| His River Chaser design, the first rotationally molded
plastic whitewater kayak, was responsible for the growth of plastic
kayaks into all paddlesport markets today.
Tom has also been an advocate and supporter for slalom for more
than forty years both locally and nationally. He continues to paddle
and instructs on occasion while remaining involved in the Kernville
whitewater racing community.
Advocate Accomplishments:
- Credited with building the first fiberglass canoe (1942)
- Designed numerous canoes, kayaks, paddles and other paddling
gear for the whitewater industry (1940s through 1980s)
- ACA Commodore (1968-1969) and ACA Pacific Division Vice Commodore
(1962-1967)
- Assistant Coach: 1969 World Championships
- Created Olympic training center on Kern River where 8 of 13
U.S. team members trained (1972)
- Manager Coach for ‘72 Olympic team
- Designed first roto-molded plastic kayak, the “River
Chaser” (1974)
- Designed numerous canoes, kayaks, paddles and other paddling
gear for the whitewater industry (1940s through 1980s)
Other Accomplishments:
- National K-1 Wildwater Champion (1967)
- National OC-2 Champion (1972)
- National C-2 Masters Slalom Champion (1980)
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