Search
Close this search box.

Kayaking the Grand Canyon Blind

Image: Erik Weihenmayer

Blind adventurers Erik Weihenmayer and Lonnie Bedwell are kayaking the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. Weihenmayer is known for being the only blind person to summit Mt. Everest and Bedwell is a former Navy Petty Officer who lost his sight in a hunting accident. Bedwell paddled down the Grand Canyon last fall with a team of military veterans called Team River Runner.

The two blind adventurers are joined by a team of seven support kayakers and a three man production team capturing the adventure on video and in photos. Each blind kayaker has a sighted kayaker following closely behind them describing the river ahead and providing paddling instructions via walkie-talkie.

The team launched at Lee’s Ferry, Arizona on 7 September to tackle the next 277 miles of river and plan to celebrate their accomplishment in Flagstaff, Arizona on 28 September. Live updates on their progress are available on the Kayaking Blind website.

Kayaking Blind Grand Canyon Teaser from Erik Weihenmayer on Vimeo.

Share this post:

Discover more in the Rockies:

EXPLORE MORE: