What We Do
Our mission is to empower women worldwide through whitewater and river-based
educational experiences, professional development, and mentorship.
Our Vision
WWOW envisions a world where women have accessible and equitable pathways in whitewater, where each woman has autonomy and economic opportunity, and feels wholly supported in heart, body, mind, and spirit, so that she can fully participate in whitewater as in life, creating lasting ripple effects through river culture and society at large.
Our Values
Autonomy: We believe in the transformative power of skills and confidence. By equipping women with the tools, training, and support needed to thrive as whitewater professionals, we empower self-reliance, resilience, authenticity, and the ability to advocate effectively for self, others and rivers. We encourage individuals to be true to themselves, embracing their unique strengths and perspectives, and to celebrate their wins as they navigate challenges. Through the development of autonomy, we create space for growth, self-discovery, and empowerment.
Integrity: We are committed to carrying ourselves with integrity, striving to ensure that our actions align with our words and values. Rivers are a dynamic environment with inherent risks that we take seriously. Whether on or off the water, we aim to consistently act with integrity in regards to our safety practice. By acting with honesty and clarity, we cultivate an emotionally, psychologically, and physically safe environment for all. Rooted in compassion and kindness, we treat each individual with dignity and respect. Our integrity guides us in creating an environment where trust is built, and where all voices are heard and valued.
Inclusivity: Our beliefs are rooted in creating a diverse and welcoming river community that supports all genders. As an organization, we are committed to focusing on providing accessible and equitable opportunities for women to pursue and excel in whitewater careers. We value the strength of an intergenerational community and collaborative solutions. We build networks that support women in whitewater, promoting mentorship and shared experiences that inspire growth and camaraderie. We actualize an operating space that honors our rich history and heritage while challenging our present culture to co-create conditions for individual safety and dignity.
Connection: We believe in the connective power of rivers. Rivers connect mountains with oceans, people with places and individuals with each other. These connections inspire us to honor and protect rivers, while empowering others within the whitewater community to successfully navigate their journeys in life. By fostering meaningful relationships and shared experiences, we celebrate the spirit of adventure, stewardship, and community that rivers bring to life.
Accessibility: River based experiences build skills and confidence, inspire creativity and autonomy, foster powerful relationships, cultivate environmental stewardship, launch careers, and transform lives. We believe access to these resources and opportunities should be broadened and not limited by economic circumstances or gender.
How We Started
In the spring of 2024, three of the WWOW founding members (Jeremy, Elisha & Julie) traveled to Rishikesh, India to train local Indian women as raft guides. The Ganga River in Rishikesh has a thriving whitewater rafting industry in a tourism based economy, but no women were working as raft guides.
The program, called Nari Nauka (which means “woman’s boat” in Hindi) was a great success and inspired the trainers to start WWOW in order to support and run programs like Nari Nauka!