CRI founder Elisha McArthur has been busy this winter! Amongst everything else that she does including running a small farm, being the Chairperson of the Raft Discipline Committee of the ACA, not to mention CRI, she and a select group of amazingly talented women have started a non-profit!

Nari Nauka - all-women’s guide training on the Ganges River, India

Along with Elisha, two of the other founding members are Jess Ransom and Julie Sutton, both instructors and team members here who you will see out teaching in our rafts this summer. We are beyond stoked for this project!

We will let the press release speak for itself…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Worldwide Women of Whitewater Announces Groundbreaking Global Women's Whitewater Guide Training Initiative

Rivers, Planet Earth – January 7, 2025 – Worldwide Women of Whitewater (WWOW), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women in whitewater sports, is excited to announce a collaborative effort to provide comprehensive whitewater guide training for women globally. The creation of WWOW is the natural expansion of the group’s inaugural Nari Nauka program in 2024, the creation of India's first-ever all-women's whitewater guide training program on the iconic Ganges River in India.

Empowering Women in Adventure Tourism-

The group’s first 2025 program is scheduled from March 22 to April 4 in India, & will equip participants with essential river skills, first aid, CPR & safety and rescue training. The program also offers American Canoe Association (ACA) guide certification to qualified participants. This initiative addresses a crucial gap in the industry and aims to cultivate a group of highly skilled, professional female whitewater guides in India’s burgeoning adventure tourism economy.

A Beacon of Excellence-

Working in collaboration with local outfitters like RED CHILLI ADVENTURE in India, River Wild Adventures in Scotland, & Arenal Rafting in Costa Rica, WWOW uses an internationally renowned curriculum & a team of highly qualified and certified instructors to ensure that participants receive top-notch training in a nurturing, empowering environment. The program is designed to inspire confidence & resilience in women, enabling them to navigate & protect rivers worldwide. WOWW was founded by whitewater professionals Elisha Lynn McArthur, Jeremy Ann Anderson, Julie Sutton, Jessica Ransom, Rebeca Fernandes, Bridget Crocker and Alison F Steen, all of whom share a vision of creating opportunities for women in the river industry & providing greater mentorship to help women achieve a larger presence in the field on a global level.

Global Impact and Future Plans-

This collaboration highlights WWOW’s commitment to creating inclusive opportunities for women in adventure tourism & is designed to break barriers & create a well-established pathway for future generations of female whitewater professionals. The organization plans to expand with developed programs in Scotland, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Idaho, Colorado, West Virginia & beyond in pursuit of supporting women in their journey to become skilled whitewater professionals.

About Worldwide Women of Whitewater:

Worldwide Women of Whitewater (WOWW) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women worldwide through whitewater & river-based educational experiences, professional development, & mentorship.