James Shimizu
Whitewater Kayaker
Intro
Meet one of the unique humans we know: river guide, whitewater kayaker, and all-around adventurer, James Shimizu. James was born in Hong Kong and spent most of his childhood in some of the biggest cities across Asia. After moving to the United States, he set out on a long-distance bike tour that would end up changing everything. A detour to Glacier National Park turned into a hitchhiking trip, a rafting job, and eventually a full-blown obsession with whitewater kayaking. James is the kind of person who embraces life with arms wide open—always saying yes to the next adventure. He’s paddled wild rivers around the globe, traveled extensively, and when he’s not on the water, he’s either making music or DJing for crowds out of the back of his van. He lives fully, freely, and without hesitation—that’s what inspires us the most. We’re absolutely stoked to welcome James into the Turtlebox family.
Q&A
What is your profession? Did you always know this is what you would end up doing or was it something you “stumbled into”?
I’ve been a raft guide, food delivery driver, dishwasher, busboy, kayaking instructor, janitor, and a groundskeeper/handyman. I found the river world when I was hitchhiking in Montana in the winter of 2013–2014. Brandon Sweet picked me up on the side of the road and then got me a rafting job the next summer by Glacier National Park. Now I’m ten years down the rabbit hole, and the bottom is nowhere in sight.
Favorite movie?
The Conjuring.
Favorite book?
The Cat In The Hat.
Most inspiring quote, piece of art, saying, or advice that has impacted the way you live today?
“Death smiles at us all. All we can do is smile back”. - Marcus Aurelius
When you’re not working, what are you doing for fun?
Kayaking, running, DJing, hiking, flying my drone, hitting the gym, driving and sleeping in my minivan down by the river!
Coolest place you’ve ever traveled?
Milford Sound on The South Island of New Zealand.
Bucket list destination you haven’t been yet?
Chile and Argentina!!!!
You’re stranded on a deserted island - who is coming with you and why?
Bear Grylls, I think he will bring the best skillset to the situation.
You get to have drinks with anyone (dead or alive) - who are you calling?
Camo & Krooked.
What advice would you give an 18-year-old that wants to do what you do?
First and foremost, do it for yourself—do it because you love doing it! If you want something bad enough, you can get it. You just have to be ruthless and power through the suffering and challenges. Never, ever give up. The strongest drive will come from the truest passion, not from what the world or others think.
Any guilty pleasures?
Dairy Products.
Favorite wild meat/fish to eat? And in what kind of meal do you prepare it/eat it?
Salmon: pan fried Japanese style with rice and veggies.
What’s your favorite element of Turtlebox?
I’ve been very impressed with their durability in rugged conditions and also love the simplicity of it. A box with a handle that plays music loud and clear!!! Out of all the companies that I work with that provide me gear, Turtlebox’s speakers get the most consistent daily and constant use! I am stoked and grateful to be representing a product that truly believe in and love!
How do you use your Turtlebox?
I use my Turtlebox just about everyday as music is a big part of my life. While at home, working outside, kayaking down the river or mixing music out of the back of my minivan on the side of the road!
Name the most famous contact in your phone?
Oliver English.
