My current favorite section to run is the Lower Gauley.

Nearly every rapid at Fall flow, 2800 CFS, allows the boater to pick and choose high water lines, technical slots or a combination of both. When the water rises above commercial levels, you are treated with stomping wave trains, steep drops, and holes that rival Crystal rapid in the Grand Canyon.

In my relatively short boating career, I have had the pleasure of working with organizations like the International Rafting Federation and Rafting Magazine. With all of these organizations, I have photographed and written short opinion pieces dissecting the nuances of river culture on varying scales. My most recognized works are “5 Steps to Becoming a Rafting Wild Whitewater Woman” and “Rafting Rhapsody: A Grand Canyon Coming of Age.”

Additionally, my recent short film, “Pigeonholed: Rising Tides Floats All Boats,” examining the rafting culture influencing the economy of the often forgotten state of West Virginia, was selected for screening at the Cucalorus Film Festival in 2023.

While I love single day rafting trips, I often find myself dreaming of multi-day trips where all that matters is the oars in your hands and the food in your cooler. These dreams have led me to researching more remote and often short-lived stretches of water like the Owyhee in Oregon, the Salt in Arizona, and the Kaweah in California.

In light of recent developments in the National Park service, I have also found myself researching rivers that many may not even know exist. A prime example is the John River in the Gates of the Arctic National Park in Alaska. The John is due to be damaged by the recent approval of the Ambler Road project. To raft and to show via photography or filmmaking this American river to the world, would be a powerful way to fight this project. America does not know what they need to save unless they have seen it and developed a relationship with it.

For the off season, I focus more on ice climbing than traditional climbing!