Rebecca Giddens – This girl has kicked some serious ass! With the 2004 Olympic Silver Medal, four Gold World Cup medals, and five national championships under her belt, Rebecca is one of the most accomplished paddlers in the world. To add to her paddling achievements, she will be the first woman to descend the headwaters of the Kern River.

Eric Giddens – Husband, muse, and best friend to Rebecca, Eric is the organizational force behind the headwaters expedition, and not such a slouch with a kayak either. Eric was on the 1996 U.S. Olympic Kayak Team and won Gold at the Ocoee World Cup in 2000. In his spare time, Eric likes to dabble in science and has finished his PhD in Oceanography at Scripps Institute.

The Giddens' next adventure takes a different line: The Kern River Brewing Company

Sam Drevo – As an expedition kayaker and first-descent junkie, Sam acted as scout or “probe” for the rest of the kayak team. Being the 2001 NBC Gorge Games Extreme Kayak Race Champion, Sam has the skill and cajones to drop into the unknown and find the best line down the river. Find out more about what keeps Sam going at enrgkayaking.com.

Eric “Wick” Southwick -Two-time World Freestyle Champion, first descent aficionado, and expedition kayak guide, Wick worked with Sam to guide the team through log-choked class V drops, 12,000 foot mountain passes, bear-infested woods, and inhospitable burger stands. Without Wick, we’d likely still be stranded up there (or waiting for our fries). More evidence of Eric's ingenuity can be found at shamanproducts.com.

Corby Leith – Corby has been paddling with Rebecca, Eric, Wick and Sam since the dawn of time (or since the early ‘90’s). Years of slalom training has shaped Corby into a solid class V paddler and racer. A fine artist by education and trade, Corby is very much a free spirit, following his heart as well as his own lines down the river. If the kayak team learned anything, it was that you cannot box this guy in, no matter how much you try. Catch a glimpse into Corby's World.

Dr. Lindsey Bennett – Sister to Rebecca, team physician, and de facto pack mule, Lindsey kept all of us healthy and happy. Ironically, Lindsey sustained most of the injuries on the trip (a crushed toe and sprained knee), which likely resulted from carrying over 70 lbs of gear forced on her by the heartless documentary film maker. Expert kayaker in her own right, Lindsey accompanied the kayak team down the celebrated Forks of the Kern.

Ann Beman – Writer and journalist, AKA “the paddle-happy scribe,” Ann was tasked with the daunting job of “taking it all in” and bringing to life the expedition on paper. Ann clocks out from desk-jockeying for distance running, rock climbing, surfing, skiing, mountain biking, anything dog-related, cooking and eating, travel, and college basketball -- especially when her alma mater, Duke University, is on the court. Find out what Ann's favorite food is at annbeman.com.

Andrew Stone – First time Mohawk wearer, geologist, and documentary film maker. After plying the kayak team with copious amounts of Patron tequila, Andrew was able to convince them he was the man for the job, the job of course being the creation of a high-definition documentary chronicling the adventure of five incredible paddlers.

Introducing the F**king Tripod – At 13-plus pounds and oddly shaped, the tripod was an instant hit with all of the trekkers, as each member of the expedition took their turn hauling the charming device. When asked if it would take the journey again, the tripod said, "Hell yeah - what a ride!"