What really got me hooked on whitewater paddling was learning to roll. Before then it was just another way to get cold and wet in the British countryside. I have since moved to the US and have paddled a lot more rivers. Just like learning to roll, it took a friend to teach me the value of American Whitewater. One day on the river my friend said "if it wasn't for AW this river would be dry, right here, right now." This made me realize that rivers are not free, that everyone has to pay for them in some form or fashion, if not through access fees then with advocacy. I've taught Outdoor Education at the College level for 20 years (including the last few as an ACA Instructor Trainer) and have an academic interest in accident theory and risk management.