Tom Diegel grew up in the Portland, OR area and starting kayaking when his brother Paul took him out on some local rivers. He caught the water bug and continued to advance in his skills while moving about the country to Boston, Ventura, and Salt Lake City (his current home). He has done expedition-type paddling trips four times in Mexico (Rios Mezquital, Urique, Cuanana-Verde, and Huévachi-Chínipas), and has also paddled in Chile, Argentina, India, Canada, and Norway. He is adamant about protecting the wilderness that we love, including rivers, and zealously supports organizations with these goals.

After finishing a business degree from Oregon State University, Tom worked for Nike, Saucony, and then Patagonia, all related to shoes (at Patagonia he produced the CFS and Playboot - seminal paddling shoes). He currently runs a design/shoe testing business (Modaliti) and does backcounty skiing and paddling as much as possible.

Send an e-mail to Tom here (tomd@modaliti.com)