{"id":16356,"date":"2018-05-04T09:00:49","date_gmt":"2018-05-04T16:00:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/community.nrs.com\/?p=16356"},"modified":"2018-05-16T15:29:48","modified_gmt":"2018-05-16T22:29:48","slug":"she-paddles-paddling-events-for-women-by-women","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/community.nrs.com\/duct-tape\/2018\/05\/04\/she-paddles-paddling-events-for-women-by-women\/","title":{"rendered":"She Paddles: Paddling Events for Women by Women"},"content":{"rendered":"

When we\u2019re on the water, Mother Nature treats us all the same. The forces of a wild river, the open ocean or a lake system know no gender. But each paddler\u2019s individual relationship to water will always differ. Some people dive into new paddle sports or tough lines headfirst. Others like to test the water, and slip in slowly.<\/p>\n

Over the past few years, women-specific paddling events have popped up all over the world, highlighting exactly that idea: we all learn and progress differently. Some women prefer to learn on the fly, and others find being instructed by female paddlers is a more comfortable and conducive learning environment. The following paddling events are organized by ladies, for ladies and are designed for all levels, learning styles and paddle sports. Each event has its own vibe and focus but all are jam-packed with extra experiences and activities\u2014yoga, massages, local food… The boys only wish they organized events like this.<\/p>\n

Ladies on the\u00a0Lochsa\u00a0| Idaho, USA
\n<\/strong>When: <\/strong>May 5, 2018
\nOrganizers: <\/strong>Lisa Ronald & Devon Barker-Hicks<\/p>\n

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Photo: Dave Gardner<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There\u2019s a solid crew of lady kayakers in the Missoula paddling community. Included in this group is big wave freestyler, and Team NRS paddler, Brooke Hess. In 2014, she started a kayaking event called Ladies on the Lochsa (LOL). “The idea was to help women meet new paddling partners who are at their similar skill, comfort, and motivation level,\u201d says Brooke.<\/p>\n

LOL is a weekend centered around whitewater, drawing lady kayakers from Missoula, Bozeman, the Flathead, Spokane, Boise, Moscow and beyond. This year NRS has jumped in, providing pre-paddle lunch, safety equipment sponsorship and post-paddle Cinco de Mayo fajita dinner. Organizers will break down the Lochsa into sections, giving paddlers the chance to hop out depending on skill and comfort levels. Along the way the flotilla will stop for drills and games to incorporate river safety lessons into the paddle. LOL is designed for competent, though not necessarily expert paddlers but it does require paddlers to be skilled enough to run or attempt the Lochsa, a big water Class IV run.<\/p>\n