The NOWR Goes Union
At the Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City, American Whitewater announced that the National Organization of Whitewater Rodeos has been dissolved and a progressive new organization has been created to fulfill the functions formerly performed by the NOWR. American Whitewater will continue its role as the preeminent organization for organizing whitewater events through the American Whitewater Freestyle Union.
After carefully considering the needs of event organizers, sponsors, and athletes, the AW Events staff worked to develop a model that represents the considerable changes that have occurred in freestyle paddling. Risa Shimoda, Executive Director of American Whitewater and the founder of the NOWR stated that the “time has come for an organizing body to encompass the various new forms of freestyle paddling that have emerged such as extreme races, boatercross, and trick contests.”
Starting in 2002, the Union’s events will include a variety of freestyle disciplines, including various racing events, hole riding, and freestyle through rapids. The AW Events staff expects that this will encourage more athlete participation and additional events to join the Union’s ranks. The Union’s event will represent a strengthened commitment, on the part of the American Whitewater, to draw attention to the pressing conservation and access issues facing the whitewater community.
The Union will be a dynamic organization remaining at the cutting edge of freestyle paddling through the advisement of a carefully selected Union Board. The Union Board is comprised of some the most influential personalities in the world of freestyle events, including event organizers, sponsors, and athletes.
As in the past, the Union will provide insurance for events, plan a calendar of events, coordinate sponsorship, and track athlete rankings. The Union will also maintain a formal relationship with the rule making body for freestyle kayaking the United States Freestyle Kayaking Association (USFKA) through interlocking boards. Creation of the American Whitewater Freestyle Union represents the next chapter in the world of freestyle events.