Luke
Hey there! I'm Luke, and I've had the incredible fortune of being raised in Alaska for most of my life. This blog, "Smacking Paddles," is a passion project born from my deep love for the Alaskan outdoors- a place where the mountains, rivers, and vast wilderness have always felt like home to me.
The Journey of Smacking Paddles
"Smacking Paddles" originally began as a YouTube channel dedicated to packrafting. But as I spent more time out in the wild, I realized something: paddles aren't just for water. Whether you're navigating a river in a raft, riding a snowmachine, or gliding down a mountain on skis, paddles come in many forms. Even our hands and feet can be seen as nature's own organic paddles, propelling us forward in our adventures.
This blog is my way of sharing that journey with you. It's a reference for both myself and anyone else who wants to dive into the Alaskan wilderness, whether you're a seasoned adventurer or just starting out. My hope is that through these stories and guides, you'll find the inspiration to explore and cherish the same landscapes that have become such a big part of who I am.
Brian
I was born and raised in Alaska and have been recreating in the great outdoors my whole life. I was introduced to the backcountry through hunting and snow machining as a kid, and I eventually moved into the world of backcountry skiing, climbing, mountaineering, and pack rafting! In my "professional" life, I industriously pursued a career in accounting, but after two years of auditing, I decided to strain my mind less and my body more and became a guide/ski patroller. There are no real paddles to speak of in accounting, so it wasn't a good fit. Enjoy the content, and get out and smack some paddles of your own!
