Hailed as an early influencer in the commercial rafting industry, 97-year-old Medford resident Bryce Whitmore is one of six new inductees in the International Whitewater Hall of Fame.
The World River Centre, on behalf of its hallmark program, the International Whitewater Hall of Fame (IWHoF) has announced members of its Class of 2023. Six honorees join an amazing group of whitewater pioneers, explorers, champions, and advocates, joining 55 previously inducted leaders and legends.
In 1972, alongside his wife, Christa, Kerckhoff launched Canada’s first white water paddling school, the Madawaska Kanu Centre. Nine years later, they opened OWL Rafting on the Ottawa River
The NOC’s list of Olympic medalists (two with gold medals), world champions, and other world-class competitors is long and growing. And that includes 89-year-old Payson Kennedy, NOC’s founder, whose passion for his sport helped draft the entire baby boom generation in his wake, earning him a spot in the International Whitewater Hall of Fame.
Dave Manby is a name that needs little introduction to the vast majority of WW paddlers – a true pioneer of river exploration in the remotest of locations and all well before the modern tech of nowadays. Recently Dave has been inducted into the International Whitewater Hall of Fame in the Advocate category for 2021, but Dave doesn’t feel that he deserves the place as one other certain late paddler of international fame isn’t included within any of the categories.
The World River Centre and International Whitewater Hall of Fame (IWHOF), the International Rafting Federation and Rivers and Forests Alliance (RAFA) have announced a campaign to further the work and passion of Rafael Gallo, IRF Honorary President, conservationist and adventure tourism innovator, who lost his battle with pancreatic cancer earlier this year.
Since the 1960’s Chris has contributed to the white water community as an adventurer, expedition leader, competitor, lecturer, manufacturer and contributor to the development of standards for helmets and other safety equipment.
Chris, who worked for British Canoeing for over 20 years, has been responsible for contributing and developing many white water projects and weir safety.
Hermann and Christa Kerckhoff, who founded Madawaska Kanu Centre (MKC) in 1972, were inducted into the International Whitewater Hall of Fame (IWHoF) at Nuremburg, Germany on October 5th during the annual PaddleExpo industry trade show. The Kerckhoffs join other honorees in an esteemed group of 46 of the world’s most accomplished whitewater pioneers, explorers, champions, and advocates. Present to accept the Pioneer Award on behalf of her parents was Claudia Van Wijk with her husband Dirk and daughters Stefani and Katrina. Above from left: Dirk, Katrina, Stefani and Claudia Van Wijk with presenter Klaus Lettmann (photo PaddleExpo Peter Lintner) Claudia and Dirk took over both MKC and OWL Rafting in 1988, and are now transitioning the business to the third generation.
Elizabeth “Bunny” Johns followed a serendipitous path to the river – and nearly 60 years later into the International Whitewater Hall of Fame.
For years Rotorua whitewater legend Nikki Kelly has defied the odds, taking on challenges others would never dream of and dominating the sports of kayaking and rafting. Last month her efforts were recognised at the highest level when she was inducted into the International Whitewater Hall of Fame. The 42-year-old, who moved to Rotorua 12 […]