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Month: September 2019

International Whitewater Hall of Fame Announces 2019 Honourees

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July 26, 2019 – The International Whitewater Hall of Fame (IWHoF) has announced its inductees for the Class of 2019. The selected honorees join an esteemed group of the world’s most accomplished whitewater pioneers, explorers, champions, and advocates.

“We are extremely excited to honor this year’s inductees with our partners at the ACA,” said IWHoF Board of Governors Chair Risa Shimoda. “This year’s voting was extremely close and very competitive, and should make for a special induction ceremony at the PaddleExpo event being held in Nuremberg, Germany on October 5th, 2019.”

As with years past, nominations for consideration were submitted through and vetted through IWHOF Affiliate Organizations.  From the list, the IWHoF screening panel developed the ballot of Pioneer and Advocates candidates for electorate voting June 2019. The Explorer and Champion nominations were too few in number to support their ballot categories:  those nominees will be moved forward for consideration in 2021.

The following have been elected to the International Whitewater Hall of Fame Class of 2019 and join 46 previously inducted leaders and legends:

Pioneer:  Hermann & Christa Kerckhoff (Canada) – As the founders of Canada’s longest-running whitewater instruction school (Madawaska Kanu Centre), Hermann and Christa have introduced thousands of Canadians to the thrills and joys of paddling…. believed to be the first commercial whitewater paddling school in the World.   Their visionary leadership also led to the creation of Canada’s first whitewater management plan, working with numerous government agencies and power authorities to guarantee consistent whitewater flows.  They also are responsible for the development of the Ottawa River as a world-class whitewater destination. Hermann and his daughter Claudia being the first to kayak the Ottawa rapids in 1974, then starting OWL Rafting in 1981. They also have taken steps to ensure public access to the Ottawa River, a legacy that will benefit future generations of paddlers.

Advocate: Joe Pulliam (USA), an outstanding contributor to whitewater as a manufacturer (Perception, Dagger, Jackson Kayak) and supporter of whitewater river stewardship for four decades;  and Chris Hawkesworth (UK), early adventurer, early filmmaker, contributor to the development of standards for helmets and other safety equipment, and advocate for whitewater course development through a fifty-plus year period.

The Class of 2019 Induction Ceremony will take place in Nuremburg, Germany on October 5th during the annual PaddleExpo industry trade show. Attendees will see the debut of a video presentation ceremony honoring the inductees. “We are an International Whitewater Hall of Fame, and we recognize the size and importance of our international membership base,” said IWHoF board member Pamela Dillon.  “Holding the ceremony in conjunction with the PaddleExpo festivities will provide an opportunity for international paddlers and other individuals seeking stories of whitewater history and inspiration for the future to witness the induction and meet these revered whitewater heroes.”  While the trade show is for industry attendees only, a limited number of induction ceremony tickets are available for the public: contact IWHoF@americancanoe.org for more information.   IWHoF is seeking event sponsors! Sponsorship information is available at http://IWHoF.org/sponsorship-2/.

About the International Whitewater Hall of Fame (IWHOF)

The International Whitewater Hall of Fame (IWHOF) is a program of the American Canoe Association (ACA) and is designed to recognize and celebrate significant contributions to paddlesports. IWHOF is led by an international Board of Governors who hail from various paddling backgrounds. Nominations are sought and submitted through IWHOF Affiliates around the world and screened by an international panel. Over 100 members of the IWHOF electorate are eligible to cast votes in each category to determine the honorees. Submitted recommendations are good for six years, after which they must be re-submitted. Each year up to two honorees may be chosen in the categories of Pioneer, Explorer, Champion and Advocate. See past inductees and find more information at:  www.IWHoF.org

For more information, contact Risa Shimoda +1 301 585 4677, risa@theshimodagroup.com.

Reviews

5 star ratingGreat experience for young or new rafters. We had an amazing white water experience with our two young daughters. Our guide Mel was so encouraging and fun in spite of the drizzle. Great interaction with our kids and would highly recommend this to families looking for their first rafting adventure.
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andrewsJ7602CG
8/24/2023
5 star ratingFamily adventure! When we arrived at the facility, we were greeted with such warmth and hospitality. The staff in the store were so kind and had great vibes. On the actual tour, we were greeted with jokes and clear instructions. Very entertaining and informative.
We had such an exciting and adventurous adventure with our two children (ages 7 and 4). Our guide Alex was so knowledgeable and approachable. She helped make my kids feel comfortable and excited about rafting. Such a wonderful day on the raft. At times, my 4 year old was afraid of the rapids, but by the end she was smiling and so proud of herself for doing something so adventurous! We were on the raft with another family with an even younger child. I know the website says that even 2 year olds can go on the raft, but just be aware that some of the rapids are a bit intense and your child may be afraid. The great thing is that we felt safe with our helmets and lifejackets, and we were given clear instructions on what to do if we did fall in the river. All in all, it was a fantastic activity, and our most adventurous one as a family to date!
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503travellingtania
8/17/2023
5 star ratingA great week at MKC I have been to MKC many times over the years, and it is a fabulous way to spend a weekend or a week. I did the 5 day kayaking course with my daughter and granddaughter this year. The instruction at MKC is some of the best you will find anywhere in the world. The facilities are beautiful. It is set in a wooded area of north east Ontario. August is a great time to attend because the water is warm, and not a lot of bugs. July may be a bit warmer, , and early September in this area can be very beautiful, and the water is still warm. May and June in this area can be a bit buggy so come prepared if you are going in the early summer.

The river is dam fed from a top release dam, so the conditions are consistent and the water warm-- no need for dry suits-- I think the water was around 80 degrees this past week. The river itself is probably a class 2-3 river, but has some good technical lines for more advanced paddlers.

MKC is great at accommodating all levels of paddlers. I have gone with paddlers who have never been in white water, or a kayak for that matter, and by the end of the week, they are running the river with confidence. I have been doing white water kayaking for around 30 years, and I still learn something new every time I go. More importantly, I have fun with both the family I bring and the staff at the facility.

The business is now being managed by the founder's granddaughter. It is a third generation business. Stefi holds true to her grand parents and parents vision of a top notch teaching facility, but at the same time brings her own touches and personality to the operation. Since Stefi has starting running MKC, I have notice some really nice changes to the facilities, and the food is excellent-- I am vegetarian and really enjoyed the vege dishes. Lots of good looking meat dishes for those who like them. The staff all seem to be very happy and excited to be doing what they are doing. They clearly have a solid team that makes every part of the experience excellent.

There are various packages available. You can camp and do your own meals if you are on a budget. They have bunk style rooms for groups, and individual rooms for individuals and couples. There are also several screen walled cabins up in the bush that I love-- feels like camping but with a real bed and no wet tent to deal with when you get home. The accommodations are not fancy, but clean and comfortable. The chalet where meals are served and where people gather is beautiful. If you have kayaks (or canoes if that is what you are doing) you can use your own equipment or rent from MKC. There equipment is top of the line.

Price wise, I view it as an all inclusive vacation with the added benefit of instruction. It is a lot less money that you would pay for an all inclusive vacation pretty much anywhere else, and you are building skills and great memories.
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Chris C
8/13/2023
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