{"id":39012,"date":"2026-05-04T08:00:46","date_gmt":"2026-05-04T15:00:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/community.nrs.com\/duct-tape\/?p=39012"},"modified":"2026-04-21T09:10:36","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T16:10:36","slug":"when-yapping-is-the-point","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/community.nrs.com\/duct-tape\/2026\/05\/04\/when-yapping-is-the-point\/","title":{"rendered":"When Yapping is the Point: The Diversify Whitewater Kayak Progression Program"},"content":{"rendered":"

I look at the time: 5:57.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

It’s the end of another long summer day in the Columbia River Gorge. I park along the Hood River waterfront, where the midweek timing and cool evening temperatures keep the crowds away. Just below me, a sandy bank gradually rolls into the river.<\/span><\/p>\n

In a few minutes, the first roll session of the Diversify Whitewater Kayak Progression Program would begin. This was the second year of the progression, and my first time volunteering for it.<\/span><\/p>\n

5:59<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

I fidget with the keys in my hand, looking for a spot on my truck to hide them. Then one by one, I watched cars loaded with brightly colored kayaks turn the corner and join me on the side street. Familiar faces popped out to say hello, including the freckly Kallie Kurtz, who expanded Diversify Whitewater’s single-day kayaking events into an entire six-week progression. <\/span>For every meet-up, she wrangles together volunteers\u2014some join once, while others stay around longer. Friends who helped with the last cohort said only positive things about the experience, and I was curious if I could be part of the self-sustained community as well.<\/span><\/p>\n