In the realm of adventure sports and documentary filmmaking, there exists a figure who seamlessly intertwines both worlds while staying out of the spotlight. Meet Robert Prechtl, a waterman, athlete and storyteller whose rugged journey is as captivating as the tales he weaves behind the lens. Prechtl, also known as Bob or Robbie, embodies a multifaceted career that defies boundaries. With a background in track and field and an outdoor affinity, Prechtl’s transition to adventure sports and filmmaking was an evolution of a self-taught outdoor junkie.
EXPLORING ADVENTURE’S DEPTH
His athletic interests span a wide range, encompassing kayaking, rafting, skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, climbing, trail running, pickleball, tennis, basketball and baseball. “I want to do it all. My happy place is a beginner’s mindset — being unskilled and ok with that. I normally start by myself — watch, buy gear, try it out. I go from 0 to 100,” shares Prechtl. His humble filmmaking beginnings are a college camera and GoPro. Despite falling short of his ambition to become a professional athlete, he takes comfort in proficiency to emulate the pro domain. Upon moving to Colorado in 2008 the perfect landscape canvas appeared.
Curious about water from a young age, the more he explored, the more he embraced its discomfort. With a network of talented team builders and accomplished watermen, invitations often came his way. Prechtl was asked to step into the raft of the men’s U.S. Whitewater Raft Team — primarily for his stature, as he had never paddled whitewater. Quietly paddling, he absorbed knowledge. Whether rowing for the team or pursuing Grand Canyon speed records, Prechtl prioritizes the bonds formed through shared experiences.
Backcountry endeavors foster swift ties, highlighting the reality and inherent risks of adventure sports amidst a tightknit community that shares significant consequences. Never enthralled with winning, he emphasizes collective success over personal triumph, preferring to align himself with achieving others’ goals rather than pursuing his own aspirations. Prechtl’s dedication to supporting others
underscores his humble nature. “I’m always questioning, what is my purpose on the planet?” he says.
Prechtl doesn’t care to be referred to as an athlete. He simply loves the feeling of doing the task. You might presume this requires training rigor. Prechtl shrugs. Today he nonchalantly jumps in. In 2023 alone, Team El Chupacabra (Robert Prechtl and Jeremiah Williams) came in second place in the Vail Whitewater Series and won the Pacifico Down River R2 Raft Sprint at the GoPro Mountain Games.
Prechtl gives credit to local Satchele Burns for bringing him in front of the lens for Vail Resorts as talent. Prechtl giggles as he shares he found out he isn’t good at skiing in front of the camera, so he got behind it. Assisting on a Gnarly Bay video shoot in 2017 provided a window into what it takes to make an adventure film. Now whether he’s kayaking raging rivers or scaling towering peaks,
Prechtl’s camera is always by his side.
DOCUMENTING EXTRAORDINARY STORIES
Blending athletics with cinematography, Prechtl’s “run-and-gun” style provides a raw story. It allows fascinating people with deep and intimate stories to influence where the story goes. Rob’s unique approach stems from his innate desire to be both a participant and storyteller. The camera in his hand serves as a covert tool, allowing interaction with others without drawing attention — a reflection of his preferred approach to engaging with the world. In the editing room, the aim is to engage in a fulfilling struggle, seeking to
imbue the characters with a profound sense of justice.
Viewers are immersed in the heart-pounding thrills of cinematic bodies of work for which Prechtl is most recognized:
THE TIME TRAVELERS
Screened at Mountainfilm 2017, a Gnarly Bay production sponsored by Chaco, chronicles the men’s U.S. Whitewater Raft Team bid to set a speed record in the Grand Canyon, covering 277 miles in 34 hours. Prechtl’s close collaboration with the filmmakers captured the journey’s essence, adding depth to the final cut.
(PEOPLE) OF WATER
Presented at Mountainfilm 2019, a Gnarly Bay film, features Prechtl as he connects his passion for water with fellow rafters and the ocean.
DISABLE VIEWS
Currently submitted to 2024-2025 film festivals, this documentary follows a hand cycling journey inspired by Prechtl’s friend Quinn Brett, a former pro climber now paralyzed. Pushing beyond limitations, they tackle the GrandCanyon’s Rim-to-Rim (-to-Rim) trail, challenging the notion of disability. The film flips the script, portraying able-bodied individuals as having the disabled perspective.
A LEGACY OF INSPIRATION
Photo by Carly Fink
Meeting amazing people and talented individuals shapes Prechtl’s perspective on what matters. Many are unaware of people’s struggles or the risks they take, which is fascinating. Continuously pushing boundaries, whether environmental or social, offers abundant content.
“I have a camera and I happen to be athletic. Or I am an athlete and happen to have to a camera?” ponders Prechtl.