A Whitewater Symposium in New Hampshire???
Our first whitewater symposium just ended.
My heart is very full.
14 states were represented either giving presentations or listening to them (NH, VT, MA, ME, CT, RI, PA, NJ, NY, VA, TN, GA, CA, & OR).
It was the first time Dane Jackson has come to Franklin.
There was a super strong showing from Plymouth State, UVM, and UMASS. Perhaps, the most regional collegiate whitewater paddlers together in one group… Maybe???
And over 120 people walking around (that’s lots and lots of friends).
I'm so excited about our hometown, about our community, and I'm feeling pretty content that the event went so well.
Unfortunately, these events just don't happen. They take a lot of dedication, time, and resources. Luckily NRS, Jackson Kayak, Werner Paddles, and Astral are about the best partners we could have. Each team gave time, money, and expertise. If you came to the event then you know. Each brand stepped up to support the symposium. Together, we created an insane raffle with over $5,000+ of high end gear!
The team putting this on was top notch and please know without them the car never leaves the driveway.
Danny Mongno from NRS, Rob Yager from Jackson Kayak, and our marketing and event mastermind, Sarah Kadel surpassed any and all expectations. They made this happen through hard work and dedication.
If you know me or frequent the shop, you probably know that Rob Yager and I have a good relationship. He is around frequently, some of you may have even paddled with him. Rob was one of the first people in the industry that really believed in me (and put his butt on the line for Outdoor New England). He's supported us tirelessly. Taken my late phone calls. Listened to my rants. Tried to focus me in on a sustainable path. Constantly, helping us widen our view of the paddling industry and trying to teach me along the way.
For the whitewater symposium, Danny did something similar to Rob. Over the course of months, he has nudged (maybe pushed) me out of my comfort zone. He has truly gone over and above. Without him planting the seeds. There is no whitewater symposium.
However, he didn't just develop ideas then leave us to flounder. He brought focus and intensity. He helped hone me in on the target, developed the lens in which this could be successful. Helped with layout, themes, discussed community. Set up a film festival, trivia, volunteers, stacked speakers. Honestly, he did a ton. But, he didn't wash the floors before he left.
Danny is incredibly thorough and passionate about the sport and community he loves.
Sarah is no slouch. She met Danny and Rob on the playing field and killed it. She is meticulous, thoughtful, hard working, and dedicated. She can organize events and develop the marketing with her eyes closed. Did I say she is incredibly intelligent, driven, and organized. She managed the event flawlessly. Keeping me in line, identifying problems and developing the solutions on her own.
If you came, and you said the event was going so smoothly. That is because of Sarah. (And I know a lot of you said that!)
Personally, the planning and development of Nor’Easter gave me some angst and definitely brought out imposter syndrome type feelings.
If we build it, will they come?
Is this something people want?
Does this region care about whitewater?
Are we providing enough value?
Are we doing enough?
I constantly wonder if we are doing enough. If I am doing enough. Perhaps, insecurity. Maybe, some truth. Definitely, some self doubt, and negative self-talk.
Certainly, the weekend was filled with happiness and kindness… your comments, smiling faces in the eddy, the handshakes, the hugs, and the kind words. They all show support, belonging, community, and gratitude.
If I can choose (and I guess I can), I want to chose to build on those staples of the Whitewater Symposium... Support, belonging, community, and gratitude.
The thank you cards and messages we received after the event emphasized the deep need for community connection and in person events. Something with more depth than just a wild and wet weekend get together.
This event was very special to me. We couldn't anticipate how it would be received, but together with our partners, we took the risk to do something different with the goal to create connection and give something of value to the community.
I think together we succeeded.