James Stevens

Highlights

• Former writer at SunshineKayaking.com and current part-time travel writer at WaterSportsWhiz.
• Globetrotter with years of kayaking expertise, exploring Earth’s remote regions, including a significant 2018 expedition into the Amazon rainforest.
• Trainee paddle sports instructor with hands-on outdoor education and teaching experience.
• Passionate advocate for nature conservation and outdoor ethics.

Experience

Meet James – and feel free to call him Jimbo, by the way – who’s anything but your typical travel blogger. He’s a true globetrotter – in every sense of the word – armed with a backpack, a paddle, and a thirst for adventure. And, as he jokingly said when we first met, “a full-time explorer and a part-time writer.”

Back in 2018, James took a life-changing expedition to the Amazon rainforest. He didn’t just go there to snap some cool pics, though. He went deep, meeting local tribes and paddling through rivers that most of us only see in National Geographic documentaries.

Jimbo always says,

“Exploring the world’s hidden corners has taught me one invaluable lesson: nature doesn’t belong to us; we belong to nature. Every paddle stroke, every trail blazed, is a reminder to protect and cherish the wild spaces that inspire our greatest adventures.“

And he’s not all talk, either.

He writes about these experiences to inspire us to get out there and make a difference. Before joining our team at WaterSportsWhiz, Jimbo was a writer at SunshineKayaking.com,. His articles weren’t just your average travel stories; they were like chats with a buddy who’s actually been there and done that. He’s got a way of making you feel the thrill of the ride – and the peace of the great outdoors – all while reminding you to always be a well-mannered, respectful guest in Mother Nature’s house.

Through his travels, Jim has had many jobs to fund his adventures, from barman to builder, English teacher to Emu wrangler – he once juggled flaming coconuts in Bali just for bus fare.

He’s also been an paddle sports assistant, helping to teach kids how to kayak and paddle board – this is actually how he and Nessa initially met. But in true Jim style, he’s not just showing them how to hold a paddle; he’s teaching them to love the water, respect nature, and why flipping the kayak is half the fun.

Jimbo’s got a unique take on everything from paddle sports and hiking to nature conservation. When he writes, it’s not just advice; it’s like getting a personal invite to try something new and embrace your inner adventurer.

He’s an explorer, a storyteller, and someone who genuinely cares about the planet. Simply put, Jimbo is a guy who found his true calling.

So, whether it’s about the best paddle spots, what to pack for a multiple-day kayaking trip, how to respect nature, or just sharing some epic travel stories, Jimbo’s your guy. He’s giving us all a fresh way to look at the world.

Away from the pen and paddle, Jimbo’s passions veer toward vintage vinyl collecting, mastering the art of campfire coffee, and trying his hand at landscape photography. Turns out, he’s not just about navigating rivers and trails but also mapping out the nuances of a good espresso shot.

Qualifications

Education

While Jimbo doesn’t have any formal qualifications in outdoor recreation or environmental science, what he does have is a lifetime of hands-on experience. And let’s be real – sometimes that is the best education you can get.

Memberships

Jimbo’s not a lone wolf; he’s part of a bigger pack – an active member of some of the world’s leading outdoor ethics and conservation groups, such as Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth, the American Canoe Association and International Surfing Association. This keeps him in the loop about the latest ways to enjoy – and, more importantly, protect – the great outdoors.

Teaching & Coaching

Under the watchful eye of Nessa, our resident ACA kayaking instructor, Jimbo has dedicated his spare time to working as an trainee paddle sports instructor, educating others – kids and adults alike – on how to enjoy the water while protecting it for future generations.

And rumor has it? He’s just a few strokes away from snagging his full coaching badge.