment from an FPO address effective August 2025. Beyond my 9-5 work, I transform my passion for getting outdoors into products that bring people together and help them get out and about. Learn more at TheGODeck.com

Davide is Founder and Director at Exped Tribe GmbH, an expedition travel and mountain guiding company operating worldwide. As a determined alpinist, always in search of new vertical challenges, he is particularly passionate about mountain sports, unspoiled landscapes, and foreign cultures. In recent years, Davide's travels with his guests have taken him from the Arctic to the far east of Kamchatka territories, to the Bolivian Andes and to extreme altitudes all around the world.

I am a marketing strategist, digital media expert, and photographer with over 15 years of experience at the intersection of journalism and brand storytelling. Currently, I serve as the Marketing and PR Manager at South West Maritime Academy, where I lead the communications and brand development for a premier group of maritime, security, and safety training centres, including the Palma Sea School and open water leisure activities at The Lake. My career is rooted in the fast-paced world of visual journalism. I began my journey as a staff photographer for the Stroud News and Journal before progressing to work with leading agencies, where I captured national news and Premiership rugby for major UK publications. In 2017, I transitioned into the commercial sector by founding Hewlett Photography & Design, a studio dedicated to creating high-impact editorial and corporate imagery for brands across the UK. I am also a passionate advocate for local media. In 2021, I co-founded the independent news platform Stroud Times. Launched during the global lockdown, we built the site into a vital community resource known for high-quality photography, engaging video content, and a strict commitment to clickbait-free reporting. My Expertise & Specialisations Media & PR: I specialise in managing media relations and public profile strategies within specialised industries, specifically maritime and safety training. Visual Storytelling: With over a decade of experience in commercial, press, and architectural photography, I help brands translate complex services into compelling visual narratives. Digital Marketing & Journalism: I offer deep insights into community engagement, hyperlocal news growth, and digital content strategy. Entrepreneurship: I have a proven track record of launching and scaling independent media outlets and creative service businesses from the ground up. Notable Accomplishments Co-founder of Stroud Times: Successfully established and grew an independent, sustainable digital news outlet that prioritises editorial integrity. National Press Recognition: My photography has been featured extensively in the national press and used by major brands across the UK. Industry Leadership: I am currently driving the digital transformation and PR strategy for one of the UK’s leading maritime safety institutions.