Article in print in American Whitewater Magazine!

Yay, my article was published in print today in American Whitewater Magainze! https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Journal/get-journal-pdf/issue/5/year/2022/.raw

"Give More Than You Take"

Ever since I was little my parents have supported my summer Keener trip partly because they believe that river skills taught at Keeners are life skills. This includes everything from blog writing, to public speaking, to packing and planning, to on-river risk mitigation, to traveling in the midst of pandemics, airline debacles, and most recently country-wide telecom meltdowns. One of the most important life skill that I have learned though is how to show up every day as part of the community - to “give more than I take.” This is a phrase that is used at the time at Keeners. At Keeners this manifests in many ways, both on and off the river. There are obvious examples of giving more than you take when you see dishes in the cabin sink and just do them, without wondering whose they are or checking who did them last. Or picking up trash at the lunch spot, even if it’s not yours. Or when a cabin mate forgot some gear and you offer yours even if that means you will go without. There are also the more subtle examples of giving more than you take. The ones that are about how you choose to make other people feel. Like when you take the high road in a dispute or misunderstanding. Or when you stand up for someone who can’t stand up for themselves. You also give more than you take when you are inclusive and create a sense of belonging for everyone. Or when you refrain from judging other people and when you empathize with them, even when their decisions and perhaps even mistakes create problems for you. Another example of giving more than you take is when you encourage others to try something that they are ready for but apprehensive about (like surfing a big wave or going for a beat down), cheer them on, and celebrate their successes. Giving more than you take is an approach to life, a quality of character, that we should strive for in all situations. I have found that when I approach a situation that way, others quickly do as well, and together we create a community that we love being a part of. And that’s part of what we all love about Keeners.

International Raft Racing is so much fun!

 

Growing up on whitewater

I've grown up on the river. And though some things have changed, many things have stayed the same - like my gear color choices. 

Me at 3 years old
Insisting on paddling my own IK

Me at 10 years old
Youth Ambassador for Rivers for Change

 Me at 15 years old
Team USA World Championships

California Poppies going to the World Championships!

Wow, our raft racing team was selected to represent the USA at the Raft Racing World Championships in Bosnia in May.  I'll be raft racing in Slalom, Sprint and Head to Head, and I'll be kayaking lead to provide safety for the Downriver races. 

My Team USA Headshot

Here's an article about our team in the Sierra Sun. Making Waves Local Whitewater Rafters To Represent Nation In Bosnia. 

Team USA
Hannah, Kennedy, Laurel, me, Tatum

Team Training at the Nugget
South Fork American River

And a link to the IRF World Championships for more information about the races. Raft Racing World Championships. 

World Rafting Championships Schedule

Thank you to everyone who has supported us through our gofundme.

Help California Poppies U19 Raft Racing team

Back at it - February on the Futaleufu

So happy to finally be back to international kayak travel after 2 years of border closures. Hard not to love the Futaleufu river, especially at the BioBio Expeditions camp. Spent almost a month there with friends, kayaking with some of the best paddlers in the world. Below are photos from our trip. Unlike the boys, I didn't take a lot of GoPro. So I'm sharing a video from Tyler Bradt to show you what it's like. Kavu Days with Tyler Bradt and Valentine.

View from the BioBio Camp

Reno Airport - Tobin, me, Quinn, Lily, Amelia

BioBio Camp Boat Barn - no shortage of kayaks!

The Futaleufu

Tobin, Quinn, and me with our Guide Mirko

Fun times on the River

River, Valentine, Quinn, me, Lili, Tobin, Amelia

Me and Tobin in Camp

And we're home