The Owners of River City Canoe & Kayak

Doug and Jessa Davis relocated from New York City to Louisville, KY in 2008 after seeing Louisville listed in Outside Magazine (August ’08) as #7 in the “Top Twenty Places to Live Now!” article that year. They both fell in love with the older unique homes around the Highlands and the wonderful food in the local restaurants.

Doug

Doug had a long distinguished career with the U.S. Army and was formerly with the NYPD in the South Bronx. His love of the outdoors and a desire to work with young people in a more positive way lead to a career in outdoor recreation. Doug is presently certified as a Leave No Trace Master Educator, Wilderness First Responder with the Wilderness Medical Institute, and an instructor with the American Canoe Association. In addition to working at the store, he volunteers his time with the Louisville Red Cross chapter teaching CPR and Wilderness First Aid courses, and enjoys hanging out with his fellow club members in the Viking Canoe Club.

Jessa

Jessa is a graduate of the Indiana Kelley School of Business, and spent years travelling the U.S. providing her business expertise to clients as a consultant on business practices and the IT field. Jessa allowed her love of Doug to translate into a love of the outdoors and paddling as well, shortly after they met, and is now an expert backcountry popcorn maker and chef. Jessa is presently certified as a Leave No Trace Master Educator, and instructor with the American Canoe Association.

Denali

Denali is the store mascot. She is the smartest and cutest dog in the world and is spoiled rotten by her dotting father Doug. You will most likely get licked by her should you ever come in the store!