Big Muddy Speaker Series presents:
"River Angels" - presentation and book signing
In 2013, Rod Wellington visited Cooper's Landing as the first North American to paddle "Source to Sea" from Brower Spring near the Montana Continental Divide to the Gulf of Mexico. Inspired by that trip and others, he has self-published a book called "River Angels". It's a behind-the-scenes look at the simultaneous organization of three separate self-propelled expeditions and the dynamic individuals who took part in those expeditions.
The book also introduces the world to a burgeoning network of altruistic "river angels"-riverside citizens who not only assist long-distance paddlers, but also help preserve and promote the rivers they love.
As owner of his own publishing company (Crow Books), Rod will also discuss the pros and cons of self-publishing. A Q&A will follow.
Rod will also be doing presentations in Kansas City and Parkville !!!
Meet Your Presenter
Rod Wellington
, Author, Adventurer, and Smiler
Rod Wellington spent eight unfulfilling years frowning his way through a landscaping job he despised. In 2011, he parked his lawnmower for the last time and enthusiastically began pursuing his true passion: adventure. Now he smiles every day.
On April 2, 2013, Rod became the first Canadian (and first North American) to kayak the Missouri-Mississippi river system from source to sea, a distance of 3800 miles/6100km. The solo journey took 256 days to complete. Rod’s triumphant arrival at the Gulf of Mexico marked the completion of Stage One of his Magnificent Seven Expedition, a personal quest to descend the longest river system on each continent from source to sea using only human-powered transportation (on foot, kayak and raft). He estimates it will take 15 years to complete the project. Rod plans to write a book about each of the seven journeys.
Rod Wellington on the Jefferson River in 2013.
Related Presentations
Resources & Links
More info on Rod Wellington!
- Rod's Website, with links to purchase books, his blog, speaking engagements, media and a ton more!
- Crow Books - Rod's publishing house, where you can purchase "River Angels" and his previous book "Part Time Superheroes - Full Time Friends".
- Video of Rod's TedX Talk about his river journeys - "Say Yes More".
- Check out the blog archive from his Missouri/Mississippi River Expedition.
- Interview with Rod on Explorersweb.
Upcoming Presentations
Leave No Trace Training on the Barge
October 14, 2026St. Louis, MO
Join us for a special Big Muddy Speaker Series on the Living Lands & Waters Barge where Perry Whitaker will lead us in a Leave No Trace Training.
See Event
Missouri River Relief: 25 Years on the Big Muddy
November 10, 2026Columbia, MO
Join us for a journey through time celebrating 25 years of Missouri River Relief's work on the Big Muddy.
See Event
Plastic Pollution, Gulf Hypoxia, and Water Quality
November 11, 2026St Charles, MO
Jennifer Wendt from MidAmerica Clean Future guides us through understanding regional water quality challenges.
See Event