Today we’d like to introduce you to Joe Zarraga.
Hi Joe, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been a firefighter since 2009, and throughout my career, the outdoors has always been my way to reset and recharge. A few years ago I stumbled across some kayak-camping videos online, and something about the adventure — the quiet mornings on the water, the challenge of packing everything into a kayak, and the simplicity of river-life — just grabbed me. I thought, “That looks incredible… I need to try that.”
So I bought a kayak, packed my gear, and went for it. The experience was even better than I imagined — paddling Texas rivers, camping along the banks, fishing, and disconnecting from everything except nature and the current. I fell in love with it immediately.
It didn’t take long before I realized I wanted to share these experiences with others — not just for the beauty of the places, but to show people that adventure doesn’t always require a plane ticket or a complicated plan. Sometimes it’s just a river, a paddle, and a weekend.
So I started documenting my trips, learning how to film and edit along the way. It’s been about three years now, and creating kayak-camping content has become a passion that sits right alongside my love for the trips themselves. I enjoy every part of it — the rivers, the camping, the wildlife, the long paddles — and I also enjoy the creative side: capturing the experience, editing the story, and sharing it in a way that hopefully inspires someone else to get outdoors and explore.
Today, my channel is focused on Texas rivers, camping, fishing, and the adventure lifestyle. I’m still learning and growing, but I’m grateful every time someone messages me and says they got out on the water or tried kayak camping because one of my videos gave them the push. That makes all the work worth it.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road — but the challenges have made it more rewarding. The editing process has actually been really fun for me to learn. What’s been harder is figuring out what to film and when to film it. When you’re out on the water or setting up camp, things happen fast, and learning how to capture the right moments and then turn them into a real story has taken time and a lot of trial and error.
Another funny challenge is that my fishing skills have definitely taken a hit. When you’re kayak camping, you’re already balancing paddling, steering, and staying safe — and adding filming on top of that makes it interesting. Trying to paddle, fish, talk to the camera, and enjoy the moment all at once can be a bit much sometimes! So the fishing aspect has definitely suffered a little, but at the end of the day, I wouldn’t trade the experience. I love creating these videos and sharing them, even if it means I catch fewer fish than I used to.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My YouTube channel, Buenas Vistas, is all about exploring the beauty of Texas rivers through kayaking, camping, and fishing adventures. It’s a family friendly place where I share the peace, challenge, and fun that comes from getting out on the water and spending time outdoors. I started the channel because I wanted to show people how amazing these experiences can be — even close to home — and to inspire others to get outside, explore, and appreciate nature.
What sets Buenas Vistas apart is the perspective I bring as both a firefighter and an outdoor enthusiast. I approach every trip with safety, preparation, and respect for nature in mind, but I also focus on capturing the real moments — the fun, the challenges. It’s not about being extreme or perfect; it’s about being genuine and showing the kind of adventures that anyone can enjoy if they’re willing to give it a try.
I think what I’m most proud of, brand-wise, is the authenticity. I created the name and the logo. I create every aspect of the content and edit it. The videos aren’t staged or overly produced — they’re real adventures with real people, and that resonates with viewers. My goal is for Buenas Vistas to have something that my children can look back at to remember me, and to be a reminder that adventure doesn’t always mean traveling far — sometimes it’s right in your own backyard, just waiting for you to launch your kayak and see where the river takes you.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I really enjoy reading when I go on solo camping trips — it’s a great way to unwind after a long day on the water. Right now, I’m working my way through The Wheel of Time series, and they’ve been great books to get lost in around the campfire. When I’m on the road, I like listening to the podcast History That Doesn’t Suck. It’s hosted by a history professor, and he does a fantastic job of making American history both entertaining and informative.
I also want to give a shout-out to Gatewood Brown on YouTube. He’s a fellow Texan and content creator who really inspired me to start camping, kayaking, and eventually creating my own videos.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.youtube.com/@Buenas_Vistas
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buenas_vistas_insta/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joe.zarraga
- Twitter: https://x.com/JoeZarraga
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Buenas_Vistas
Image Credits:
Joe Zarraga
