Joe Booth

Joe Booth is a lifelong whitewater enthusiast and outdoorsman. He has worked as a kayaking instructor, river guide, safety boater, and volunteer for numerous paddlesports organizations across the Western states. Through his own journey of finding a balanced life free from addiction, Joe has gained insight into the many challenges people face on and off the water. He is active in the outdoor behavioral health industry, using outdoor experiences as a path to healing.

Joe has spent the past 20 years studying the fields of motivation, adult learning, peak performance, and behavioral psychology. He combined the knowledge from these subjects to personally reconstruct himself from being a self-proclaimed "dirt-bag" living out of his truck, into a top performer with billion-dollar software companies in Silicon Valley. Joe is recognized as a thought leader in the field of corporate development, speaking at conferences, and training high-performance operations and sales teams. Joe is the founder of Class Five Mind, a leading recovery platform that combines technology with science-based techniques for overcoming addiction. He also sits on the Board of Directors for Voyager, a non-profit dedicated to helping people heal through outdoor experiences.

“Hats off to Joe for making this book happen for all of us!"

- Eric Jackson, World Champion Kayaker and Entrepreneur

“From the River is a gift from the heart, wisdom, and buoyant spirit of Joe Booth. Joe becomes our river guide through a unique and seemingly effortless blend of neuroscience, psychology, life experiences, recovery wisdom, and adventure writing. His five principles of the Class Five Mind are guideposts for living. Keep a pencil handy because you will find yourself marking many insights and lessons that will speak to you from the pages.”

- Marya Endriga, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist

“A soul-searching tome on using lessons learned from the river to see beyond the horizon line of addiction and leave it in your wake. A gratifying and uplifting read for anyone navigating the murky waters of dependence and despair.”

- Eugene Buchanan, author, Brothers on the Bashkaus, and former editor-in-chief of Paddler Magazine

From The River is such a thought- provoking, clever and honest book. Joe Booth shares his unique approach to life and sobriety with courage, grace and resilience. If you want to live a life of truth and sobriety, this book is a must read!

- Erica Spiegelman, CADAC-II, author, Rewired: A Bold New Approach to Addiction & Recovery

"Athletes and adventurers from all walks of life will identify with the wisdom in From the River. The Class Five Mind principles go far beyond sobriety - they can transform people into the best version of themselves."

- Doug Pobst, author, The Heart of Recovery

"It's difficult to find authenticity in this world. It's even more difficult to find it when it leads to vulnerability. Joe's story and struggles were real. But so is the healing power manifested in nature and relationships."

- Josh Endres, author, It Was Good: 10 Years in the High Sierra

“Joe’s unique approach to life’s challenges and addiction are inspirational. They provide the foundation for the destruction of shame in your life and enhancing a felt sense of well-being. His core principles, proven effective with humility, are an especially powerful tool in developing a healthy community and a healthy sense of self that roots out addiction.”

-Chip Kern, LCPC

"Whitewater Kayaking is such a special sport in that it brings out the best in people, and it connects everyone to the environment in such an honest and caring way, a two-way street. Joe is sharing the stories from the perspective of the paddler and for the protection of the river. Nailing a line, keeping your life in balance, or writing a book for others to learn from and enjoy takes effort and commitment. Hats off to Joe for making this book happen for all of us!"

- Eric Jackson, World Champion Kayaker and Entrepreneur

Testimonials for Joe Booth

“Joe’s positivity and drive are infectious. He is one of the best leaders I have ever worked with.” - Aaron S.

“Joe has the heart of a lion and it shows in how much he cares about all of us.”

- Dave W.

“He brought an amazing sense of positive energy to the environment and was always willing to share his proven tactics with others.”

- Max B.

“Joe is an expert in modern techniques for adult education and is motivational to work with on a day to day basis.”

- Mitch G.

“Joe has provided tremendous value with his knowledge, professionalism and leadership.”

- James L.

“He is one of the most dynamic and ambitious enablement leaders in the game.”

- Anthony P.