E48: Mesa's Water Adventure Scene ft.Teri Carlin

Teri and her husband, Cory, founded Riverbound Sports back in 2013 out of pure passion for the water. Coming from California, where paddle shops lined every corner, they saw a massive gap in the Arizona market and decided to fill it. What started as a passion project quickly became one of the most unique outdoor adventure companies in the Valley. And with six lakes within an hour of Mesa, the timing could not have been more perfect.


Riverbound Sports is so much more than a tour company. With a retail space stocked with kayaks and paddleboards, plus rentals, deliveries, group events and lessons, Riverbound has truly built a one-stop shop for anyone looking to get out on the water. Whether you are a seasoned paddler chasing performance gear or a complete beginner who has never held a paddle, Teri and her team meet you exactly where you are.


Now, here is what makes a Riverbound tour truly special. When you are on a paddleboard or in a kayak, you slow down. You see everything. Bighorn sheep on the canyon walls, bald eagles soaring overhead, wild horses stopping you right in your tracks on the Salt River and even the occasional otter sighting that has the whole group holding their breath. Teri and her guides create space for those moments, letting guests sit, observe, and truly soak in the kind of Arizona beauty you might miss at a faster pace.


Speaking of the Salt River, if you have not paddled it, you are seriously missing out. The water stays cool even on the hottest days, the wildlife is unmatched, and every single trip down the river is a completely different experience. Pair that with the stunning cliffs and cactus-lined shores of Saguaro Lake, and you have two of the most breathtaking water destinations in the entire country sitting right in Mesa's backyard.