Giving Tuesday 2022: Chaco x Diversify Whitewater

Join Chaco this Giving Tuesday (November 29, 2022) to support diversity in paddlesports. We’re donating 5% of each purchase made on chacos.com to Diversify Whitewater.

That feeling of your canoe gliding across a glassy lake, the effortless energy of a river current moving your kayak downstream, or the exhilarating excitement of barreling through whitewater are just a few ways to experience adventure on the water.

At Chaco, we’re firm believers in helping and supporting folks to get outdoors in a way that’s safe, enjoyable, and community-focused. We’re also firm believers that watersports should be a gateway to adventure for everyone.

That’s why this Giving Tuesday, we’re beyond excited to partner with and support Diversify Whitewater, a Colorado-based non-profit working to promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in paddlesports.

The organization focuses on removing barriers to entry in paddlesports that exist for many Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and allies and increasing access to watersports like kayaking, canoeing, rafting, and stand-up paddleboarding.

We recently visited the Diversify Whitewater team to learn more about who they are and their mission to change people’s lives by getting them out on the water.

“I love being in nature – and I think paddling is one of the most unique ways to experience nature.”
– Lily Durkee, Co-Founder and President of Diversify Whitewater

So far, Diversify Whitewater has introduced more than 500 people to paddlesports. Many factors can prohibit people from finding their passion for being on the water, including the cost of gear and instruction, so they hold free community paddling events to make it more accessible and inclusive for everyone.

“The outdoors is like therapy for me, my household, my children, and my cat – we thrive being outdoors. It’s been a blessing to have the opportunity, as it was shared with me, to share that with others.”
– Satya Wimbush, Board Member at Diversify Whitewater

Funds from this year’s Giving Tuesday campaign will support Diversify Whitewater in hosting more free community events in Colorado and across the country.

From paddling skills courses, guided campouts, and community river float days, Diversify Whitewater takes a no-cost approach to programming for its BIPOC participants and allies. The non-profit aims to eliminate the financial and social barriers common for BIPOC paddlers in sports so traditionally catered to white participants by providing free education, equipment, and mentorship opportunities for minority communities and paddlers throughout the year.