Adam has been an iROCKER Ambassador for over five years. Dorothy has been part of the iROCKER community for just over one—but together, they move like they’ve always belonged on the water.
Now husband and wife, they’ve built a lifestyle around exploration—chasing new waterways, new landscapes, and new experiences with their two dogs always along for the ride.
From Florida’s familiar coastlines to environments that feel almost otherworldly, their adventures are less about the destination and more about how they experience it together.
For their latest journey, Dorothy and Adam set out on a 25+ hour road trip from Florida to one of the most remote and visually striking paddling destinations in the U.S.: Big Bend National Park.
What they found wasn’t just a paddle route—it was a landscape that felt like every desert they’ve ever loved, all in one place.
From a Passing Idea to a 25+ Hour Road Trip
For Dorothy and Adam, the decision to go wasn’t drawn out—it was instinctive.
“We wanted to take our dogs to experience a new landscape. They’ve never experienced the desert, and Big Bend has always been high on the list.”
Once the idea surfaced, it quickly became real. There wasn’t much hesitation—just planning around conditions that mattered.
“It was pretty immediate once we thought about it. We made sure the water flow was good for the Santa Elena paddle and that the weather wasn’t too intense.”
That balance—freedom and preparation—set the tone for the entire trip.
A Landscape That Feels Like a “Grand Finale”
Describing Big Bend to someone who’s never been there isn’t simple. For Dorothy and Adam, it’s not one ecosystem—it’s many layered into a single stretch of wilderness.
“It’s an accumulation of all the classic desert terrains. We’ve explored the desert in the American West quite a bit the last few years and this felt like the grand finale.”
They describe it as a blend of familiar yet distinct landscapes:
- The color palettes and formations of the Mojave—like Valley of Fire and Bryce Canyon
- Towering red rock structures reminiscent of Zion, the Colorado Plateau, and the Great Basin
- Desert plants and cacti similar to Saguaro National Park
- And winding water corridors that feel like Havasupai or the Grand Canyon—only here, carved by the Rio Grande
“It felt like the grand finale, a perfect send off as we finish this chapter of exploring the desert landscape.”
Why Big Bend Became a Bucket-List Paddle
Some destinations are scenic. Others feel immersive. Big Bend, for them, was something deeper.
“Paddling in between towering canyons has always been a huge draw for us. It feels surreal and spiritual to be so small, tucked between such a grand landscape, and floating on water in the middle of a desert.”
It’s the contrast that makes it unforgettable—water moving through silence, stone rising on either side, and a sense of scale that shifts how you experience time.
On the Water: Flowing Rivers & Quiet Canyons
They paddled the Rio Grande at the end of February, when conditions were shifting into early spring flow. The river was shallow in places but moving steadily, creating a mix of effort and ease.
“We paddled against the current, no wind, lots of birdies that sang throughout the canyons as you paddled. You float back with the current as you come back.”
The experience was split in two rhythms—effort on the way in, surrender on the way out. A natural push and pull that shaped the journey itself.
The Moment That Stayed With Them
Some landscapes impress you. Others linger.
For Dorothy, there was one moment that stayed long after they left the canyon walls behind.
“Seeing the circular crater in the side of the canyon was the most spiritual experience I’ve ever felt. I couldn’t look away for hours as we paddled.”
What struck her wasn’t just the formation itself, but what it represented—time, erosion, and intention all layered into one shape carved by nature.
“It felt like an act of nature created by years of water erosion, but also having a perfect roof over it, that made it feel intentional and religious. A place that naturally inspired devotion.”
Paddling Big Bend vs. Florida Waters
Coming from Florida’s coastal environments, Big Bend felt entirely different—not just visually, but physically.
“Much colder water, but honestly incomparable because the environment feels so different.”
Where Florida is soft, humid, and familiar, Big Bend is raw, dry, and expansive. Even the silence feels different.
Gear, Setup & Packing for the Journey
For the trip, they kept their setup efficient but intentional.
They brought two ULTRA™ boards—chosen for their lightweight portability and durability in current conditions.
Along with them:
- Battery-powered pump
- Life vests
- Repair patch kit
- Extra paddle (required for Santa Elena permits)
“Perfect lightweight & compact to pack into the car but durable enough to paddle the current.”
Their basecamp setup was just as considered. A converted van turned into a mobile camper made the journey possible—and comfortable.
“We put in a full-sized mattress, built-in storage for snacks, a cooler, and a cargo carrier for boards and equipment. So we had a lot of room to chill in the back with the doggies.”
Adventuring with Their Dogs
For Dorothy and Adam, this trip wasn’t just about exploring Big Bend—it was about sharing that experience with their dogs.
“We love the desert so much and wanted them to experience it as well. This was the easiest way to bring them without having to fly with them.”
But bringing dogs into a desert environment like Big Bend required a different level of planning compared to their usual Florida routines.
“We made sure to have plenty of water with us and to take lots of breaks because the air is so much dryer—it can be an adjustment, especially for flat-faced dogs.”
Hydration and timing became everything.
“We gave them lots of water even if they weren’t active, and they were always thirsty from being in the dry climate. We walked them only in the shade and during sunrise/sunset hours. The rest of the time, they were chilling in the van with the aircon on.”
Even terrain played a role in what they’d do differently next time.
“We didn’t know the entire area would be gravel—if we go back, we’ll definitely bring booties to protect their feet.”
Planning Around the Pups
Big Bend National Park comes with its own set of restrictions—especially when it comes to dogs. Instead of limiting their experience, Dorothy and Adam adapted.
“Big Bend National Park doesn’t allow dogs on trails, so we planned our hikes super early in the morning, finished by lunch, grabbed the dogs, and went back into the park for scenic drives, lunch, and overlooks.”
They also got creative with nearby options.
“We camped and hiked Big Bend State Park, which is right next to it. We hiked the Closed Canyon Trail with the pups—it was completely shaded the entire way.”
To make it all work, they even booked a separate space just for their dogs.
“We had an Airbnb pretty much just for them, so they had a comfortable place to stay while we did more rigorous hikes and paddles.”
Dogs on Board
When it comes to paddle boarding, their dogs are less “trained” and more… naturally part of it.
“They just really love spending time with us—they’re velcro dogs. We never had to train them.”
On the water, it’s second nature.
“They think of it as another day sitting next to us—but this time they get to float around and sunbathe.”
How the Dogs Shape the Experience
More than anything, their dogs influence how they travel.
Routes, timing, accommodations—even the pace of the day—all shift to include them.
“We’re very lucky—our pups are low maintenance and just go with the flow.”
But that doesn’t mean they’re an afterthought—they’re a core part of the experience.
And in a place as vast and remote as Big Bend, that shared experience becomes even more meaningful.
What They’d Tell Anyone Planning a Trip Like This
Their biggest advice is simple: prepare for the environment, not just the activity.
- Bring more water than you think you need
- Check all permit-required gear ahead of time
- Pack sun protection—even for driving
- Download maps offline (there’s no signal in the park)
- Expect gravel roads and remote conditions
“The sun feels so different out in the desert compared to a humid environment like Florida.”
And when it comes to paddling itself, experience matters.
“We would lean more towards experienced paddlers. The current can be unpredictable, and there are rock and river crossings. No signal. You’re on your own if you need help.” 
What Didn’t Go as Planned
Even well-planned trips have their moments.
“Adam dropped his phone into the Rio Grande on our paddle back.”
A reminder that even in carefully planned adventures, nature always has the final say.
Their biggest takeaway?
“Put your phone on an attachable strap. The water is completely opaque—beautiful, but impossible to find anything in.”
We also recommend the water proof MAGTITE™ Pocket to bring for a trip like this (compatible with ULTRA™ 3.0, iROCKER 8.0, BLACKFIN 7.0 & iLAND Floats)
Why They Keep Chasing Trips Like This
For Dorothy and Adam, travel isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s about how those places shape memory and meaning.
“We believe novelty, exploration, and profound emotions give meaningful anchors to how we store memories and reflect on our life.”
Big Bend became one of those anchors.
“Exploring terrains so different from Florida gives us a sense of novelty, but also a deep appreciation for home. We come back feeling refreshed and grateful for the nuances we usually overlook.”
Why Paddle Boarding Is Central to Their Lifestyle
Paddle boarding isn’t just an activity for them—it’s how they move through the world.
“We love being on the water. Paddle boarding is an easy and convenient way to explore.”
It’s also how they met.
“We met each other through paddle boarding. So it literally connected us to the love of our lives.”
Advice for First-Time Big Bend Explorers
Start simple:
“Map out your route, pick a few trails, and go enjoy.”
Best seasons:
Early spring or early fall
Must-haves:
Trader Joe’s snacks—and plenty of water
And maybe most surprisingly:
“We didn’t listen to any music the entire trip. We just talked, chilled, and napped the whole way.”
The Dynamic Behind the Trip
Like most great trips, it was a shared effort.
“Adam planned more of the driving route, gear, and permits. I planned the trails, Airbnb, food, and photo/video gear.”
A balance of logistics and experience design.
One Word to Sum It Up
“Epic.”
Where They’re Headed Next
Not slowing down anytime soon.
“Monterey, California—this week!”
Being Part of the iROCKER Community
For them, it’s about shared values more than anything else.
“Being part of like-minded people who enjoy the water and outdoors.”
And seeing that community expand through others’ adventures is part of what keeps them inspired.
“We love seeing the iROCKER community explore different terrains with their pups.” 
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