We asked these world-class women about their advice for paddlers of all genders, races, and backgrounds

Last summer, our Potomac Conservancy community couldn’t gather together for our usual summer paddle series on the Potomac River. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic driving folks to the outdoors, appreciation for paddlesports kept growing in our region.

This summer, vaccinated people are able to come together again to play in the river! So, as we head back out to local waters, it’s an excellent time to remember how watersports can form supportive, inclusive, diverse communities.

Former U.S. Canoe Slalom Olympic Team Ashley Nee and International Whitewater Hall of Fame member Risa Shimoda discussed their love of Potomac River paddling with us last August.

Watch our chat to hear about how they deal with fear, being women of marginalized communities in a traditionally male-dominated sport, and all the rapids that come their way.

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