It all starts with Gabriel Gray who is a former professional bull rider who traded in his chaps & spurs to save lives as a professional firefighter/EMT in Panama City Beach, FL. When not at the fire house, you will most likely find Gabe preparing for his next SUP expedition. Along with his wife Natalie they have started the project Fight to SOAR (Save Our American Rivers) to help raise awareness for our Nations Rivers through SUP expeditions, trash clean ups, classes, film, and photography. This week we will embarking on a 150 mile self supported SUP Expedition with Gabriel down the Buffalo National River to help bring awareness about the rising threats to the river. The Buffalo is located high up in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. Below are a few words from Gabriel about the upcoming trip.
"In 1971 the Buffalo River was the first river to be designated a national river in the U.S., and flows freely for 150 miles. For decades people have fought for the Buffalo to keep it from being dammed, now they are fighting to keep it clean and protect it from factory farming along its tributaries.
It's issues like this that inspired my wife and I to start Fight to SOAR (Save Our American Rivers) and to also bring knowledge, adventure, and some cool imagery to y'all along the way.
I can't wait to share this adventure with y'all and showcase the amazing beauty of the Buffalo National River and Ozarks in Arkansas!"
Stay tuned for photos and the full story of the trip in the May print issue of Boarders Mag. Grab a subscription today at BoardersMag.com/subscribe
Check out Gabriel's last expedition on the Apalachicola River here: Apalachicola River Expedition