In Sports Applications, Videos
June 01, 2010
Professional kayaker and Cosmopolitan pin-up Brad Ludden is one of those lucky people who have found a way to make a living doing something they love.
He started kayaking at 12, and by the age of 17 Ludden had a host of sponsors and was living the dream as a pro athlete. Years later, through his friendship with Kelly Starrett, Ludden was introduced to CrossFit but was at first skeptical about his need to squat: “I don’t need legs. I just sit down for a living.”
After experiencing CrossFit, Ludden found that overall fitness was important to his performance on the river but also his safety in a dangerous and unforgiving sport.
“In one year of training with Kelly and training with CrossFit, I saw my kayaking hit a whole other gear—and I had been paddling professionally at that point for eight years. I saw a whole other gear that I didn’t know existed.”
Ludden is also the driving force behind First Descents, a non-profit group that uses kayaking and outdoor sports to improve the lives of people with cancer.
8min 04sec
Additional reading: On Top of the Western World by Dustin Wunderlich, published April 6, 2010.
Download
Comment
Related Articles
“I Googled your name, Brad.”
“Oh, God.”
Poor Brad Ludden. All he wants to do is paddle a kayak and swing a kettlebell, but sometimes being a big-shot pro athlete means you’re going to spend a… Continue Reading
“Kayaks are like golf clubs. There’s a purpose for each one.”
In Part 2 of this series, CrossFitter and pro kayaker Brad Ludden talks more about his “job,” detailing the finer points… Continue Reading
Join CrossFit Endurance coach John McBrien as he discusses programming for multiple-sport athletes, such as those who run, bike and swim or who are military athletes.
A week of CrossFit Endurance programming… Continue Reading
Third-year Denver Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno is ready for the 2011 NFL season. The Georgia product has been training with Matt Chan at CrossFit Verve to improve his game, and Moreno… Continue Reading
6 Comments on “Professional Passion”
1
wrote …
Very cool video! This is just another example of all the doors that Crossfit can open for an individual, both physically and mentally. Kayaking is something I have always wanted to try. I have lived in Montana for the last 12 years and until just recently, did not think that it was something that I was physically capable of doing. After doing Crossfit for a year now, I know that it is definitely an activity that I can participate in with the proper instruction. Just recently I went rock climbing for the first time. I had a blast. It wasn't something I was automatically good at but it was something that I knew that I could physically do with a little instruction. Thank you, Coach Glassman, for all the doors that you have opened for me and many other Crossfitters.
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
2
wrote …
The final comment is great. "Something must be wrong. I'm so far ahead of everyone else. What just happened? I need to stop and process. This stuff actually works".
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
3
wrote …
I'm a huge fan of Brad's, and I had no idea he was a CrosFitter. So cool!
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
4
wrote …
Very inspiring and very grounded! Nice work Brad! Awesome!
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
5
Kristopher Germain wrote …
"Who's the best coach in the world?...This guy."!!
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
6
wrote …
great vid brad, thanx. and your coach "whatsaname - he's not bad either !!!!
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
Leave a comment