2011 has been another stellar year for the illest, realist and most fearless Rush Sturges. In addition to staying at the forefront of freestyle and expedition paddling Rush has produced yet another groundbreaking kayak feature film in ‘Frontier’.

Fresh from the savage lands of Uganda, Rush hit the ground running in 2011 with a podium finish in the inaugural Whitewater Grand Prix. A standout performer in both the freestyle and racing events, Rush finished third behind fellow Rider of the Year nominees Benny Marr and Dane Jackson.

Rush’s big drop resume from the past year includes descents of 2nd Tomata, Graceland Slide, Tenaya Slide and perhaps the most impressive of all – the elusive ‘Triple Crown’ on the Royal gorge of the American.

Every year Rush continues to push his own, and the sports, limits in river running, down river freestyle and freestyle. It is a testament to his dedication and drive that he never loses focus of his filmmaking, which is giving kayaking a fresh and positive representation and helping to push the sport in a direction we all want to see it go.