From skate parks to the powerful flow of the Stikine River, Adam Herzog shares how intentional preparation and a love for place shaped his journey as a paddler, racer, and wilderness medicine educator.

Adam Herzog started out skateboarding in Western North Carolina before discovering paddling in his teens. Over the years, that transition blossomed into a paddling career defined by discipline, edge-of-your-seat adventure, and deep purpose. After racing the Green Race annually for over two decades, he ultimately fulfilled a lifelong aspiration: running the legendary Stikine River, often dubbed the “Mount Everest of kayaking” .

Adam’s pursuits extend beyond the water—he’s a paramedic, trauma nurse, and wilderness medicine educator, known for his "Close Calls" storytelling in American Whitewater, exploring near-miss rescues and lessons in risk management. He also teaches via NOLI Learning (kayaking and rescue training)—find more at NOLILearn.org 

Follow his journey and daily reflections on Instagram: @ZogTraining 

• How Adam’s skateboarding roots led to a paddling obsession.
• A behind-the-scenes look at training for the Green Race and staying injury-free.
• The physical and mental preparation for paddling the iconic Stikine River.
• Lessons learned from injuries and rescue scenarios as a trauma nurse.
• His philosophy around teaching, safety, and passing paddling on to the next generation.

• Epic follow-up interview on Inspire Campfire in The Highs and Lows of Adventure with Adam Herzog 
• Also featured on The Discomfort Zone Podcast discussing resilience post accident.

If you found Adam’s story inspiring, please subscribe and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Share with a paddling buddy or a friend who loves adventure and deep conversations.

Stay tuned for Episode 3 with Gordon Dalton, where we will explore Virginia Creek culture, race organizing, and the life of a grassroots paddling legend.