Meet with Adriene Levknecht

Professional Kayaker | Wilderness Firefighter Paramedic | FLATED Ambassador

Proud member of the FLATED family. Adriene represents everything, we love about adventure: dedication, resilience, exploration, and giving back.

About Adriene

Adriene is a professional kayaker and wilderness firefighter paramedic who lives life constantly moving between adventure, work, and the outdoors. Based out of White Salmon, Washington, Adriene spends much of her time chasing rivers, responding to wildfires, and helping create opportunities for others to experience the outdoors.

Where Is Adriene?

Currently working on a wildfire in Gold Beach, Oregon, while calling White Salmon, Washington home.

The Ride

Adriene travels in a 2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD full cab long bed; her adventure-ready setup for exploring, working, and chasing the next river.

A Life Built Around Adventure

Adriene doesn't spend much time sitting still. Between kayaking, wildfire assignments, and supporting outdoor communities, her days are filled with movement. Recently, she worked with Paddle Tribal Waters, helping get Indigenous kids into kayaking, before driving over 1,300 miles across multiple adventures.

Finding Balance

Adriene's advice for balancing a career and athletic lifestyle is simple: never say you're too busy to take care of yourself. Even on the busiest days, she finds time to move, train, and prioritize her health.

"There is no way you don't have 15 minutes to spare to love yourself a little more."

From Firefighter To Kayaker

Working as a wilderness firefighter paramedic taught Adriene how to stay calm under pressure, adapt quickly, and make the most of every situation. Those skills translate directly into kayaking, where confidence, preparation, and composure matter most.

The Start Of The Journey

Adriene started paddling at just five years old in a sea kayak before discovering whitewater kayaking at the Nantahala Outdoor Center. What started as a childhood adventure grew into a lifelong passion.

Life With The FLATED Topper

Adriene spends as many nights as possible sleeping in her topper usually 30 to 40 nights a year. She loves that it is lightweight, easy to remove, and folds away when not in use.

"It's the best thing since sliced bread."

What's Next?

After finishing her wildfire assignment, Adriene plans to head toward California for Sierra paddling before continuing to British Columbia for mountain biking and kayaking adventures.