Trip Report: Grand Canyon Self Support Kayak in 7 Days

February 19, 2024 by John Nestler in Kayaking, Trip Report, Whitewater Kayak

My last two trips down the Canyon were 20+ day self support solo kayak trips and I was ready to share the experience with someone else. The only catch was I only had 8 days off of work, so it'd have to be a quick trip. And in the spirit of adventure it made sense to go all the way to Pearce. It wasn't an easy sell - paddle 40 miles per day, for 7 days, in the middle of winter, but a good friend from college agreed to come along and I was stoked for the adventure.

Soloing the Grand Canyon: Complete Kayak Self-Support Guide

January 01, 2015 by John Nestler in Kayaking, Camping

Last winter I had the opportunity to paddle down the Grand Canyon of the Colorado, alone. For 27 days and 280 miles the Grand Canyon was my world. I reveled in the solitude, played in the rapids, and was continually awed by the magnificent nature surrounding me. The resulting article and video featured by Canoe and Kayak turned out to be one of their most popular stories this year, and I finally decided to sit down and write down some tips for putting a solo trip together. This article will focus mainly on wintertime solos, as those permits are the easiest to snag. Of course most all this information will apply to kayakers looking to prepare for a self-support trip down the Grand Canyon, even if you aren’t doing it alone.

Film Release: Why Rush Through Paradise (2014)

August 02, 2014 by John Nestler in Kayaking, Videos

Why Rush Through Paradise documents my solo kayak journey down the Grand Canyon of the Colorado in January 2014. Filmed during 27 days in the depths of the Canyon, the film aims to convey the emotional journey I experienced while alone, and reveals the inescapable beauty of the Canyon.

This trip was one of the longest solo trips on record in the Canyon since the Park Service instituted the 25 day Lees Ferry to Diamond Creek trip length requirement. Long nights and a deserted river allowed for ample contemplation on our place in this world, and provided a unique opportunity to explore the intricacies of the Canyon at my leisure.