Through years of adventuring and racing, Heather and Brandon have learned to celebrate their triumphs with a fist in the air, and to accept failure as a catalyst for learning. With a strong belief in the philosophy of paddling legend Verlen Kruger, “Trip to Race, Race to Trip!” the Nelson’s continually explore the relationship between paddling techniques, boat and gear design, race and expedition strategies, fitness, and sharing their stories with passionate paddlers everywhere.

Heather and Brandon are “way-of-life” surfski and ultra-marathon distance kayak racers and adventurers. Both are published writers and photographers. To date, their resume includes overall wins and course records in the 316-mile WaterTribe Lake Michigan Challenge and in the 460-mile Yukon River Quest. Expeditions include “Canada to Cabo” — a 4300-mile mountain bike and sea kayak journey along the Continental Divide and the Sea of Cortez, and a 71-day kayak circumnavigation of Lake Baikal in Siberia. In early May, 2006, the pair organized Project KayakForCare! to raise money for non-profit hospice care while attempting to break the 24-hour flat water distance record. With Heather leading the event organization, Brandon paddled 146 miles in 24 hours on Lake Whatcom, WA, and raised over $14,000 for Whatcom Hospice Foundation. Their latest adventure, baby boy Hayden Storm, was born Feb 21, 2008.