Will Gadd is one of the top extreme sports athletes in the world. To climbers, he is known for radical ice routes, high-level competition climbing, and slide shows about mountain experiences. Kayakers know him for pioneering new descents down wilderness rivers across North America, as well as teaching and writing about paddling for magazines. In paragliding, he is best known for record-setting flights (current national/world-record holder), as well as decent competition results both in the U.S. and Canada. Gadd’s athletic abilities have earned him recognition as a top competitor and athlete, but in all sports he is also known for his excellent safety record and his intense love for adventure and enthusiasm — even when things aren’t going exactly as planned.

Gadd’s contribution to Voices from the Summit, published by National Geographic in 2000, revealed his great sense of humour about the "seriousness" of climbing.