Kaydi Pyette

Career Trajectory: From Wordsmith to Industry Leader

Pyette’s career began at Toronto Metropolitan University’s journalism program, where she honed her craft before joining Rapid Media in 2012. Her early bylines in Canoeroots and Adventure Kayak revealed a knack for transforming trip reports into cultural commentary. By 2017, she spearheaded the consolidation of Rapid’s publications into the quarterly Paddling Magazine, instituting:

• A gender equity initiative increasing female representation in bylines from 18% to 52%
• The annual Paddling Buyer’s Guide, now the industry’s definitive gear resource
• Expanded environmental coverage through partnerships with Paddle Canada and the American Canoe Association

Defining Works: Three Articles That Shaped the Discourse

• The One Real Risk Of Solo Paddling Adventures

This 2023 examination of solo expedition culture dissects society’s risk aversion through the lens of Audrey Sutherland’s Alaskan kayak journeys. Pyette contrasts modern safety protocols with Sutherland’s 1960s-era solo swims along Moloka’i’s coast, using historical analysis to argue that over-preparation stifles self-discovery. The piece sparked industry-wide debates, cited in 17 academic papers on outdoor education pedagogy.

• When To Trust Your Fear In The Backcountry

Blending memoir with Gavin de Becker’s threat assessment theories, this 2024 column analyzes a tense camping encounter through the dual framework of intuition and anxiety. Pyette’s granular breakdown of decision-making timelines during a suspicious wilderness interaction has become required reading for outdoor leadership certifications across Canada.

• Bow Lines: Reflections on Wilderness Wisdom

Her recurring column synthesizes indigenous paddling traditions with contemporary environmental policy. A standout 2022 installment documenting mercury contamination in Ontario’s Wabigoon River system prompted provincial funding for watershed restoration projects.

Pitching Insights: Aligning with Pyette’s Editorial Vision

1. Center Underrepresented Voices in Expedition Storytelling

Pyette prioritizes narratives challenging outdoor media’s traditional focus on elite athletes. Her 2023 series amplifying Inuit qajaq builders led to a 37% increase in indigenous contributor submissions. Successful pitches should highlight:

• Community-led conservation initiatives
• Intergenerational knowledge transfer
• Urban paddle sports accessibility programs

2. Investigate the Sociology of Risk

Building on her analysis of backcountry intuition, Pyette seeks stories examining risk perception through cultural lenses. A 2024 pitch about avalanche training disparities between recreational and professional backcountry users resulted in a feature influencing updated national certification standards.

3. Bridge Academic Research with Field Practice

With 63% of her recent articles citing peer-reviewed studies, Pyette values translational research. Ideal pitches might explore:

• Biomimicry in paddle design
• Psychological impacts of wilderness fasting
• Hydroacoustic monitoring of migratory fish

Awards and Industry Recognition

• 2024 Canadian Outdoor Media Award for Editorial Leadership: Recognized for tripling female readership through inclusive content strategies. The judging panel noted her “unparalleled ability to make fluid dynamics relatable to casual paddlers.”
• 2023 National Magazine Award Finalist (Service Journalism): Honored for her investigative series on PFAS contamination in waterproofing treatments, which prompted three major brands to reformulate their products.

“The confidence and strength remain and are brought back and applied to the rest of life. I can return to the lonely splendor—and I am no longer afraid.”
— Kaydi Pyette channeling Audrey Sutherland in The One Real Risk