Brett Mayer is the Public Policy Director for the American Canoe Association and has been an ACA member since 2012. He holds a Master of Arts in Adventure Education from Prescott College, where he spent four years conducting a phenomenological study exploring why people paddle. Through his professional work, research, and personal journeys on the water, Brett is dedicated to protecting paddling spaces and deepening our collective understanding of why they matter.
Beyond the Paddle: The ACA Story Project
Celebrating 145 Years of Serving Paddlers!
Featured: “Calm Within the Chaos” by Taylor Stoudnour
“Calm Within the Chaos” by Taylor Stoudnour
Thank you to Taylor Stoudnour for contributing “Calm Within the Chaos” to the ACA Story Project! Taylor’s story reminds us that growth happens not in the absence of chaos, but by leaning into it.
About the Author
Taylor Stoudnour joined the ACA earlier this year after completing an ACA Level 4: Whitewater Kayaking Instructor Certification Workshop with Rocky Mountain Adventures in Fort Collins, Colorado. Though she’s quick to downplay her accomplishments, Taylor’s rapid progression in the sport speaks volumes. Her commitment to improving her skills — from evening slalom clinics in Lyons to winter kayak polo sessions — is as inspirational as it is effective. With a passion for teaching and a deep respect for the river, Taylor is helping shape the next generation of paddlers with skill, humility, and heart.
Upcoming
"A Special Love for the French Broad River" by Marc Hunt
Coming July 16!
2025 Stories
“The Ride of a Lifetime” by Bill Endicott
Thank you to the incredible Bill Endicott for bringing us the first story of the ACA Story Project!
About the Author: Bill Endicott is a legendary figure in American paddlesports and a two-time inductee into the International Whitewater Hall of Fame, honored for both Lifetime Achievement and Advocacy. He also played a leading role in creating the Slalom World Cup and securing slalom’s place in the Olympic Games. His story is a powerful reminder of the passion, persistence, and global connection that define the spirit of the ACA community.
Read Bill's Story"Learning from the River" by Jeff Oxenford
Thank you, Jeff, for sharing this incredibly valuable perspective on teaching and learning for the second story of the ACA Story Project!
About the Author:
Jeff Oxenford is an ACA Level 4: Whitewater Canoeing Instructor Trainer Educator based in Colorado. A member of the ACA since 1991, Jeff brings nearly 40 years of experience teaching canoeing — from summer camps and professional outfitters to clubs and private instruction. He has worked with paddlers of all levels, from first-timers to advanced whitewater athletes, and is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of instructors.
“Finding Great-Grandpa’s Island: A Massasauga Adventure” by Eric Slough
Thank you to Eric Slough for contributing “Finding Great-Grandpa’s Island: A Massasauga Adventure” to the ACA Story Project. Your story reminds us how paddling can be a powerful way to connect with family, legacy, and place!
About the Author
Eric Slough is an ACA Level 3: Coastal Kayaking Instructor who has been paddling for more than 25 years and teaching for over a decade. Based in Ohio, Eric joined the American Canoe Association in 2009 and is passionate about sharing the joy, history, and adventure of paddling.
"Following Waters" by Brett Mayer
Thank you to Brett for contributing “Following Waters” to the ACA Story Project. Your story captures the spirit of paddling with depth, heart, and honesty — and reminds us how rivers shape not just our adventures, but our values, our families, and the way we move through the world.
About the Author
“Paddling: A Life Transformed” by Risa Shimoda
Thank you to Risa Shimoda for contributing “Paddling: A Life Transformed” to the ACA Story Project. Your story is a powerful tribute to the people and places that shape a paddling life — and a reminder that adventure often begins with a simple invitation.
About the Author
Risa Shimoda is a member of the ACA Board of Directors and has represented the U.S. as a competitor on the Freestyle National Team. A passionate creeker, squirt boater, and river advocate, Risa has dedicated her career and volunteer leadership to protecting rivers and growing the paddling community. She has served as President and Executive Director of American Whitewater, Marketing Director at Perception Kayaks, and is currently Chair of USA Freestyle Kayaking and the International Whitewater Hall of Fame. Her impact spans everything from conservation and access victories to mentoring youth and producing events like the Potomac Whitewater Festival. With decades of bold descents and community leadership behind her, Risa continues to lead with vision, joy, and purpose.
“Chronic Illness Took My Freedom: Kayaking Gave it Back!” by Kelly Rudolph
Thank you to Kelly Rudolph for contributing “Chronic Illness Took My Freedom; Kayaking Gave It Back” to the ACA Story Project! Your story is a powerful reminder of how paddling can restore not just strength and confidence — but a renewed sense of purpose. Thank you for your leadership in paddle safety and for sharing your journey so that others might find their own way to the water.
About the Author:
Kelly Rudolph is the ACA Ohio State Director and a certified ACA Instructor. She joined the ACA in 2021 after discovering paddling as a life-changing path to recovery and empowerment. Today, she dedicates herself to paddlesports education, safety, and advocacy — helping others find freedom and confidence through time on the water.
“Falling Into the Deep End in New York City” by Tom Potter
The ACA extends a warm thank you to Tom Potter for sharing his story, “Falling Into the Deep End in New York City.” Through his thoughtful writing and decades of leadership, Tom continues to inspire and expand what’s possible for urban paddling communities.
About the Author
Tom Potter is an ACA Level 4 Coastal Kayaking Instructor and has been an ACA member since the early 1990s. He is the co-founder and chair of The Kayak Foundation, co-founder and former chair of the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse, and hosts an annual ACA instructor forum in the New York region. In his professional life, Tom is the CEO of the New York Distilling Company, and previously served as chair of The Brooklyn Brewery and Brooklyn Roasting Company.
"It Started with a Merit Badge" by Bob Bofinger
Thank you to Bob Bofinger for contributing “It Started with a Merit Badge” to the ACA Story Project. Your story captures a lifetime of dedication to paddling — from your Boy Scout beginnings to your leadership today — and reminds us how one spark can lead to a lifetime of impact on and off the water.
About the Author
Bob Bofinger is the USA Wildwater Chairman, a National Team Member, and a many-time USA National Champion. He first discovered paddling through the Boy Scouts and has been a passionate advocate, competitor, and mentor in the sport ever since. This year, Bob is helping bring the 2025 USA Wildwater National Championships to the Potomac River — marking the first time Nationals have been held at this iconic venue.
"Hurricane Helene’s Silver Lining" by Adam Herzog
Thank you to Adam Herzog for contributing “Hurricane Helene’s Silver Lining” to the ACA Story Project. Adam’s story is a powerful reminder of the beauty and resilience that can emerge in the wake of disaster.
About the Author
Adam Herzog joined the ACA in 2023 and brings over two decades of experience in emergency care to his work on the river. After retiring from a 22-year career in EMS and emergency and trauma nursing, Adam shifted his focus to teaching whitewater kayaking and wilderness medicine with the Nolichucky Outdoor Learning Institute. A seasoned paddler and competitor, Adam has raced the Green Narrows 15 times, consistently posting sub-five-minute runs. He lives in Asheville, North Carolina, where he continues to share his passion for paddling, safety, and lifelong learning.