WHY DID Sam CHOSE THE

The Oregon Rafting Team is a nonprofit whitewater racing team from the Pacific Northwest, built around elite paddling, river stewardship, and a hard-charging love for Class III–V whitewater. Founded by competitive athletes and river runners, ORT has grown into a 15-time West Coast Champion and 2024 National Champion team that promotes rafting through racing, conservation, youth and veteran river trips, and community service.

The USA Women’s Raft Racing Team – Open, also known as the Red Ladies, is a competitive women’s whitewater raft racing team representing the United States in national and international raft racing. Built around teamwork, river skill, strength, and trust, the team brings together experienced paddlers who train and race across demanding whitewater disciplines while helping grow visibility for women in competitive rafting.

The Redwood Rafters are a Humboldt County youth whitewater rafting team based in Northern California. The team gives young paddlers a place to build river skills, teamwork, confidence, and respect for wild rivers while competing in raft racing events across disciplines like sprint, downriver, head-to-head, and slalom. Built around community support, volunteer coaching, and a love of getting kids on the water, the Redwood Rafters help grow youth and amateur raft racing on the North Coast.

Riff Raft Racing is a Western Colorado raft racing team made up of elite men’s and women’s paddlers who compete nationally and internationally while promoting the sport of raft racing. Their mission also includes protecting the rivers they train, race, and play on for future generations of paddlers.

Steep Creek Productions is a film production company that specializes in documenting high-stakes expedition footage. Their work is centered on bringing the "stories behind the rapids" to life, focusing on the personal narratives and human experiences that occur during intense outdoor adventures.