Our mission is promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in paddlesports by removing barriers for Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and Allies in kayaking, canoeing, rafting, and stand-up paddling. Diversify Whitewater is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works to promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in paddle sports by removing the barriers that exist for Black, Indigenous,
People of Color (BIPOC), and Allies in kayaking, canoeing, rafting, and stand up paddling. Equipment -- Providing free use of boats & equipment to all participants. Education -- Communicating how to effectively address diversity, equity, and inclusion on and off the water. Conservation -- Preserving our waterways and natural spaces through responsible, respectful, and sustainable practices. Representation -- Increasing the number of BIPOC faces and voices in the paddling community, industry, and media. Mentorship -- Building a cohort of BIPOC boaters who can pass on their skills to the next generation. The organization was co-founded by two women and kayakers of color in June 2020: Lily Durkee and Antoinette Lee Toscano. Antoinette learned to kayak after 11 years of service in the U.S. Army through Team River Runner, a nonprofit organization that teaches paddlesports to veterans to facilitate mental and physical recovery. Lily started to kayak when she was 9 years old, and she competed nationally in kayak slalom as a teenager. Growing up with whitewater taught her at a young age how to face challenges head on and to effectively problem solve when faced with adversity. Diversify Whitewater strives to share the beauty and many benefits of paddling on to BIPOC and Ally communities across the country.
