
EBB & FLOW ORGIN STORY
In 2017, Brady Trautman and Alex Blue's paths converged in Cape Town, South Africa, united by their passion for sailing. Their subsequent worldwide sailing adventures revealed a shared commitment to giving back – whether through nature-focused filmmaking, fundraising for hurricane-ravaged islands, or introducing the power of sailing to those who might never experience it otherwise.
The founding of Cruisers Academy Sailing School on Lake Tahoe in 2020 marked a turning point. What began as a sailing school evolved into something deeper as Brady and Alex discovered their calling in helping others connect with nature. Through partnerships with local non-profits, they developed programs bringing cancer survivors, underserved youth, and injured athletes onto the lake, witnessing firsthand the therapeutic power of being on the water.
Inspired by the transformative impact of these programs and their own first hand experience with nature healing traumatic events throughout their life, they established the Ebb & Flow Organization in 2025. The name reflects both their maritime roots and their philosophy that life, like the ocean, moves in natural rhythms of giving and receiving.
The organization builds upon their Lake Tahoe success, aiming to create more opportunities for those who need it most to experience the healing and empowering effects of nature through sailing. Their work continues to embody the principle that sparked their initial connection: the belief that the water holds unique power to transform lives and unite community.

MEET THE TEAM

Brady Trautman
Executive Director
Brady is passionate about sharing the joy and healing power of sailing. Having sailed over 90,000 nautical miles to some of the world’s most remote places, he has experienced firsthand the transformative effects of nature. As the founder and executive director of Ebb and Flow, Brady brings his expertise, problem-solving mindset, and endless patience to help others find renewal on the water.

Alex Blue
Co-Founder
Alex is a filmmaker and photographer who ventured into the sailing world over a decade ago. Since then, she has crossed the Atlantic three times, created an extensive portfolio of sailing content, and co-founded Cruisers Academy Sailing School in Lake Tahoe in 2020. Alex is passionate about getting people out on the Lake and connecting them with the healing waters that calls home.

Tripp Brower
Vice Chair
Tripp is a USCG Captain currently leading a ten-year circumnavigation aboard his 75-foot sailboat as the Executive Director of his nonprofit, Apparent Winds. With a strong background in education, nonprofit leadership, and extensive sailing experience, Tripp brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the board. He is passionate about sharing the joy and transformative power that sailing has brought to his life with others.

Michael Mettler
Treasurer
Michael is a driven and accomplished entrepreneur across several industries. He has founded many successful companies over the years and brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the Ebb & Flow organization. Mike is also a veteran so understands the unique needs and challenges presented when providing therapy sailing to veterans and other similar groups.