ABOUT US
WHITEWATER IS OUR PASSION
Blue Ridge Paddling's focus is to connect with our guests and create long-lasting relationships through whitewater recreation. We have a passion for getting individuals from all walks of life on the river, and to help educate and prepare them to be not only better paddlers, but to also be better stewards of the waterways that we all enjoy.
“Relationships are everything to me. The opportunities I have had to create lasting connections throughout my time spent in the outdoors have been incredible and I can’t wait to look back in another ten, fifteen, and twenty years at all the new people I’ve been able to meet and share experiences with.” —Mason Schmidt, Co-Owner
We believe in upholding the ultimate guest experience by allowing for more intimate and fully customizable trips and lessons. Smaller trip and class sizes allow our team to connect on a more personal level with our guests, leading to a higher level of customer care, service, and a better overall guest experience.
Our entire team at BRP has extensive experience in whitewater guiding and kayak instruction. We hold our river guides and instructors to the highest standards, which includes Wilderness First Aid, Swift Water Rescue, and ACA kayak instructor certifications to name a few. Safety and risk management are at the forefront of our operation, which is emphasized by our approach to operation both on and off the river.
We are here to grow and preserve the culture of whitewater. We want our programs to be available to everyone, which, in return, will help make our industry stronger and more accessible. Each BRP team member is passionate about boating and whitewater. Our best days are when we get to pass on our knowledge and share in the excitement of whitewater recreation with others. We can’t wait to get out on the water with you!
Mason Schmidt
Co-Founder - Whitewater Instructor/River Guide
Mason Schmidt, like his brother, was raised in Alabama. He has spent a large portion of his life chasing the next opportunity that allows him to instruct in the outdoors. These days, he recently acquired his Outdoor Industry MBA and is now settling into his life’s work of sharing his passion for whitewater with others. Developing relationships and friendships through guiding and instructing in the outdoor industry has been his focus for the last decade. Although he has paddled in countless locations, he cut his teeth in the Southeast – an area that is renowned for exceptional opportunities to learn how to paddle and progress to the next level. Mason has been an instructor of various outdoor recreation activities for nearly a decade. From skiing in the Rockies, to backpacking in the Tetons, and kayaking across the southeast – he’s taught many folks the knowledge and skills that he has developed over his career.
Mason’s favorite rivers are the Nolichucky and the Grand Canyon of the Colorado. If Mason is not on the water, you might find him mountain biking or snow skiing depending on the season. Mason’s extensive knowledge and experience in whitewater kayaking instruction coupled with his warm personality will have you requesting a day on the river with him by name time and time again.
“I feel extremely fortunate to have been able to paddle in various locations across the U.S. This opportunity for me to get to combine sharing my love of whitewater and my love of teaching and instruction is truly incredible. I’m super excited and honored to continue to build relationships on the river here in Erwin, Tennessee.” —Mason Schmidt
Brannon Schmidt
Co-Founder - Whitewater Instructor/River Guide
Brannon Schmidt hails from Alabama but grew up exploring all that the Southeastern United States has to offer. Brannon loves all forms of outdoor recreation, but his biggest passions are whitewater kayaking, rafting, and teaching individuals to love and appreciate the great outdoors. Brannon lives and breathes river recreation. He finds nothing more rewarding than sharing his passion with both experienced paddlers and newcomers, alike.
Brannon’s favorite rivers are the Nolichucky and the Tellico. Brannon is extremely excited to get to know you. His infectious spirit and passion for sharing experiences on the water with you will always leaving you wanting to come back for more.
“Getting people hooked on river recreation… that’s the end goal for me. Sharing experiences on the water and building trust and relationships with individuals of any skill level – that’s what it’s all about.” —Brannon Schmidt
