Mel Flores, Program Director and Radio Personality – Age 28

Known as just “Mel” to most Reno-ites, Mel Flores earns her keep as a radio personality and program director at KRZQ-FM, the area’s alternative rock station, where she has been since 2000.

With a bachelor’s degree in psychology, Mel is using those skills to steady her nerves, as she’s never experienced whitewater kayaking before. Born and raised in Reno, Mel does partake in many of the activities other northern Nevada residents enjoy – hiking, swimming and snowboarding.

A fan of the Reno River Festival, Mel has attended the last two years’ events as a spectator and is excited to participate this time around.

“I’m super excited to try something I’ve never done before and nervous I’ll suck at it, but I’ll give it my best,” she joked. “I’m waiting until I have a few lessons under my belt before I get too nervous. I’m up for it though, ready to try something new and take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

One word that best describes Mel: Honest

Zach Selby, Financial Analyst – Age 29

Formerly the Director of Finance for Mountain Sports International in Salt Lake City, Utah, Zach Selby moved to Reno less than six months ago to pursue a career with the Reno Gazette-Journal. Originally from Little Rock , Ark., Zach has no previous kayaking experience, however; he can be found anywhere from the mountainside to the roadside, while skiing, mountain biking, road biking, hiking, camping and playing kick ball.

As a new member of the Truckee Meadows community, Zach has never attended the Reno River Festival before but he looks forward to making new friends and learning from the pros.

“I've never been to the River Festival but I’m looking forward to it! We have a great team of really cool people and I'm excited about getting to know them better,” he said. “I'm excited to compete, as long as I don't come in dead last….But no matter how the competition turns out, I'm just glad for the learning experience!”

One word that best describes Zach: Mellow

Robby Liebherr, Student – Age 22

An avid outdoorsman and student at the University of Nevada, Reno, Robby Liebherr was born and raised in Nevada’s capital, Carson City. With plans to enter graduate school in pursuit of a degree in biomedical engineering this fall, Robby has been paddling, in some form or another, for more than a year, getting his feet wet during the beginner’s clinic at the 2006 Reno River Festival.

In his spare time, Robby enjoys skiing, snowshoeing, backpacking, triathlons and biking, fueling his competitive, outgoing nature.

“I'm extremely excited to have the opportunity to be a part of Team Reno,” he said. “The chance to work with some of the best kayakers in the world is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I'm really looking forward to the entire experience.”

One word that best describes Robby: Outgoing

Manny Souza, Fireman – Age 39

Born in Fallon, Nev. and raised in Ely near Nevada’s eastern border, Manny Souza is an eight-year veteran of the Sparks Fire Department.

An avid fan of and past participant in the Reno River Festival, Manny looks forward to competing and doing his best during what he considers a great learning experience and unique opportunity to learn from some of the best boaters in the world. He expressed great enthusiasm about being chosen to participate in Team Reno this spring.

“When I heard I was chosen to be on Team Reno this year, I was very fired up.  So you are giving me an opportunity to learn from some of the very best kayakers in the world and improve my boating skills?  Heck yeah, I'll join up!”

Before earning his Fire Science degree from Northern Nevada Fire and Rescue Academy, Souza was enlisted in the U.S. Navy and also attended the University of Nevada, Reno. He has lived in the Reno-Sparks area since 1990, traveling world-wide when the opportunity presents itself.

One word that best describes Manny: Adventurous

2008 Pro Trainer: Ruth Gordon

Age - 30
Years Kayaking - 12
Home town - Burnstown, Ontario

2007
Freestyle Kayaking World Champion
Freestyle Kayaking National Champion
2nd – North American Cup
2nd – Teva Mountain Games
First – Blackwater Challenge

2006
Freestyle Kayaking National Champion
Teva Mountain Games Big Air Champion
Big Cahonnes Big Trick Champion
2nd - North American Cup
3rd - World Cup Series

I was born and raised near the Ottawa River, ON (even though I grew up 30 minutes from the River I didn’t learn to kayak until I was 18). Other interests include: hiking, biking, sea kayaking, swimming, traveling, snowboarding, disk golf and yoga. I love chocolate I like launching back flips into water. Big waves make me smile. Sunny days bring out my best. I’ve learned more during my travels than I did during my entire post secondary education!

2008 Pro Trainer: Steven Wright

Age: 30
Years Kayaking: 11
Hometown: Vienna, VA

2007
US National Freestyle Champion
Paddling Life Pro Invitational Champion
2nd - Teva Mountain Games
2nd - FiBark

2006
US National Freestyle Champion
Silver Medalist in the World Cup of Freestyle Kayaking
2nd - Reno River Festival

2004-2007
Keener Program Head Coach, Ottawa

I learned to kayak on the Potomac River in Washington DC and was immediately hooked. Kayaking took-over my life after having enjoyed years of rock climbing, backpacking, spelunking, skateboarding, and snowboarding. I love competing, instructing, playboating, creeking, squirtboating, and just about anything else that can be done in a boat. I also enjoy photography, chocolate, bacon, and long walks on the beach. I'm looking forward to a great two months working with Team Reno before the Reno River Festival!!!