Program: David Ellingson, “Paddle Pilgrim: A Mekong River Adventure through Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam,” September 21, 2023

Join the University Sunrise Rotary Club for a program featuring David Ellingson discussing his kayaking adventure paddling the Mekong River.

The program will be presented on Zoom on Thursday morning with the Zoom line opening at 7 a.m.  The formal meeting including the program runs from 7:30-8:30 a.m.  No registration is required and the program is free.

The meeting will be available via Zoom. Click here to join the meeting Thursday morning.  The Zoom line will open shortly after 7 a.m.


Dave Ellingson will be addressing the University Sunrise Rotary Club about his adventure paddling his kayak through Southeast Asia. 

The Mekong Paddle Adventure in March was an epic voyage.  Dave, Gerk, Deby, and Tom experienced the culture, history, people, spirituality, and delicious food of SE Asia along the Mekong River.

Adventurer, author, and speaker David Ellingson is most well-known for his Paddle Pilgrim books. He is a:

  • Kayaker who paddled the Mississippi River (2350 miles) and the Erie Canal/Hudson River to the Statue of Liberty (500 miles) and the Sogne and Hardanger Fjords in Norway.
  • Lutheran pastor who has served on college campuses, congregations and in regional leadership.
  • Master Gardener and creator of the Rooftop Garden on the college parking garage.
  • Former distance runner (Boston Marathon and Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run) and Hawaii Iron-Man Triathlete.
  • Husband and father of five grown children residing in Edmonds, Washington.