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Current News
April 1, 2008 - Silver
Spring , Maryland U.S.A.
Nominations are Now Being Accepted for the
2008 International Whitewater Hall of Fame (pdf)
The acceptance period for nominations for the 2008 Class of Inductees
into the International Whitewater Hall of Fame is now open and will be
accepted from Affiliate Organizations through May 15, 2008. The whitewater
community is encouraged to contact their affiliates to participate in
the nomination process. A listing of the affiliates can be found on the
IWHOF website through a link on www.iwhof.com. The website also provides
the nomination criteria for the four categories (Pioneer, Explorer, Champion,
and Advocate) as well as the bios for the 2005, 2006 and 2007 Classes
of Inductees.
About IWHOF and the Paddlesports Industry Foundation
The International Whitewater Hall of Fame (IWHOF) recognizes and honors
individuals who have made significant contributions to whitewater related
activities. The first class of honorees was inducted in 2005. IWHOF was
founded in 2003 by Adventure Sports Center International (ASCI), Inc.,
of Garrett County Maryland. ASCI is home of the first mountaintop artificial
whitewater course in the world. IWHOF is now part of the Paddlesports
Industry Foundation.
The Paddlesports Industry Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable
foundation established to improve the quality of the paddling experience
for Americans by fostering quality paddling recreation to promote healthy
lifestyles and active living; encouraging education for paddlers about
paddling skills, environmental awareness, and environmental protection,
and honoring the history of paddling participation, athletics, discovery,
and stewardship.
Media Contact
Matthew S. Urdan, Project Manager
International Whitewater Hall of Fame
13077 Highway 19 West
Bryson City, NC 28713
USA
Phone: (828) 488-2175 x191
Cell: (828) 788-1498
Fax: (828) 488-2498
February 22, 2008 - Silver
Spring , Maryland U.S.A.
IWHOF RELEASES VIDEO HONORING NEW WHITEWATER
HALL OF FAMERS
New Ownership Improves Flexibility in Honoring the Sports' Icons
(pdf)
The International Whitewater Hall of Fame (IWHoF) has released
a DVD covering the accomplishments of its six new 2007 inductees. Produced
by acclaimed cinematographer John Grace of LVM Productions, the DVD was
previewed at the 2007 Induction Ceremony at the National Whitewater Symposium
in McHenry, Maryland, and can be viewed at the IWHoF Website www.iwhof.com.
It was also recently selected to be distributed for viewing during 2008
Reel Paddling Film Festival events scheduled for 75 locations in the U.S.,
Canada and abroad.
“It’s a great way to highlight the accomplishments of these
outstanding paddlers,” says IWHoF Board of Governors Chair Risa
Shimoda. “It showcases their contributions to the sport and will
help immortalize them in the outdoor sports community.”
The 15-minute video recognizes Class of 2007 champion slalom kayakers
Richard Fox and Cathy Hearn, former US Team slalom coach Bill Endicott,
illustrator William Nealy, boat and paddle designer Tony Prijon Sr., and
big-water pioneer Walt Blackadar as honorees. Click
here to view a streaming version.
In other IWHoF news, ownership of the hall of fame has been transferred
from McHenry, Maryland’s Adventure Sports Center International to
the Paddlesports Industry Foundation (PIF), which will license the rights
to use IWHoF properties.
The IWHoF was founded in 2003 to recognize and honor those individuals
who have made significant in and contributions to whitewater sports. Information
regarding past and present inductees can be found at www.iwhof.com.
The IWHOF was founded by Adventure Sports Center International, Inc. located
in Garrett County, Maryland. ASCI is home of the first mountaintop artificial
whitewater course in the world. The Paddlesports Industry Foundation is
a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation that seeks to increase paddlesports
participation by celebrating paddling history, educating new paddlers,
and increasing opportunities to recreate.
Media Contact
Risa Shimoda
risa@theshimodagroup.com
(301)502-6548
February 14, 2007 - McHenry,
Maryland U.S.A.
Nominations are Now Being Accepted for the
2007 International Whitewater Hall of Fame (pdf)
The acceptance period for nominations for the 2007 Class of Inductees
into the International Whitewater Hall of Fame is now open and will be
accepted from Affiliate Organizations through March 30, 2007. The whitewater
community is encouraged to contact their affiliates to participate in
the nomination process. A listing of the affiliates can be found on the
IWHOF website through a link on www.iwhof.com. The website also provides
the nomination criteria for the four categories (Pioneer, Explorer, Champion,
and Advocate) as well as the bios for the 2005 and 2006 Class of Inductees.
Contact:
Susan Taft
(440) 361-0016
iwhof@adventuresportscenter.com
October 10, 2007 - Silver
Spring , Maryland U.S.A.
Whitewater Legends Honored by the International
Whitewater Hall of Fame (pdf)
Six New Honorees Include Champs on the Water and by the pen.
Silver Spring, MD - The International Whitewater Hall of Fame Board of
Governors has announced the names of the Class of 2007 of the International
Whitewater Hall of Fame (IWHOF) honorees. This newest class of whitewater
legends includes a manufacturer, coach, and an artist/illustrator whose
diversity represents significant accomplishment and contribution to both
the sport and business of whitewater:
Walt Blackadar (deceased), of Stanley, Idaho is honored
in the Explorer category not only for his first descents of Turnback Canyon
on the Alsek (British Columbia) in 1971 and Devils Canyon on the Susitna
(Alaska) in 1972, but for his impact on the U.S. whitewater sport. His
article in Sports Illustrated in 1972 chronicling his solo descent of
Turnback Canyon propelled him to almost a cult hero overnight making him
a legend. Seen by millions of viewers on ABC’s American Sportsman
in the 1970’s, Walt became the face of kayaking epitomizing big
water river running.
Toni Prijon, Sr. of Rosenheim, Germany is honored in
the Pioneer category for his life-long and on-going influence in the paddlesports
industry. Toni’s touch as a designer has impacted more than 45 years
of the world of whitewater as few others have. Although much of his focus
through his company, Prijon Kayaks, has been on slalom and wildwater competition,
his pioneering work in design has extended to include a broader influence
and the popularization of plastic kayaks for every aspect of paddlesports
including creek boating, playboating, recreational whitewater, and sea
kayaking.
Bill Endicott of Bethesda, Maryland and William Nealy
(deceased) of Hillsboro, North Carolina are honored in the Advocate category
for their life-long contributions. Endicott, a coach and writer, influenced
whitewater slalom in the U.S. and internationally for thirty years. Over
his illustrious career, he coached athletes who won 57 medals in World
Championship, World Cup, and Olympic competitions, 27 of them gold. Among
these athletes include the C-1 athletes of the 1980’s who dominated
world competition, including Champions Jon Lugbill and Davey Hearn, both
inducted into IWHOF in 2005. His books have provided invaluable insight
into the world of championship slalom competition.
William Nealy, an artist/illustrator, was often heralded
as “Whitewater’s Poet Laureate” and was one of the best
known ambassadors of the sport. His art captured the essence of whitewater
paddling and whitewater paddlers. William began drawing river maps of
the more popular rivers in the southeast U.S using his now hall-mark cartoonist
style. He is perhaps best-known internationally for his groundbreaking
book, Kayak: A manual of Technique (translated into five languages). It
combined expert paddling instruction along with artful caricatures and
parodies of the whitewater enthusiasts themselves.
Athletes Richard Fox of Penrith, Australia and Cathy
Hearn of Charlotte, North Carolina are honored in the Champion
category. Fox is the most decorated slalom kayaker in the history of the
sport winning ten World Championship gold medals, including five individual
titles. He was the innovator of smooth slalom techniques emulated by many
and was the first to use a double torque kayak paddle at the ’89
World Championships. After retiring from competition, Richard moved from
Great Britain to Australia to be the Head Coach for the Australian ‘00
Olympic team and played an active role in the ICF campaign to include
slalom in the ’00 Olympics. He is currently responsible for the
Australian Slalom and Flatwater programs building toward the ’08
Olympics.
Hearn began her two-decade winning career in international competition
with an unprecedented three gold medals (’79 World Championship)
in slalom, slalom team, and wildwater team events. She has always been
extremely competitive in all types of whitewater including C-1 (her first
whitewater boating experience) and C-2, and in wildwater in addition to
slalom. Cathy has shared her knowledge during most of her career providing
affordable and volunteer coaching nationally and internationally. She
is the current U.S. National Coach, primarily working with the C-1 and
C-2 national team athletes.
This announcement concludes a nomination process that began in February
and elections by an electorate consisting of more than fifty nationally
and internationally-recognized whitewater paddlers of the whitewater community.
Formal induction of the newest class into the Hall of Fame will take place
next year along with the 2008 Class of Inductees.
The debut presentations of the 2007 Inductee DVD will take place at the
5th Annual Whitewater Symposium (October 19-22) at ASCI in McHenry, Maryland.
A screening will be held October 26th at the annual Guest Appreciation
Festival at the Nantahala Outdoor Center in Bryson City, NC. Additional
screening venue opportunities are being explored in an effort to share
the accomplishments of these greats with both the paddling community and
larger public.
About IWHOF
The International Whitewater Hall of Fame recognizes and honors individuals
who have made significant accomplishments in and contributions to whitewater
related activities.
For more information contact
Risa Shimoda
(301) 502-6548 or risa@theshimodagroup.com
February 14, 2007 - McHenry,
Maryland U.S.A.
Nominations are Now Being Accepted for the
2007 International Whitewater Hall of Fame (pdf)
The acceptance period for nominations for the 2007 Class of Inductees
into the International Whitewater Hall of Fame is now open and will be
accepted from Affiliate Organizations through March 30, 2007. The whitewater
community is encouraged to contact their affiliates to participate in
the nomination process. A listing of the affiliates can be found on the
IWHOF website through a link on www.iwhof.com. The website also provides
the nomination criteria for the four categories (Pioneer, Explorer, Champion,
and Advocate) as well as the bios for the 2005 and 2006 Class of Inductees.
Contact:
Susan Taft
(440) 361-0016
iwhof@adventuresportscenter.com
June 4, 2007 - McHenry,
Maryland U.S.A.
Nominees Announced for Elections for the
2007 International Whitewater Hall of Fame (pdf)
The nominees for the 2007 Class of Inductees into the International Whitewater
Hall of Fame have been selected in four categories: Advocate, Champion,
Explorer and Pioneer. The nominees are: ... more
February 14, 2007 - McHenry,
Maryland U.S.A.
Nominations are Now Being Accepted for the
2007 International Whitewater Hall of Fame (pdf)
The acceptance period for nominations for the 2007 Class of Inductees
into the International Whitewater Hall of Fame is now open and will be
accepted from Affiliate Organizations through March 30, 2007. The whitewater
community is encouraged to contact their affiliates to participate in
the nomination process. A listing of the affiliates can be found on the
IWHOF website through a link on www.iwhof.com. The website also provides
the nomination criteria for the four categories (Pioneer, Explorer, Champion,
and Advocate) as well as the bios for the 2005 and 2006 Class of Inductees.
Contact:
Susan Taft
(440) 361-0016
iwhof@adventuresportscenter.com
October 26, 2006 - McHenry,
Maryland U.S.A.
Wildly Successful Whitewater Hall of Fame
Induction Raises the Bar (pdf)
An enthusiastic crowd of almost two hundred dignitaries, officials, corporate
sponsors, honoree family and friends, and other well-wishers came together
to honor the 2006 Class of Inductees into the International Whitewater
Hall of Fame (IWHOF) Induction at the dinner and ceremony on October 20,
2006 at the Wisp Resort in McHenry, Maryland. A reunion-type atmosphere
pervaded as paddling legends, past and present, were re-acquainted and
reminisced about their whitewater experiences...
more
October 11, 2006 - McHenry,
Maryland U.S.A.
International Attendance Will Highlight
the 2006 International Whitewater Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Attendance at this year's International Whitewater Hall of Fame (IWHOF)
Induction Dinner and Ceremony on October 20, 2006 at the Wisp Resort in
McHenry, Maryland, will include international notables... more
September 29, 2006 - McHenry,
Maryland U.S.A.
Increased
Sponsor Support for the International Whitewater Hall of Fame Induction
Ceremony
The International Whitewater Hall of Fame (IWHOF) has obtained increased
sponsor support for this year's Induction Dinner and Ceremony which has
allowed expanded festivities honoring our newest class of inductees. The
Whitewater Hall of Fame Induction and Dinner on October 20 at the Wisp
resort in McHenry, Maryland, will be followed by a Whitewater Legends
Brunch on October 21. This increased support is provided by ... more
August 10, 2006 - McHenry,
Maryland U.S.A.
Six Whitewater Legends Announced for
Induction into the International Whitewater Hall of Fame
McHenry, MD August 10, 2006- The newest class of inductees into the International
Whitewater Hall of Fame (IWHOF) was announced today at Outdoor Retailer's
Summer Market exhibition in Salt Lake City. The class represents a diverse
group of whitewater legends... more
July 5, 2006 - McHenry,
Maryland U.S.A.
Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2006
is the Stage to Announce the Newest Whitewater Hall of Fame Inductees
The International Whitewater Hall of Fame (IWHOF) will announce the names
of its newest inductees at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market. The announcement
will take place at the Paddle Tank on August 10 at 4:00 pm.
more...
June 12, 2006 - McHenry,
Maryland U.S.A.
Dates for 2006 Whitewater Hall of Fame
Induction Festivities Announced
The dates of October 20 and 21 are now set for the 2006 International
Whitewater Hall of Fame Induction Festivities. The induction ceremony
will take place at the WISP in McHenry, Maryland, on Friday October 20.
more...
June 12, 2006 - McHenry,
Maryland U.S.A.
New Website for the International Whitewater
Hall of Fame
The International Whitewater Hall of Fame (IWHOF) has a re-designed website
(www.iwhof.com). Our new site includes information about the Hall of Fame
nomination process and the 2005 Honorees with a more user-friendly navigation.
more...
March 1, 2006 - McHenry,
Maryland U.S.A.
International Whitewater Hall of Fame
& Museum begins accepting submissions for 2006 Nominees
The International Whitewater Hall of Fame (IWOF) has announced that the
acceptance period for nominations for the 2006 Class of Inductees is now
open.
more...
January 27, 2006 - McHenry,
Maryland U.S.A.
ASCI Announces the appoinment of an Executive
Director for the International Whitewater Hall of Fame
The Adventure Sports Center International (ASCI) has announced the appointment
of Susan Taft as the Executive Director of the International Whitewater
Hall of Fame (IWHoF) and Museum.
more...
October 20, 2005 - McHenry,
Maryland U.S.A.
Whitewater Makes a Big Splash in McHenry,
Maryland
at the inaugural Induction Ceremony of the Whitewater Hall of Fame
and Museum held Friday, October 14.
more...
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