Hello everyone, I'm Stephen and I look forward to sharing some time on the water with you!  I grew up in Georgia, and my father instilled a passion for the outdoors through various activities.  Key among those were kayaking on various Georgia rivers and hiking in the north Georgia and Smoky mountains.  This continued throughout my life where I have taken on hobbies such as fishing, backpacking, and trail running.  I finally found my passion after an injury in 2018:  Whitewater kayaking.  It brings together all of my favorite things in nature including exploration, variation, and adventure.  But through all of that the most important thing that our water has provided me is friendships that will last the rest of my lifetime.  The paddlesports communities have some of the most amazing people you will find on this planet.  That is why one of our three key focuses for Paddle Pals Academy is to build and plug people into our great communities so others can experience the bonds we share.

I have a background and degree in Safety and very much take those skills and apply to paddling.  Working with me you will learn that fun on the water starts with good safe practices to minimize risk involved.  

Certifications:

ACA L4 Kayaking Instructor

CPR/First Aid/AED

Swiftwater Rescue

Hi, I'm Chadley McCutcheon, and I'm passionate about paddlesports education.  I’ve always had a deep love and passion for the outdoors. In August 2019, I discovered whitewater kayaking and found not just a thrilling sport but also lifelong friendships, including with my good friend Stephen Carter. Together, we were inspired to create Paddle Pals—a place where we could share our passion for kayaking and help others build their skills and confidence on the water.

As an avid kayaker, I’ve paddled rivers across the United States, gaining valuable experience and an even deeper appreciation for the river. Alongside teaching, I am also deeply committed to river conservation and stewardship. Protecting the natural beauty and health of our waterways is vital to ensuring future generations can enjoy the same incredible experiences. Through Paddle Pals, I aim to foster not only skilled paddlers but also responsible river advocates.

Certifications:

ACA L4 Kayaking Instructor

Wilderness First Aid

CPR/First Aid/AED

Swiftwater Rescue

Hello, I’m Courtney Smith aka the ambassadress of Stoke! I have a fur baby named Coachella who loves cuddles and belly rubs. Spring of 2021 I found a love for kayaking and camping with friends. Since then I’ve hiked beautiful trails, paddled breathtaking relaxing rivers and found whitewater kayaking, loving play holes and big boofs!

These are things I do to disconnect from the everyday hustle and bustle of life, clearing my mental fog so I can be the best me I can be. My passion is helping others with their connection to the outdoors while helping improve their mental health in a safe and loving environment!

Certifications:

ACA L4 Kayaking Instructor

Wilderness First Aid

CPR/First Aid/AED

Swiftwater Rescue

Hi, I’m Erin! I’m thrilled to be part of the Paddle Pals Outdoor Adventures team as your Paddle Board and SUP Yoga instructor. I’ve lived on the shores of Lake Lanier for over 30 years and have always felt most at home in the great outdoors. I’m a proud mom and brand-new grandma to a set of adventurous twin babies!

My love for water sports runs deep, and when the world hit pause in 2020, I turned to nature more than ever. By 2021, I had discovered whitewater kayaking and yoga—two passions that completely transformed my life. Yoga grounds me when life feels chaotic, and paddling fuels my adventurous side. The combination is pure magic.

When I’m not on the water, you’ll often find me hiking through North Georgia’s scenic trails, soaking up fresh air and wide-open skies. I believe that spending time in nature is one of the best ways to reconnect—with yourself and with the world around you.

SUP Yoga blends everything I love: movement, mindfulness, laughter, and a bit of challenge, all set against the peaceful backdrop of the water. I can’t wait to share this unique experience with you and help you find your balance—both on the board and beyond!

Certifications:

CPR/First Aid/AED

Swiftwater Rescue

World Paddle Association Class 1 SUP Instructor

SUP Yoga Teacher

Y12SR: Yoga 12-Step Recovery