Expedition: Work, Life, Paddling Balance
I’m a sprinter. Not in the literal runner’s sense of the word but in life. I have been really good at going hard for short periods of time which is why, I suppose, the 9-5 thing never suited me. Back in my mid-twenties, I went through what I affectionately call, my “period of misguided ambition”…
January 6, 2022
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Wet Planet
Whitewater Paradise in the Columbia River Gorge The name Wet Planet was first spoken in a beat up Suburban while bouncing down a jungle road in Costa Rica, when co-founders Todd Collins and Jaco Klinkenberg were discussing their vision for the ultimate whitewater company. Wet Planet is based in White Salmon, Washington on (you guessed…
January 31, 2020
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Liquid Fusion Kayaking
Welcome to our new series, Teamwork Makes the Dream Work! In this series, Cali Collective chats with our collaborators, manufacturers, partner companies and guest instructors on their origins, achievements, programs and more! In keeping with our mission to build authentic connection and community, Cali Collective is proud to support our colleagues in the paddlesport…
January 13, 2020
Building Confidence & Community
Cali Collective Chief Instigator, Melissa DeMarie, chats about the origins of Cali Collective in this video produced by Duncan Mine, a northern California production company. Thanks to Scotty Blankenfeld, Robby Hogg and Andres Silva for their awesome work. Enjoy! All words and images copyright California Women’s Watersport Collective 2019. All rights reserved.
October 7, 2019
Pint-Sized Perspective: Full Moon Paddle
Recently, I went on my first full moon paddle from Coloma to Lotus, with my parents and some friends. In order to paddle safely, you should have paddled the section of river many times before and memorized the structure of the waves, holes, rocks, eddie lines, and when rapids are coming and you should only…
April 30, 2019
Melissa DeMarie: Paddle Heroes Award 2019 Recipient
Cali Collective Chief Instigator, Melissa DeMarie, was recognized by the American Canoe Association California Chapter with the Paddle Heroes Award for 2019. The ACA California Executive Council created the California Paddle Heroes Award to recognize and honor members of the California paddling community who prioritize and consistently: Help share paddlesports by making others feel excited, welcome,…
March 19, 2019