Tag Archive for: North America

Bob McNair

Bob’s Basic River Canoeing was THE manual in the 1970’s and 1980’s for basic whitewater techniques used by many to learn and teach whitewater canoeing.

Jon Lugbill

Jon is generally considered as the best paddler to ever compete in whitewater canoeing dominating the top levels of canoe slalom for over a decade

Rob Lesser

Rob set the standard for big water exploratory Class V kayaking in the 1970s, ‘80s & ‘90s.

Payson Kennedy

Payson Kennedy co-founded the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) in Wesser, NC in 1972 with Horace Holden and developed it to become a world-class facility.

Scott Shipley

Scott is a three-time Olympian and three-time World Champion in slalom kayak among the many other outstanding medal performances and contributions.

Martin Litton

A major part of Martin’s life has been spent fighting to protect and preserve the integrity of many of the West’s beautiful places.

Tom Johnson

Tom was the first kayak designer to make the leap from fiberglass to plastic with the River Chaser manufactured by Hollowform.

William Nealy

William Nearly, heralded as “Whitewater’s Poet Laureate,” was one of the best known ambassadors of the sport. He brought a self-deprecating sense of humor and wealth of practical knowledge to all of his work.

Cathy Hearn

Cathy began her two-decade winning career in international competition with an unprecedented three gold medals (1979 World Championship) in slalom, slalom team, and wildwater team events.

Walt Blackadar

Walt changed the face of kayaking in the 1970s from a conservative slalom philosophy in the U.S. to a “go get it” whitewater attitude. Not only did he develop a U.S. style and technique for big whitewater, but he created the hype and popularity becoming the basis for today’s whitewater stars.