Adventures in belonging
You belong on the water
ROOTSTORAPIDS
Roots to Rapids was started by 15 year old Josephine Cameron, a nine‑time Canadian National Whitewater Champion, and community leader.
She is currently the only woman of colour competing at the national level.
The river doesn’t judge who you are, where you come from, or what you look like.
It just invites you in.
Roots to Rapids is built on the belief that every young person deserves to feel safe, welcome, and confident on the water — especially those who have historically been left out of paddling spaces.
Youth deserve access to affordable outdoor experiences
Representation on the water matters
Water safety saves lives
Community builds confidence
Many kids of colour face barriers to kayaking, not because of interest or ability, but because of access, affordability, transportation, and representation.
Roots to Rapids offers free weekly kayaking instruction for beginner paddlers ages 7–17. This program is designed to introduce young people to whitewater kayaking in a fun, supportive, and culturally welcoming environment.
Help us make Roots to Rapids a reality. Your generous contribution helps get a new paddler to on the river a young paddler new to kayaking. Here is how your contribution makes a difference.