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FIFA World Cup 2026 posterFormer extreme kayaker trades rapids for reels
The Rural Roundup • May 29th, 2026 1:23 pm
Ben Brown | Photo: Supplied
Ben Brown made a career out of launching himself off some of the world’s most dangerous waterfalls, navigating crocodile-filled rivers, and pushing the limits of whitewater kayaking - but after 18 years of fearlessness, he's stepped away and reappeared in a different field.
The Kiwi is the face behind Built to Fish - a growing media brand that encapsulates the art of fishing, where he has reeled in a sizable audience of over 80,000 on Facebook, almost 40,000 followers on Instagram, plus 30,000 YouTube subscribers.
Brown became New Zealand’s first Red Bull-sponsored athlete while travelling the globe chasing rapids, and was able to capture it all through his trained eye and a camera lens, before action sports content became mainstream.
He was also the youngest person at the time to kayak the Huka Falls and has paddled some of the most incredible and dangerous white water in the world - including the White Nile river in Uganda with the highest concentration of hippos, crocodiles and militia.
Brown told The Rural Roundup he’s always had a love for fishing and the opportunity to blend his talent for cinematography and love for the water came as a welcome surprise.
Ben Brown in his element | Photo: Supplied
“I was at a time in my life where the body was starting to hurt, I was getting a bit older, the fire was kind of going out to risk my life and spend so much time away from home," Brown explained.
“I was sort of looking for an exit strategy and that one kind of fell in my lap a little bit."
While making fishing videos for enjoyment, Brown said he was noticed by people in the community.
“At that time there was a real gap in the market for someone bringing broadcast quality content to the online space.
Ben Brown is 'Built to Fish' | Photo: Supplied
“It became pretty obvious pretty quickly that while I was going to have to earn my stripes a little bit in the fishing industry, there was definitely a good opportunity there that was worth pursuing.
“Red Bull was really supportive. They sort of gave me a bit of a landing runway where they still keep me sponsored, but weren't expecting as much of me and it gave me the chance to really sink my teeth into the Built to Fish stuff and see if I could make it a viable career choice.”
Listen to the full interview below:
