The West Michigan Kayaking Club Family

Brad De Young

Co-Founder of West Michigan Kayaking Club.

Brad De Young is the cofounder of the West Michigan Kayaking Club and brings more than 25 years of paddlesports and outdoor leadership experience to the kayaking community. A lifelong outdoor enthusiast, Brad is passionate about connecting people with Michigan’s waterways through adventure, education, and conservation.

 

Before cofounding the club, Brad served in the Cadet Corps, where he taught youth canoeing, outdoor survival, navigation, and orienteering skills. Over the years, he has continued to expand his paddling knowledge through advanced safety and rescue training, including self-rescue, assisted rescue, and First Response certification.

 

Brad is also an outspoken advocate for river conservation and the restoration of Michigan’s waterways. He strongly supports the removal of outdated and unsafe dams, believing that returning rivers to their natural free-flowing state helps improve fish habitat, water quality, ecosystem health, and recreational opportunities for future generations. His passion for protecting Michigan’s rivers has made him a vocal proponent of conservation efforts throughout the state.

 

Through his leadership with the West Michigan Kayaking Club, Brad is dedicated to creating a welcoming and supportive kayaking community where paddlers of all skill levels can learn, explore, and build lasting friendships. His commitment to outdoor education, water safety, conservation, and responsible recreation continues to help grow one of Michigan’s most active paddling communities.

Tim Postma

Cofounder of West Michigan Kayaking Club.

 

Tim Postma is the co-founder of West Michigan Kayaking Club and a Level 2 American Canoe Association (ACA) certified kayak instructor. With a lifelong passion for paddle sports, Tim has played a key role in growing and shaping the West Michigan kayaking community into an active, welcoming network for paddlers of all experience levels.

Tim brings years of hands-on kayaking experience across rivers, inland lakes, and coastal waters. He has participated in multiple kayaking symposiums and advanced training programs, continually expanding his knowledge of paddling techniques, instruction methods, and water safety practices.

A strong advocate for safety and skill development, Tim is trained in self-rescue, assisted rescue, first aid, and river rescue techniques. His instruction emphasizes practical, real-world skills that help paddlers build confidence, improve performance, and stay safe on the water in a variety of conditions.

Through his leadership, experience, and dedication to paddlesports education, Tim continues to help grow West Michigan Kayaking Club community.

Karen Standley

Bad Ass

 

 

Karen is a lifelong and accomplished athlete who has completed multiple Ironman competitions and cycled across the United States. An active cyclist, she regularly competes in demanding gravel bike races and continues to challenge herself in endurance sports. Karen is also a skilled and accomplished kayaking enthusiast with a deep passion for the outdoors and an active lifestyle.

 

Known for constantly pushing herself to new limits, it’s not uncommon for Karen to compete in a triathlon, win her age division, and then show up later that same day ready to tackle a 25-mile kayak trip. Her determination, toughness, and relentless drive have earned her a fitting nickname among friends and fellow paddlers — “Bad Ass Karen.”

Gary Velazquez
The River King

 

Gary Velazquez is an adventurous outdoorsman and dedicated member of the West Michigan Kayaking Club who has developed a reputation for his positive attitude, team spirit, and passion for exploring Michigan’s waterways. Whether navigating winding rivers, paddling scenic lakes, or joining group expeditions across the state, Gary brings energy and enthusiasm to every adventure.

 

Known among fellow paddlers for his reliability and love of the outdoors, Gary enjoys the camaraderie and sense of community that kayaking creates. He is always eager to welcome new members, encourage beginner paddlers, and help others experience the beauty of Michigan’s rivers and lakes.

 

Gary’s passion for outdoor recreation extends beyond kayaking, reflecting a lifestyle centered around adventure, exploration, and appreciation for nature. As an active member of the club, he continues to participate in paddling trips, conservation efforts, and community events that promote safe kayaking and environmental stewardship throughout Michigan.


Ray Brechting

Kayaker At Large

Ray is a skilled sea kayaker and whitewater enthusiast whose passion for paddling and dedication to improving his craft have made him a valued member of the West Michigan Kayaking Club. Constantly striving to expand his abilities on the water-whether in a sea kayak or a whitewater kayak-Ray continues to build experience and confidence across a wide range of paddling environments.

Known for his enthusiasm, positive attitude, and commitment to the paddling community, Ray brings both experience and energy to every trip and club event. Whether navigating challenging whitewater, refining sea kayaking techniques, or encouraging fellow paddlers, he contributes to the strong sense of teamwork, adventure, and camaraderie that defines the club.

Ray's passion for kayaking, continuous pursuit of growth, and willingness to support others make him an important part of the West Michigan kayaking community and a key reason the club continues to grow into an even stronger and more connected organization.

 

Jeramie James

Kayaker At Large

J Jeramie James is an endurance-minded paddler from Brighton whose passion for long-distance adventure kayaking has quickly made him a standout member of the West Michigan Kayaking Club. Drawn to challenging 20-plus-mile paddles and multi-day kayak camping expeditions, Jeramie thrives on pushing limits, exploring Michigan’s waterways, and embracing the adventure that comes with life on the water.

 

After transitioning from ultra running and cycling to paddling in late 2024 due to injury, Jeramie fully immersed himself in the kayaking world — even selling his high-end carbon road bike to build a versatile flotilla that includes a leisure 10.5-footer, an Eddyline Kayaks Skylark, and a Jackson Kayak Journey. What followed was an unforgettable 2025 season that saw him paddle an incredible 890 miles across Michigan rivers, lakes, and Great Lakes shorelines.

 

Among his many adventures, Jeramie kayak-camped the entire length of the Huron River, explored the Chippewa River and Sturgeon River by kayak, and even claimed a Strava “KOM” speed record on the upper Sturgeon. He completed open-water expeditions across Grand Traverse Bay to Power Island, also known as Marion Island, where he experienced crystal-clear blue water, bald eagle sightings, and unforgettable sunsets on Lake Michigan.

 

Jeramie is equally known for his love of full moon paddles, winter river runs during snowstorms, and ambitious day trips, including a 22-mile paddle down the Detroit River from Belle Isle to Grosse Ile. His adventures have also taken him to iconic Michigan destinations like Turnip Rock, the Port Austin Reef Light, and countless hidden waterways throughout the state.

 

Whether paddling through blizzard conditions, hauling camping supplies for friends and family, or exploring isolated islands on the Great Lakes, Jeramie embodies the adventurous spirit, endurance mindset, and passion for exploration that define Michigan’s paddling community. Beyond his accomplishments on the water, he is also a valued leader and friend within the club. His vast knowledge, experience, and willingness to help and encourage others make him an important part of the West Michigan Kayaking Club and a respected figure in Michigan’s paddling community.