Hello, we’re the Hargrove Family of six, ages five to 40. Our family loves adventuring outside and creating unplugged moments together that turn into lasting memories. We’re living our dreams and making those unforgettable moments by traveling in our RV, kayaking as a family on the Jackson Kayak Regional Team and enjoying all the local fun that Columbus, Georgia provides.
We made a family decision to step away from the normal timetable that comes with public school and traditional sports and decided to create a flexible schedule. This instantly increased our core family time and has allowed us to travel the U.S. in our RV. From January through July, we’ve traveled throughout the East and just returned from a long trip out West. I am currently in Sort, Spain with Mason (16) as he is competing in the World Championships for freestyle kayaking.
We didn’t always have this lifestyle or way of thinking. We worked 8:30-5:30pm, balanced travel soccer, dance, tennis for myself and cycling for my husband, Matt. The only day we came together as a family unit was after church on Sundays. There is nothing wrong with these choices, although we were going to bed at night exhausted, feeling like there was more to life than what we were living.
In 2013, Matt decided to try the sport of Whitewater Kayaking and two years later, Mason also jumped into the sport. Watching them both on the river, I made the decision to push past my insecurities, get off the sideline and follow their lead. Our two daughters were not far behind. Let’s just say, that time on the river together was love at first sight and was the start of Hargrove Adventures. Our crew has discovered kayaking is more than a sport; it is an opportunity for confidence-building, stress relief and family bonding. It has opened the doors for our family to live out our dreams and meet beautiful people along the way.
Taking the road less traveled often results with the most satisfaction. Our family thrives on inspiring others to take the leap, live your dream and make every moment count, while gaining joy from God’s creation. As a licensed Foster Family and currently having four kids, we understand the struggle it can be to get everyone fed, dressed, sun-blocked and packed to leave for a couple hours on the river, or homeschooling four different grade levels. However, we’ve decided these things cannot limit our experiences together, especially after seeing the world from a river gorge and then a mountain top. Our encouragement to you: do not let fear be a guide, stop the ‘what ifs’ and the ‘maybe in a couple years.’ You are never too old, too young or too inexperienced. Be confident in who you are, take a chance, close your eyes and fly, feel the fresh air and the excitement of adrenaline through your blood stream. Go to bed at night fulfilled and refreshed, reflecting on the moments you took advantage of that blends the chaos of everyday life with fresh air, camaraderie and exercise.
We’d love to get you started by joining us on a Hargrove Adventure. Take the leap and bring your family to kayak with ours for our new hosted trips starting in mid-July. Follow us on Instagram @hargroveadventures for additional details. We’re excited at the possibilities and to you saying “yes” to a journey less taken.
Additional Links:
Columbus, GA Outdoor Adventures
