Jeni Watson
Brad Ludden is an American professional kayaker. At the age of twelve, he began international kayaking. He enjoys traveling and has visited more than 40 countries. Brad is a philanthropist as well. He has been doing amazing work with his non-profit organization, First Descents.
About Brad Ludden| Family and Education
Brad Ludden was born in Sheridan, Wyoming on May 8, 1981. His father’s name is Chuck Ludden, and his mother’s name is Jinny Ludden. He has no siblings.
Brad began kayaking when he was nine years old. Kayaking quickly became his favorite activity on the planet. He became obsessed with it and aspired to be a professional kayaker.
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Brad’s parents sent him on a week-long kayaking excursion to Colorado when he was 13 years old.
He was accompanied by seven other youngsters, all of whom were his age. He had a fantastic time there.
Brad Ludden Makes the Decision to Travel Around the World
Brad sat down with his folks for a conversation after returning from his trip. Given Brad’s age, his parents also gave him his first drink: beer.
“The Beer was wonderful and tasted bad at the moment,” says Brad.
During his conversation with his parents, they reminded him that he was now an adult. They also informed him that he had complete control over his life.
He would also be held accountable for his decision. In other words, at the age of 13, Brad’s parents let him free to become self-sufficient.
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To their parents’ surprise, Brad expressed an interest in becoming a professional kayaker. He went on to say that he intended to drop out of conventional high school and attend a kayak academy.
Brad’s parents were not quite satisfied with his response. They did not, however, stop him.
As a result, Brad left home at the age of 13 and began traveling across the world. He also dropped out of conventional high school and joined the kayak academy.
At the age of eighteen, Brad became Nike’s first sponsored whitewater kayaker. In a sense, he had realized his dream.
Professional Life and Career
Brad enjoys swimming. He liked paddling and being in the water. As a result, he had a great kayaking career.
Brad has multiple kayaking titles and awards to his name. He finished third in the Cadet Division at the Junior Nationals in 1994. In 1997, Ludden finished third in the JR World Freestyle Championships.
Similarly, the kayaker took first place in the 1998 Japan Open. That same year, he finished third in the European Open.
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Brad won the JR National Freestyle Championship in 1999. He was also selected x Freestyle Athlete of the Year.
The American kayaker came in second place at the JR World Freestyle Championships in 1999. Brad also won the Lofer Rodeo in Australia in 2000.
Between 2001 and 2008, he earned several Teva Mountain Games medals.
Brad Ludden| Sexiest Bachelor
Brad Ludden was dubbed the ‘Hottest Bachelor of 2008‘ by Cosmopolitan Magazine in 2008. The winner was announced during a ceremony held at Mansion, a New York City nightclub.
There were 50 nominations for the honor in all. Brad had not expected to be crowned champion and was taken aback when the results were revealed. He exclaims that the event was strange.
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Brad received $10,000 in addition to the title of hottest bachelor of the year. He donated his entire award money to the non-profit group First Descents.
The cosmopolitan magazine chose Brad Ludden for his charity efforts, passion for life, and good looks.
First Ascensions
Brad Ludden founded First Descents, a non-profit organization. First Descents is a non-profit organization that offers outdoor adventure programs.
Through outdoor experiences, skill development, and local adventure clubs, the non-profit aims to increase the long-term survivability of young adults suffering from cancer and other serious health conditions.
Participants in the First Descents program reclaim their lives by participating in free outdoor adventure programs such as climbing, kayaking, and surfing.
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The program aids participants in forgetting about their illnesses. Instead, they enjoy the outdoors and interact with others.
Cancer, Multiple Sclerosis, and other significant health concerns provide unique challenges and obstacles for young people. As a result, when offering its program, First Descents concentrates on young adults.
Cancer is the leading cause of death among adolescents and young adults (AYAs). Similarly, with around 87,000 new diagnoses per year, young adults are the fastest-growing and most underserved oncology age category.
Furthermore, MS is the most common neuroinflammatory disorder affecting young adults.
Interestingly, Brad has started a blog called Sportsmen Giving, where he highlights athletes that are involved with charities.
What inspired Brad Ludden to create First Descents?
Brad Ludden was in his early adolescence when his aunt was stricken with breast cancer. At the time, his aunt was just 38 years old.
After experiencing his aunt’s battle with cancer firsthand, cancer had become very personal to him and his family.
When Brad was 18, he contemplated his life aspirations. Despite having seen numerous countries and performed numerous feats, he felt that something was missing.
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What he did, according to Brad, was quite self-centered. In sports, you are both a product and a vendor. Others are not welcome.
So he wanted to help others and make a difference. After much deliberation, he chose to form a non-profit organization while also connecting it to his interest.
So, at the age of eighteen, Brad Ludden started the First Descents in 2001. His proposal was first supported by the state of Colorado.
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Relationship Status
Brad Ludden, the attractive kayaker, is not married. He spends the majority of his time in the water, trying out new activities. We don’t know anything about his girlfriend or his affairs.
Net Worth and Salary | Brad Ludden
Brad Ludden’s net wealth is no surprise to anyone. The kayaker has created wealth for himself throughout his illustrious career.
The professional kayaker and philanthropist’s net worth is estimated to be more than $18 million.
Brad makes the most of his money by kayaking. Many businesses assist him in his sport.
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Brad, for example, has partnerships with Dagger Kayaks, Nike, AT Paddles, Smith Optics, Training Day, Subaru, and Kokatat.
Similarly, Brad Ludden starred in a short documentary titled The River Ward in 2010. Brad not only appeared in the film, but he also worked as an assistant editor on the documentary.
In the same year, Brad made another television appearance in a show called ‘Last Call with Carson Daly.’
Body Measurement | Hair, Height, Weight
Brad Ludden, 41, was born in 1981. According to the Chinese calendar, he was born in the Year of the Rooster.
Taurus is also his solar sign. Humans born under this sign are said to be generous, fiercely focused, patient, and devoted.
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Brad is incredibly generous, given that he is also a philanthropist. Athletes must also be patient and focused.
Brad stands at 5’11” and weighs roughly 86 kg. Brad has an athletic body as a sportsperson. He also has a beautiful face.
To round out his appearance, John has short light brown hair and brown eyes. His complexion is also light.
Social Media
Twitter: 1k followers
Facebook: 4.7k followers
Instagram: 3.4k followers
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are Brad Ludden’s favorite paddling spots?
Among all the areas Brad Ludden has paddled, he claims that the Lochsa River in Idaho and Madagascar are his favorites.
Which Rapids are Brad Ludden’s favorites?
Brad Ludden is obsessed with Madagascar. Many of his favorites can be found at The Place. Heaven and Hell on Madagascar’s Ikopa River are his favorite rapids.
Quick Facts |Brad Ludden
| Full Name | Brad Ludden |
| Nick Name | Daril, Bud, B, Biff |
| Birth Date | May 8, 1981 |
| Birth Place | Sheridan, Wyoming |
| Residence | Gypsum, Colorado |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Flat Head High School |
| Hobbies | Adventure, Travel |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
| Tattoos | None |
| Awards | Top 10 CNN Hero 2010 |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Father’s Name | Chuck Ludden |
| Mother’s Name | Jinny Ludden |
| Siblings | None |
| Age | 41 years old |
| Hair Color | Light Brown |
| Eye Color | Green |
| Height | 5 feet 11 inches |
| Weight | 86 kg (190 lbs) |
| Profession | Professional Kayaker |
| Founder of | First Descents, Stoke Broker |
| Marital Status | Not Married |
| Girlfriend | Not Known |
| First International | At 12 years old |
| Active Years | 1993 – Present |
| Achievements/Titles |
|
| Represents | America |
| Social Media | Twitter, Facebook, Instagram |
| Salary | Under Review |
| Net Worth | $1 million -$5 million |
| Merch | First Descents: In Search of Wild Rivers (Paperback) |
| Last Update | October 2022 |
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