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Paddling Thousands of Miles to End the Stigma Around Mental Health
From the serene rivers of Ohio to the mighty Mississippi, Joseph Solomon transforms personal tragedy into purpose with every paddle stroke. As founder of Kayaking4ACause, this former nurse turned endurance kayaker has navigated over 6,000 miles of America's waterways while building a movement to destigmatize mental illness and inspire healing through adventure.
All donations go directly to Joseph to purchase staples during his journey. More information below
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Kayaker 🛶 | Mental health advocate 💚 | Let's spread kindness!

Your engagement strengthens our mission to break the stigma and spread awareness, one connection at a time. Join our growing community dedicated to mental wellness and adventure.
Finding Purpose Through Pain
Born and raised in Cincinnati's Delhi Township, Joseph's life took a devastating turn in 2012. What should have been routine surgery resulted in a rare, life-threatening reaction to anesthesia, leaving him in a coma for 15 days. The aftermath brought profound neurological and psychological challenges—bipolar disorder, PTSD, and ADHD—ending his nursing career and leaving him searching for meaning.
"I was lost," Joseph recalls. "Everything I'd worked for was gone. I needed to find something that could help me rebuild my life while managing my mental health."
The answer came in an unexpected form: a kayak and the healing rhythm of open water. What began as therapy evolved into mission when Joseph discovered the powerful connection between physical endurance, mental resilience, and community support.
Joseph Solomon before embarking on his Mississippi River expedition
The Great Loop: The Ultimate Challenge
On September 1st, 2025, Joseph embarked on his most ambitious expedition yet—the Great Loop. This legendary 7,000+ mile circumnavigation of Eastern North America will take him through rivers, Great Lakes, coastal waters, and open ocean in a continuous journey that few have ever completed by kayak.
More than a personal challenge, the Great Loop expedition is designed to spark a national conversation about mental health, connecting with communities across the eastern United States and parts of Canada. The journey features live social media updates, community events, and media appearances to amplify the message of mental health awareness and the healing power of outdoor adventure.
7,000+
Miles
Total distance of the Great Loop expedition
2+
Years
Estimated duration of the journey
15+
States
Number of states Joseph will paddle through
Tracing The Great Loop
This map shows the legendary Great Loop—a rare 7,000+ mile circumnavigation of Eastern North America. Joseph is tackling it by kayak, one paddle stroke at a time.
Day One on the Great Loop
Joseph is officially on the water! Yesterday he pushed off on his first miles of the 7,000+ mile Great Loop expedition. Spirits were high as he set out, kayak loaded and determination strong.
The mission goes far beyond adventure—Joseph is using every stroke to raise awareness for mental health, showing how time in nature can inspire healing and connection.
Want the full story behind his journey? WCPO covered his launch and the powerful purpose fueling it: Read the full article here
The Healing Power of Water
"The repetition of paddling feels good – it's good for your body, good for your mind, good for your soul."
For Joseph, kayaking became more than recreation—it became salvation. After his medical crisis, he began paddling daily, logging approximately eight miles every day for four months. The methodical rhythm of each stroke brought clarity, while the changing landscapes offered perspective.
As his mental health improved through this natural therapy, Joseph recognized the potential to transform his personal healing journey into a public mission. By combining endurance kayaking with mental health advocacy, he could challenge stigma while creating a platform for others to share their stories.

Kayaking as Therapy: Research shows that rhythmic, repetitive physical activities in natural settings can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD while increasing mindfulness and improving overall mental wellbeing.
Epic Journeys, Greater Purpose
1
2018 - The Little Miami River
Joseph's 100-mile Labor Day weekend paddle tested the waters for future expeditions, demonstrating how endurance kayaking could spark vital community conversations about mental health.
2
2019 - The Ohio River Expedition
Over 60 days, Joseph paddled 981 miles from Pittsburgh, PA, to Cairo, IL, raising over $3,000 for mental health organizations. He engaged with riverside communities along the way, sharing his inspiring journey and message.
3
2021 - Mississippi River Challenge
Embarking from Lake Itasca, MN, Joseph conquered over 1,900 miles of the Mississippi River. Despite battling formidable challenges like beaver dams, downed trees, swarms of mosquitoes, and extreme weather, Hurricane Ida ultimately halted his journey in Vicksburg, MS.
4
2022 - Cincinnati to the Gulf of Mexico
Joseph completed his third major expedition, navigating over 1,600 miles from Cincinnati to the Gulf of Mexico via the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. This pivotal journey amplified his focus on men's mental health and destigmatizing mental illness, bringing his cumulative paddling distance to an incredible 4,000+ miles.
Our Mission: Kayaking4ACause
"Dedicated to raising awareness for mental health by paddling the rivers that run through us."
Break the Stigma
Challenge misconceptions about mental illness through public storytelling and advocacy, especially encouraging men to speak openly about their struggles.
Inspire Through Adventure
Demonstrate that physical challenges can be powerful tools for mental health recovery, building resilience through outdoor experiences.
Build Community Support
Create networks of "river angels" and supporters who understand the importance of community in mental health recovery.
"There are a lot of people that don't have a voice. I'm out here representing them."
Media & Public Recognition
Joseph's inspiring journey has captured the attention of media outlets across the Midwest and beyond. His story has been featured on FOX19, WCPO Cincinnati, WHAS11 Louisville, CityBeat Magazine, and WCHS Eyewitness News, bringing mental health conversations to thousands of viewers and readers.
As his platform grows, Joseph continues to share his experiences through podcast appearances like The Twelve O'Clock Siren and Paddling the Blue, as well as speaking engagements with community organizations focused on mental health and youth development.
Published Author
In 2024, Joseph published his memoir Misfortunes on the Mighty: A Harrowing Voyage Down the Mississippi, chronicling his 2021 expedition and the inner journey that accompanied his physical challenge.

Coming Soon: A documentary featuring footage from Joseph's expeditions is currently in development, further extending the reach of his mental health advocacy.
Get Involved 🤝
Joseph's incredible journey needs your support to keep paddling! Here's how you can make a splash:
Fuel the Adventure! ⛽
Ever wonder what fuels a cross-country kayaking journey? Spam and crackers! Your support provides the essentials Joseph needs to keep paddling, one delicious bite at a time.
Your one-time gifts ensure a steady supply of dehydrated meals (and the occasional treat!). Every paddle stroke is powered by a healthy dose of determination... and a whole lot of expedition fuel!
"One paddle stroke at a time, we can change lives." 🛶