Risa running Lava at over 40,000 CFS on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon in 1983.
My journey into the world of paddling began with a colleague in my Procter & Gamble bullpen engineering office, a recently widowed Howard Watrous who was eager to get outdoors with friends. Every week, he’d share pre-weekend anticipation and post-trip highlights of his river adventures on the Cheat River, Paint Creek, or the Big South Fork Cumberland. After a few months listening to his stories, I just had to sign up for the club’s wintertime pool sessions sponsored by the Sierra Club’s Miami Group, Ohio Chapter.
Everyone was so friendly! I so appreciated their patience with me when learning to roll. I was tickled by the sight of them tying boats onto roof racks decorated with snow. Joining their post-pool beer and pizza outings, I was fascinated by both the seemingly endless list of rivers they might explore and the trip planning that considered participants’ skills.
They taught me the essentials of weekend camping, how to patch my fiberglass boat, and how river difficulty fluctuates with water levels. On any given weekend, thanks to Jean, Jenni, and Julia, Chris, Mary, and Sandy, our group almost always included at least 50% women! It never crossed my mind that the paddling community could be anything but welcoming to everyone. I will always be thankful for Howard and his friends who profoundly influenced every life choice I’ve made since.
A big moment occurred watching “Fast and Clean” after I’d been paddling for about a year. While most of the 1979 slalom team stars had years of experience, Becky Judd had started in college. Her attitude and ability to become good enough for the U.S. Team seemed to offer hope that even at the ripe old age of 23, I too, could become a decent paddler.
I loved paddling with those who were better than me. After a few years, I was tackling challenging rivers often as the only woman — while married, my husband Woody Callaway was perpetually worried about me. I never thought much about having to prove myself, though I did get the impression that having a reputation as a “badass paddler” provided street cred. This “badass-ness” likely stemmed from being the second woman to paddle the North Fork Payette (nod to the first, Kathy Shelby!) and Niagara Gorge (likewise, Carrie Ashton!). I ran the Niagara Gorge in a squirt boat, and was among the first group to paddle all of the Green River Narrows drops. In contrast, when people don’t know me, I’m invariably the last person chosen to lead a group. That’s okay with me, because my group always has a great time!
I have cherished the magic of discovering many rivers on nearly every continent over tens of thousands of hours and the projects I’ve had a chance to try, coordinate, and lead. Yet, with all the endless lessons rivers offer, I value even more the many wonderful people I’ve met along the way who couldn’t care less about mascara or the awkwardness of changing clothes in a parking lot.
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.