In this episode of Following Waters, Brett sits down with Erik Amason to explore a life shaped by water, discipline, and an unrelenting pull toward risk.

Erik grew up paddling on the Potomac River, where his early relationship with whitewater set the tone for what would become a lifelong pursuit of challenge. He devoted years to slalom kayaking, chasing the Olympic dream and committing fully to the process—even when it ultimately meant not making the team. That experience, defined as much by effort as outcome, became a foundation rather than an ending.

From there, Erik turned toward a second major calling: serving as a Navy SEAL. He spent nine years in the Teams, including combat deployments, and talks candidly about what that chapter demanded of him—physically, mentally, and relationally. After leaving the military, Erik found his way back to the water, not as an escape, but as a continuation of the same internal drive that has shaped his life since childhood.

Today, Erik is deeply engaged in cutting-edge whitewater paddling, consistently pushing into consequential terrain and big drops. He reflects on near-death experiences, including incidents in places like the Royal Gorge, and the difficult conversations those moments have required—especially with his wife. Throughout the conversation, Erik wrestles openly with what it means to carry a persistent desire for risk, even as life, family, and perspective evolve.

This episode is an honest exploration of devotion, identity, and the through-line of challenge—how the same impulse can shape an athlete, a soldier, a partner, and a paddler across very different chapters of a life.

@amasonerik – Instagram Handle

Mentioned in this episode:

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