Benjamin Wade was born in Knoxville, Tennessee. At an early age he felt a strong affinity for music, and by the age of sixteen he was being called on of the best young trumped players in the world. He has played with the New York Metropolitan Opera, and the Indianapolis and Knoxville Symphony Orchestras. In 1996, he decided to embark on a 6000-mile kayaking adventure, to prove to himself, as well as to others, that he could meet any challenge set before him. The journey took nearly six months, after which he emerged the record-holder for the longest solo kayak trip, and was recognized as the first kayaker to solo navigate to Orinoco and Amazon Rivers. No Turning Back: The South American Expedition of a Dragon Slayer, comes from the journal he kept during his six-month journey. It's a story not only of adventure, but also of deep faith and redemption. Upon his return he began a career coaching college soccer, where he earned the apt nickname "Coach". Now entering into his 17th season as a collegiate coach, his teams, from the NAIA to the NCAA, have won 16 conference championships during that time. In 2003, he co-founded the Susanville Symphony, and accomplishment for whcih he holds the greatest pride. The documentary "Small Town Big Sound" filmed in 2006 by his brother, Peter Wade, premiered on the Documentary Channel. Wade's groundbreaking contemporary ballet, "The Four Elements" premiered in 2011 and is also available on DVD. Coach, Maestro, philosopher, businessman—however you describe him, Benjamin "Coach" Wade has proven to be an accomplished man and an unforgettable character. As a three-time contestant on the top-rated CBS primtetime reality television show Survivor (Survivor, Tocantins, 2009; Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains, 2010; and Survivor: South Pacific, 2011) — you either loved him or hated him, but either way he's been a standout contestant who has never failed to surprise, delight, and sometimes even infuriate an audience. Coming next, The Wisdom of Coach, due out in 2012. (from About the Author, from No Turning Back: The South American Expedition of a Dragon Slayer.)