Media

Paddling Magazine

Two American women are aiming to grow the love of paddling with an event series focused on getting Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) on the water.

Mission: Diversify The River - Paddling Magazine

NPR

"Going to the events and seeing the expressions on people's faces and hearing the laughter on the river is probably one of the most rewarding things I have experienced paddling," Durkee says. Recently, a dozen or so outdoor enthusiasts showed up for a Diversify Whitewater event on the Potomac. After some water-reading basics, the novice crew paddled off and made it through a couple of Class II-ish rapids unscathed, with grins from ear to ear.

Whitewater kayaking and the rapids are my sanctuary : NPR

Chaco x NRS x Diversify Whitewater

“Both organizations share our commitment to improving Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and are key supporters of our mission to reduce barriers to entry to paddlesports for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC),” Durkee goes on to say. “Creating a safe, inclusive, and fun experience on the water starts with having the best gear, and Chaco and NRS are both world-class.”

Two Iconic River Brands Release Sandal Collaboration To Benefit A Noble Mission - Paddling Magazine

River Bent

“No one’s going to die if we don’t go whitewater kayaking.” That said, a day on the river can be nourishing for soul, mind, and body. And Diversify Whitewater, a nonprofit organization in Northern Colorado founded by Antoinette Toscano and Lily Durkee, is working to bring the good vibes of river running to more people of different backgrounds and cultures.

Diversify Whitewater Shares Beauty of Paddling with BIPOC - RiverBent

Eddy Out Podcast

Meet Antoinette Lee Toscano and Lily Durkee. Co-founders of Diversify Whitewater, a non-profit organization based out of Colorado with a mission to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in whitewater kayaking, stand up paddling, rafting, and river surfing for Black, Indigenous, and People Of Color (BIPOC).

EDDY OUT with Natali Zollinger: Diversify Whitewater Non Profit -- Lily Durkee and Antoinette Lee Toscano on Apple Podcasts