Ben Guska

Age: 23
Height: 5'7"
Weight: 175
Favorite River: Ottawa/New
Favorite Creek: Crystal Gorge/Oh Be Joyful
Favorite play hole: Glenwood Springs Play Park
Favorite Waves: Dries of the New Put-in waves
Hometown: Glenwood Springs Colorado
Currently: Residing in Grand Junction CO

Sponsors:

Jackson kayak
NRS
AT Paddles

Anyone who knows Ben recognizes his personality on and off the river as one of a caring, fun, supportive 23 year old that makes you smile. We are very lucky to have him as part of the Jackson Kayak family in 2007 and beyond. Look for a rapid rise in his performance on and off the river as he is given a chance to channel his energy for personal performance and for helping others on the water as well. When you see Ben on the water, don't be shy about asking for tips!

Here is what Ben has to say about himself...

Competitive Achievements:

Teva East vs. West Rodeo 1st place 03'(17 years old)
Teva East vs.West qualifer 2st place 03' (17 years old)
Steamboat Go Pro event 2nd place 04'
Green River Pro Rodeo 2nd Place 04'
WS dries Big Air Competition 3rd Place 04'
Fibark 4th place 06
Reno River Pro Invite: 6th

Personal Achievements:

Team River Runner Colorado Trip 06' (Disabled kayaker clinics)
Glenwood Springs Youth Hockey Goals Leader (46 goals)
Glenwood Springs Youth Hockey Points Leader (82 points)
Glenwood Springs Youth Hockey Leadership award (consecutive 2 years)
Mesa State Hockey Team Member (3rd in points 2-consecutive years)
Mesa State Hockey Leading Fighter (2 years, but I swear I’m peaceful off the ice)
USASA Slopestyle Snowboard Competition 1998-1st place
Ski Sunlight Slopestyle 1998-1st place

About Me

My life has been a roller coaster for only being 23 years old. I have been fortunate enough to Kayak around various parts of the world for years on end. None of this would be remotely possible without my sponsors! Big thanks to them! As of right now, I am currently in my second year of school at Mesa State College. I will be pursuing a degree in Radiology Technology, in hopes to one day possibly being a Radiologists Assistant. I also play hockey here on Mesa States Division III Club Team, which I thoroughly enjoy being a part of.

Because of my time restraints with school, I haven’t been able to kayak nearly as much as I want to! But luckily with spring and summer coming up, and Glenwood Springs New Whitewater Park, I will have a lot of good boating in a short distance from my house! For now I have been training off the water with weights and some cardio with our hockey trainer, as well as a few pool sessions at a local pool.

Beyond Kayaking I enjoy a lot of variety in my life. From when I was 4 years old I played Soccer for almost 14 years on end. I enjoy snowboarding, rafting, hockey, hiking, running, and have a passion for photography! So I figured I’d add some pictures of not just kayaking, but a lot of things I enjoy in life to my profile page. I love being a part of everything I can be, and that has lead me to a great life so far.

For now, I will be kayaking mostly around Colorado, which is great, since I grew up here! I will be mostly around Glenwood Springs getting ready for team trials, and for most the summer as the summer goes on. I’d like to thank everyone for helping me out along the way, and the Jackson family for their continued support over the last few years! See you on the River!

Signing out
Ben Guska

Photos By: Scott Sady www.tahoelight.com, Chrissy Anzlovar, Ben Guska