American Whitewater has announced the winner of the Paddle Ecuador! contest, a membership drive that encouraged paddlers to recruit new members.
The winner, Jim Sausville from Saranac Lake, NY has accepted the prize he has won by recruiting others to join American Whitewater, thereby supporting the organization’s river conservation and access programs.
“Jim is an avid American Whitewater volunteer, having dedicated time to river restoration in hydropower relicensing proceedings on the Ausable River, building whitewater opportunities on the Saranac River, and teaching paddling to youths,” notes John Gangemi, American Whitewater Conservation Director. “I can’t imagine a more deserving individual for this contest.”
“In 1995, I attempted to build a beginner slalom area in our village,” notes Jim. “The village board went nuts crying about liability. At the time they were rebuilding the dam in town and I knew the FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) was hot for recreation. I contacted my friends at AW who put me up with a great lawyer. We won the case and as a result, hundreds of youths and adults have learned to paddle on the course.”
Jim will be hosted in Ecuador by Small World Adventures, sponsors for this membership effort.
For more information contact Risa Shimoda (301) 589-9453 risa@amwhitewater.org.
###