Katie Quinn

Whitewater Kayaker, Guide, Adventurer
Unfiltered and Unstoppable

From Jackson’s Point, Ontario and the Ottawa Valley

For the first part of my life... hockey was my main focus. Until my mid 20’s when I needed a change from 7 days a week at the rink. I was curious and intrigued by whitewater so I found a job as a whitewater raft guide to live in a space where I could nurture my relationship with it. I was very much drawn in by its beauty, energy, recklessness, calm and danger. 🌊

Guiding in whitewater led to guiding in a lot of other really interesting places. I am incredibly privileged to travel the world paddling, guiding and teaching people about the natural world.

I guide and adventure because I truly love it. I enjoy playfulness, taking risks, being in the moment, learning and teaching others about the natural world around us.  

It's been 25 years since I began this journey — whitewater is now a part of my lifeblood and one of the most important chapters of my life.

I see life as a precious gift and incredibly interesting, so I truly follow my passions and interests as often and as fully as I can, even in small ways when life gets in the way.

Don't worry about what anyone tells you about who or what you are supposed to do or be. Follow your heart, spend your time doing what is meaningful, challenging, and interesting to you.

Life is short, have fun, make a difference, be kind, live meaningfully,
take a moment to greet each coming day with gratitude and purpose.

✨✨✨

Rad Grrrl rapid-fire

🔥 What’s been your most badass moment so far?

I’m pretty proud of having built (with a whole lot of help from dear friends), an off grid eco cabin and wood fired sauna. I look at these structures sometimes and think… Wow, we did that! It was difficult work, but so enjoyable, and so rewarding.

🔥 Do you have a favorite SmashGrrrl design?

Gah! So many fun designs. My fave is the Paddle Princess. I like that it’s athletic and artistic all at the same time. It captures well, the energy of big water.