EP 8: Dan Gavere: The first pro kayaker

Dan Gavere inspired a whole generation of kayakers and was integral to the shaping of modern kayaking.  Dan's dream was to be a professional kayaker....never mind that no such thing existed.  He knew filmers and editing were critical.  Paddle Frenzy saw Dan team with Corran Addison in a film that portrayed kayaking in an entirely new way.  They then pioneered travelling the world making a kayak movie with Paddle Quest.  Then with lost footage from Paddle Quest, Dan made Kavu Day, a film which shifted the sport.  Along the way Dan helped stitch regional whitewater festivals into a Pro Freestyle Tour.  Then elevated the whole professional scene to a peak level with the Wave Sport Team.  He was integral to both the AT Paddle and X Boat, 2 game-changing gear innovations.   In the end, Dan made it happen, becoming the world's first modern professional kayaker and establishing a template which can still be followed today.  His journey is inspiring for both young kayakers wanting to see a path and those who want to relive a golden era of kayaking.