Bio

YEWWWWWW! My name is Meg. I’m originally from Baltimore but have called the gorgeous mountains of Southwest Virginia home since 2013. I am a Yoga Therapist and Garden Coordinator, but in my off time I enjoy firing up the local rivers with the Roanoke City Sirens!! From Balcony play days to Goshen rallies to Janes Creek jangles, I feel blessed to be wrapped up in such an amazing boating community and to be a part of a radical team!!

While I have always felt a strong connection to the river, I started to explore whitewater a few years ago. I instantly fell in love with playboating after a McCoy Falls play day. Since then, I have fallen for the full slice life. Being able to experience the powerful energy of the river in a HELLBENDER is a cosmic dance of present moment awareness and ultimate Stoke. The river offers such a dynamic experience that provides a space to explore joy, fear, and all the feelings in between. I can deeply appreciate the humbling nature of the river Ma. One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned on the river is that you have to let go of control and learn to move with her.

Bio

I’m is a native of Chattanooga, Tennessee. I was introduced to Whitewater Kayaking at 14yrs old through a City managed outdoor program. I enjoys all forms of whitewater including amateur slalom, long distance attainments, creeking and playboating. Most recently I’ve fallen in love with the full slice designs of yesteryear on my home river- The Ocoee. My kayaking passion has led him down the ultimate rabbit hole, during the summer I can be found chasing the elusive Mystery Move. I’m a 3x Mystery Champ and have also made the US Freestyle Squirt teams 3 times. In 2018, I was the first person to hit a minute long mystery on the clock.

Bio

My first introduction to paddling was super early on seeing my dads kayaks in the garage and watching hours of his old school VHS collection I thought it was the coolest thing ever. I didn’t actually start kayaking until I turned 16 and had my first job, after saving up a few hundred bucks I found two old school boats and bought them for my dad and I to rekindle his love for the sport, little did I know this move would takeover the next five years of my life and counting. I spend most of my time in slicey boats because I love the connection to the river you get through low volume boats and all the fun you can have going down-river, so when I saw Verus was dropping some sweet new boats I knew I had to hop in and be apart of a much needed change in the sport. I was super stoked when I was invited to join the team and hangout with the guys that make it all happen, I feel like this company will really change the sport we all love and I’m grateful to be apart of it all. I hope to see you all on the rivers this year and share the Verus stoke! let’s escape reality!

Bio

I am a 17-year-old kayaker on the James River in Richmond Virginia. The James offers a great 365-day training ground. After heavy rain you can find me stouting it up on Virginia classics, exploring urban micro creaks, and finding hidden gems within striking distance of my home. I love Verus boats and am so fired up to join the team. I am looking forward to continuing to grow and push my skill level while working closely with the rest of the team in order to create the best possible boats.

Bio

Howdy! I am Olivia Farrah Foskey,  originally from the wetlands of South Carolina but have found home in the Roanoke Valley in Virginia. I began paddling in the Outdoor program at Hollins University where I met lifelong friends and mentors. I’ve been able to use kayaking as a way to connect with Appalachia in a very intimate ways. From finding wild edible foods on the banks and river glass in the water to being at the mercy of the river and her powerful currents. As I grow into kayaking (and life) I am learning to manage fear, surrender to the flow, and connect with all these wonderful humans around me. Luckily, most of these wonderful people who have guided me, cleaned up my yard sales, and cheered me on happen to be apart of the homegrown company of Verus.

Bio

Hey there! I’m Cameron Hall , 36 years young and grew up in the mountains of Virginia. Growing up in rural Virginia being outside has been a major influence of my upbringing. It wasn’t until after graduating high school that I discovered the magic of whitewater kayaking. I’d spend countless hours on the James River teaching myself how to roll, how to ferry and how to swim, a lot. Before I knew it was in cars with new friends going to big, unfamiliar rivers, surfing big waves, splatting enormous rocks, I was hooked. Spending my first three years stuffed in a playboat, I was soon introduced to creek boating. Since that time I’ve been blessed enough to travel around the Country to some of the most talked up creeks and rivers. Fast forwarding 15 years into my boating career I find myself paddling for my own contentment, not someone else’s expectations. Verus is a company that not only gets it, they live it. Having fun is what it’s all about! SYOTR

Bio

In 1981 my father took me out in a canoe. Since then I’ve been watching our lifestyle grow over the decades. Each type of boat have evolved and each has their own spirit to connect with. My preference has always been for a single blade whether it be canoe or C1 I’m down. I’ve paddled many types of boats and watching the Gladiator transform into in my opinion one of if not the top splatting machine for me. I love having a down river boat that I can slice it up on the waves, drop an edge and stair at the sky or park on the side of a rock for a nice splat. That’s what I love about the Gladiator 2.0. It’s awesome seeing what Josh & George are doing at Verus and I’ve watched Josh grow as a boater since he was 17. Now he’s the head guy at Verus. Being asked to be on the team with some extremely talented guys and gals was an honor. I can’t wait to see the next creation for the deck boating community. When you see me out in my Gladiator please feel free to go drop an edge or two so you can see what the hype is all about. Time to escape reality.

Bio

Hey there. My name is Caleb (he/they). I’m currently located in Western North Carolina. I’ve been working in outdoor/experiencial education since 2011. I teach whitewater canoeing and swiftwater rescue. I’ve been paddling religiously since 2018 in open canoes and was fortunate enough to be surrounded by whitewater instructors. In 2019 I became a certified whitewater canoe instructor. In 2020, I transitioned my main boat of choice to a C-1. Although I love getting on newer bigger runs, I have always prioritized the people that I paddle with, which has led me to have the privilege of knowing some of the best people I’ve ever encountered. This community and my paddling experience have brought the most impactful, humbling, and passionate moments of my life and I’m stoked every time I get to share these moments with others.

As someone who is quite nonconforming, I have absolutely loved the opportunity to be paddling the Verus boats with their non-conforming designs, especially as C-1s. I am forever humbled and honored for the opportunity to paddle for Verus.

Bio

My name is Griffin Biggs, I’m eighteen years old, and I’m from Princeton, West Virginia. I grew up in the Princeton area with limited access to whitewater. As I got older and able to drive, I started traveling up towards Fayetteville, West Virginia. That’s where my paddling progression skyrocketed. I was able to meet all kinds of incredible paddlers through my job as a videoboater. Through said job, I found some of my best friends who continuously push me to become a better paddler. Boating has been an incredible way for me to step out of my comfort zone with the ever-changing nature of different rivers while showing me new places and allowing me to meet some rad people. I’ve been boating regularly for two years now. However, I got my first whitewater kayak about five years ago when my dad wanted less fishing hooks flying around in our raft. I’ve had a lot of incredible whitewater experiences. The most memorable event would have to be my first trip to the Green River Narrows. All kinds of excitement ensued both on and off the water. Not only did I get to run some challenging whitewater, but I got to share the experience with some of my best friends. Whitewater experiences like that have shaped me into the person, and paddler, that I am today. I can’t wait to see what kind of incredible experiences paddling for such an awesome company will bring!

Bio

Hi, my name is Rad Dobson. I’m a 15-year-old boater from Fayetteville, WV. I’ve lived between West Virginia and Columbia, South Carolina all my life. You will definitely catch me out on the Saluda or New River during the paddling season. I’ve been around whitewater my entire life because of my father. I really started to get into kayaking 2 years ago. My favorite run has to be the Gauley River. My most memorable whitewater experience is the first time I went down the upper Gauley because it was my first experience in class V whitewater. I look forward to working with Verus and developing into the best boater I can be using their plastic.

Bio

Hi, I’m Lakelyn Fowler! I’m 17 years old and growing up in Fayetteville West Virginia. It has definitely been an adventure growing up around some of the best white water in the East Coast. I’ve been kayaking for 5 years, and I have learned from a bunch of local legends who taught me the core essentials in kayaking. I’ve learned a bunch of other skills from other local paddlers on the New and the Gauley. I video boat for Adventures on the Gorge during the summer and throughout Gauley season. I paddle two or three times a week I’m stoked to keep the next generation going strong!

Bio

Yo, what’s up?!  My name is Eli Calloway, I’m 18 years old, I’m from Fayetteville, West Virginia, and I’m still pretty new to this kayaking stuff. I first learned to roll in April of 2022, but I’ve shown incredible growth in the months since. Now, if you don’t see me getting worked in a hole, you can probably find me lacing up lines on some of West Virginia’s classics. Being in the area that I am, I have always been attracted to the whitewater scene, but restrictions such as sports kept me away from our local specialties. I suffered a knee injury that changed the course of my life. Those other sports became inaccessible, and kayaking took over that place in my heart that the other sports once had. While still recovering, a family friend invited me to a flatwater session so I could learn the most essential kayaking skill a boater can have, rolling. Before we had even made it to our practice spot, I was already flipped over. I saved myself from swimming with a hand roll, a skill that I had never even heard of. After witnessing what can only be described as a miracle, the guy gave me my first kayaking kit to kickstart my days of paddling. From then on, my love for kayaking only kept growing and was accelerated by the awesome group of friends that I’ve made through paddling. I’m excited to continue sharing my progression while paddling for such a sick company!

Bio

Howdy, I’m Sandy! I have been boating since I was 8, starting at the humble concrete ditch known as the US National Whitewater Center. I started getting on real rivers through the oldest paddling program in the country, Camp Mondamin, and have fallen in love with the sport ever since. Come summertime, you can find me either instructing whitewater lessons or squeezing slice laps in on the Green. Kayaking has become my outlet to bring my life as close to nature as it can be and continues to provide me with unbelievable experiences and even better friends.

I am blessed to be reppin’ Verus Kayaks. It is a company that I truly believe puts the people first and breaks norms with its innovative designs. I am most stoked about their new creek boat, the Flux, because it breaks away from the 9ft+ race designs that occupy too much of the creek boat market, instead prioritizing a boat that will dominate the rapids and feel easy to use. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Verus!

Bio

I’m Sean McLaughlin and I’m all about big smiles, big boofs, and big fish.  I love boating not only because it allows me to find center and balance in my life, but for the unforgettable memories made on and off the river with both friends and strangers.  I love making people smile and Verus helps me do that by having a sick boat for people to try out!  Every one I’ve let try my Gladiator 2.0 was incredibly joyful.  I love this boat because it allows me to use the river like a canvas, as if I’m painting it with different strokes and unique moves and opens up the river to a whole different level of fun.  I’m beyond stoked to paddle with this team of friends and to continue making life long memories.  If you see me out there come say hi and you’ll most likely be greeted with some venison jerky or fresh sushi, can’t wait to see you on the river!  Get wet, stay weird.

Bio

I’m Chris Ryan I’m 31 years old. Currently residing in Central Vermont. Started boating at the ripe young age of 8 till I was about 12 then took quite a few years off till I reconnected with it in my 20’s. The thing I enjoy most about boating is the places it will take you from spots you might never see by any other means. The community that surrounds boating is so special there’s not another community that could match its vibe. From the stoke everyone has to spend a day on the river to somebody takin action to get your dumbass out of a bad scenario you found yourself in. So glad to have made a connection with the guys at verus. These dudes are just about pure passion and fun. The designs of the boats is so special and unique to anything on the market. When you combined the love of the sport and skilled designs you’ll get a amazing boat like the gladiator. Hope to see everyone on the river for boating season!!

Bio

Ayoo I’m Triston Choate, I’m 24 years old. I live in a tiny little town in north central Pa home to some incredible hidden whitewater. I started boating around 2011 with some old gear my dad had stored away and have been off to the races ever since. It’s wild to look back at where you start, barely making it down class II/III to now completing class V first descents.

Whitewater to me might not be what everyone else sees. Amongst all that chaos is a freeing peace that can’t be found anywhere else. It is home to me.

That’s is why I kayak.

Bio

My name is Tristan Rush, and I started kayaking when I was 15 in July of 2017! I live on the East Coast in Pennsylvania. My favorite place to go kayaking is the Delaware Water Gap in the Northeast part of PA. There are lots of micro-creeks with nice gradient and good scenery. For me, kayaking is not necessarily about the thrill of it. There is lots of thrill in kayaking, however, the biggest part for me is about the mental challenge of kayaking as well as appreciating nature. I love exploring new places and doing things that haven’t been done before. Pennsylvania has a lot of hidden gems that I hope to kayak very soon!

Bio

About me? Well, my name is Jamie Lynn I’m 34 from South Williamsport PA. I’m an equipment operator when I’m not kayaking. I love exploring the creeks in the endless mountains of North Central PA. There is some awesome stuff up here! I don’t really have a favorite class of run but I do love paddling big slides. Realistically, as long as I’m on the water, I’m having the time of my life.

Bio

Always stoked to be on the river with friends. I do it because I love it. My drive and passion for kayaking whitewater has brought me to incredible places. I plan to continue that with some of the best designs in the game!

Bio

My name is Nicole, I am 19 years old, and I am originally from Oklahoma! I began my kayak journey five years ago not realizing where it would actually take me. Since then, I have competed at Nationals and have qualified for two World Championships. Unfortunately, I had surgery on my hand and on my shoulder. Resulting in not being able to compete at World’s. But I didn’t stop there. I went to PT and built back up my strength and I am on Team Werner for Werner Paddles, and of course, the amazing Verus Kayaks. The reason I love being on team Verus is because their company is based on the true passion of kayaking, not just running big waters for clout. This company is the most authentic out there, no doubt. At Verus, we aren’t just separate paddlers from different regions, we are a family. And I am so thankful to be part of the coolest family out there. I am so excited to continue my kayaking journey with Verus. Best decision I ever made.

Bio

Both my parents were paddlers. I started kayaking with them at a very young age. It was the perfect context for me to develop my passion. I learned whitewater rafting with my dad. From that very young age I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to the outdoors.

Since 2008, I have been actively involved in guide rafting and kayaking in different parts of Canada, namely Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia. These sports also give me the opportunity to communicate with so many people, to share with them my passion for whitewater, to make them discover a new outdoor reality and nature at its best! Acting as their guide, ensuring their security and satisfaction … to me, what a perfect job that is!

As far as I can remember, my mindset has always been about improving my kayaking skills. Whatever the challenge, a waterfall, a strong rapids, a difficult wave to surf or a technical river, I like to push myself and adapt in order to master any type of whitewater paddling. To me, it is all about water flow and the sensation of riding the veins of the earth.

I love the way Verus Kayaks design their boats. These kayaks are resistant and dependable in intense situations. The high quality of their design and material makes these boats easy to maneuver and contribute to their speed performance. I feel like they bring me to the moon!

Bio

Hey guys! I am Arnaud, 23, from Québec, Canada. I have been chasing whitewater for the last 6 years. I am always looking for new runs, but also new people to enjoy the river with. Kayaking has been more than just a sport for me (I know, it is quite cliche… hehe) but a reason to explore and discover both my home province and new countries. I love getting on crazy missions, rivers that are too high, too low, anything that makes for a good story. I spend most of time here in Quebec, either spending time on big waves or steep creek, but I also had the chance to paddle in Ecuador, Mexico and the PNW. I used to push rubber down the Ottawa, but now I work in the festival industry to make sure to be able to charge as much as possible when the snow starts to melt.

I am very excited to be working with Verus! I am stoked on their approach to boat design and their visions of what makes whitewater kayaking an amazing sport. I am looking forward to be part of the development of the next generation of boat design and to meet up with the rest of the Verus family. If you are keen to come up in Québec to catch nice and juicy creek, make sure to hit me up!

Bio

À l’eau! Je m’appelle Charles , je suis un passionné de kayak depuis plus de 7ans. Je consacre beaucoup de temps sur les rivières du Québec. Il y a tellement un grand terrain de jeu sauvage ici. Je recherche constamment de nouvelles descentes inconnues et isolées, surtout au nord ( c’est le paradis) et assez souvent quand je cherche activement je trouve. Musicien, j’essaie toujours d’emmener une guitare si on a assez de la place dans le pickup ! Je vie un jour à la fois, sauf quand je planifie une expédition kayak! Être sur la rivière me donne un immense bonheur, je suis chanceux de pouvoir faire mon propre horaire étant tatoueur, il m’arrive parfois de déplacer un rendez-vous pour aller pagayer une rivière en crue

Hi! I’m Charles, passionate paddler for about 7 years . I devote a lot of time to the rivers of Québec. It is a big and wild playground here. I constantly research new unknown and remote descents, especially in the north ( it’s a paradise) and often enough when I seek actively I find some. I am also a musician, and I always try to bring a guitar if there is space in the pick-up truck! I live one day at the time, except when there is an kayak expedition involved! To be on the rivers brings me joy. I’m lucky to set my own schedule being a tattoo artist, it even happens sometime that I’ll have to move an appointment to get on a flooded run