My first whitewater season had simple goals: learn, have fun, and try not to die. I even found a journal page where I’d scribbled a few loose goals for my second season, but I wasn’t sure what it would hold.
UAPS’ Beginner Development Program (BDP) was pure magic for me in 2024. Wanting to contribute more, I joined the UAPS exec team to help make it happen. BDP runs on the energy of many hands, and with incredible support from Shelagh, the exec team, and 30+ volunteers, we brought this program to life. We had an awesome season with 21 participants, and now I’m already deep in planning for 2026.
In my quest to keep learning, 2025 was full of training: Wilderness First Aid, Swiftwater Rescue, Pool and Lake Kayak Instructor, and River Leader 2. None would have been possible without support from inMotion, UAPS, and AWA. I added pool playboating, stroke improvement, and polo courses, plus helped with pool and outdoor sessions, including our women-only intro class. Seeing a student light up when something clicks is pure joy.
This year, I learned to embrace the adventure zone – that mix of challenge and wonder that pushes growth. With new rivers, my first class III features, festivals, and new roles, little felt comfortable, but all of it was rewarding. I found a braver part of myself that says, “do hard things on purpose,” and another that knows true leadership comes from being authentic, on and off the water.
Big smiles,
Mo | 
