![]() An experience he reflects upon fondly.Īnderson paddling in the Grand Canyon. In his late 40s he began guiding rafting trips on the Arkansas River in Colorado, alongside other adventure seekers that were often the age of his students. “I got interested in it initially as a way to become more thoughtful and mindful about my paddling and technique.”Ĭoaching then led him to guiding during summer breaks from the academic world. “That's really the time you learn things the best-when you have to break things down and explain to other people,” he said. Of his coaching endeavors, he said one reason he likes to teach is because of what he learns himself in the process. He is currently writing a book on the topic. ![]() ![]() On this subject, Anderson breaks down the physics of tides, waves and currents, and applies them to the reality of paddling in dynamic marine environments. The latter often focuses on the expeditions he’s undertaken or combines his two areas of expertise: physics and paddling. His ever-expanding knowledge eventually led him to coaching, guiding and speaking. As he progressed, and with prompting from one of his mentors, he began applying his newfound skills to an entire suite of paddlesports including canoeing, whitewater kayaking and rafting. Upon opening his eyes to the greatest outdoor resource in his new home, Lake Michigan, Anderson began taking instructional courses in sea kayaking to prepare himself for paddling in its conditions. The ripples of these formative experiences are evident in his life today.Īnderson upon completion of his solo circumnavigation of Vancouver Island. He recalls that these vacations were often akin to science field trips, with an emphasis on learning and identification. Anderson’s parents, both science educators, began taking him camping and exploring from a young age. He now chairs the physics department at Northeastern Illinois University.Īs if mapping a watershed, Anderson can trace the tributaries of his passions for science and the natural world back to his childhood. It was here, in America’s third largest city, that he fell in love with paddlesports-something that has led him to expedition in some of the world’s most rugged and remote destinations.Īnderson was initially drawn to Chicago for an opportunity with Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) before transferring to Northwestern University. With the threat of ice on this massive northern lake still distant, he launches his sea kayak and begins to paddle. Gregory Anderson and the monochromatic Chicago skyline looming behind him. A biting Lake Michigan wind claws at the steely beard of Dr.
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