We are stoked to spotlight one of our favorite pool clinic success stories, Ofek Bruhis, this month. I had the privilege of watching this athletic guy learn to roll during one of our winter clinics two years ago and then watch him quickly progress to Shoshone, and then Gore and beyond. His growth as a kayaker and his enthusiasm for adventure has been nothing short of inspiring.
Originally from Buffalo, NY, and Austin, TX, Ofek is the 3rd child in a family of 6. He moved to Carbondale three years ago. After being "kayak curious" for years, Eliot Taft (our head coach) invited him to a roll clinic back in March 2023. Just a month later, he nailed his first combat roll on Shoshone's chilly waters. "I swam through Marty's Diner and got through everything else--hell of a day," he recalls.
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Since then, his progression has been very impressive. He kayaked Slaughterhouse (IV) that same summer, and then the Grand Canyon, and Gore Canyon last year and, more recently, Gore Rapid (V), after walking it three times. "It felt so good piecing it together," he says. He's also come full circle and, lucky for us, is now volunteering to coach others at pool clinics, river clinics and Whitewater Wednesdays.
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What motivates Ofek as a kayaker is the blend of adventure and community. As he grows as a boater, he finds himself exploring more and more incredible places with people who are inspiring and fun to be around. He loves challenging himself on big water, mastering new river moves, and sharing that stoke with others. "I love teaching and watching people click for things, so it brings me a lot of joy sharing the river with new boaters."Â Â
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Most recently, Ofek took his skills abroad for the first time on a trip to Ecuador with Small World Adventures, where he got to paddle with kayaker legends Darcy Gaechter and Don Beveridge. He describes that experience as "a dirtbag's dream," complete with stellar river logistics, incredible paddling, and a chance to learn from legends. Highlights included running the Jondachi River and some unforgettable boofs- both good and bad (ask him about Tres Juevos).
You may be asking- how did he learn that fast? Being a good athlete definitely helped. He is an avid backcountry skier, mountain biker and climber. But more importantly, he definitely did his homework. He spent a lot of time practicing skills, going to pool clinics, and researching paddling skills online. "The internet has been my best friend," he explains, "I used to watch Bren Ortons (RIP) and Eric Jackson's videos late into my night and practice all of those skills the next day on the river with whoever would go out with me." He took the Swiftwater Rescue class offered by the RFKC this past May and coached by Peter Benedict. He also found a solid crew to take him under their wing.
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His advice to beginners? "Stick with it. Kayaking has one of the steepest learning curves, but don't let swims deter you. Learn from them, and find good friends to paddle with."
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Ofek also gives a shoutout to Team Fear (acknowledging Team Bear)- Brian Gallagher, Scott Hershey, Russel Bair, Eliot Taft, and Jake Skardon- for everything from teaching him to catch eddies to holding him accountable for those legendary booty beers.
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Ofek, it's been an absolute blast watching your growth and experiencing the energy and heart you bring to this community. Keep charging and inspiring us all!
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