Paddler Profile: Anna Wagner

22-year old Cali Collective paddler, Anna Wagner, is on the rise and one to watch. From her beginnings on the South Fork American as a film-runner, Anna has stepped up her game considerably in the last couple of years. From learning to surf kayak and competing at Davenport to paddling big big water on the mighty Zambezi, non-stop action is the name of the game for Miss Wagner.

“The Zambezi reminded me that kayaking is the best sport, art form, love language and way of life… ever. Between the role carping, crazy eddy lines, exploding features, and water up the nose, I experienced laughter, real friendship, and the humbling, healing power of water…a couple of good lines here and there, and one or two landed tricks. Before the Zambezi, I had been struggling with finding my role as a girl on the water. And through my time on the Zam, I see that a girl on the water is what I need to be”,  Anna Wagner, May 2015

In the past year, Wagner has also spent some time with Anna Levesque and Girls at Play, working guided river and surf trips for women in both North Carolina and Costa Rica.

“Girls at Play has created an amazing kayaking community for women in the US, and I have learned so much by being apart of it”, remarks Anna on her experience with the organization.

Anna currently works as a photo kayaker on the beautiful Tuolumne River in Groveland, California.  “I’ve got the best training grounds in my backyard for the summer, Cherry Creek! I’m stoked to see what’s in store these next couple of months. Hope to see you on the water!”.

-Interview by Melissa DeMarie