Emily Shanblatt

By Hannah Gillespie | June 7, 2019 |
Emily paddles down a rapid

“We believe the outdoors is like a hack, or a shortcut, for developing competent and confident young women, and we’re seeing that firsthand with our students everyday,” says Emily Shanblatt, an avid paddler and instructor to middle school girls at the French Broad River Academy.

Read More

Chrissy Zeltner

By AV's Intern Team | June 7, 2019 |
Chrissy paddles through whitewater

A formidable kayaker, Chrissy Zeltner serves as board chair for West Virginia Rivers Coalition, where she helps to protect drinking water and preserve the state’s stunning whitewater rivers.

Read More

Laura Dillon

By AV's Intern Team | June 7, 2019 |
Two kayakers on the water smile for the camera

Through Team River Runner, Laura Dillon shares the experience of kayaking with veterans. “When you’re paddling whitewater, it’s you and your boat, the water you’re on, and the people on the right and left of you,” she says. “The rest of the world ceases to exist.”

Read More

Bethany Overfield

By Hannah Gillespie | June 7, 2019 |
Kayaker in boat on water posing for picture

Kayaking provided Bethany Overfield with a new joy and passion during a time of transition. Now, she is helping to protect whitewater rivers and enhance the boating community through her involvement with American Whitewater and Kentucky River Watershed Watch.

Read More