The Risa Shimoda Story: Athlete, Icon, and the Great Connector
In this episode of Following Waters, host Brett Mayer speaks with Risa Shimoda about her path through whitewater paddling and into river conservation leadership. Risa shares how she learned to kayak as a young adult in the Ohio and gradually developed her skills, becoming part of the early wave of women pushing into more difficult whitewater.
She reflects on landmark experiences including pioneering women’s descents in places like the Niagara Gorge, and how deeper engagement in the sport led her toward work in the paddlesports industry with Perception Kayaks. The conversation then traces her transition into conservation, including serving as the first Executive Director of American Whitewater, and her current role as Executive Director of the River Management Society. The episode focuses on how long-term involvement in paddling can evolve into leadership, advocacy, and stewardship.
Following Waters
A podcast sponsored by the American Canoe Association featuring stories of education, stewardship, adventure, and competition that shape our collective connection to water.
We create access through storytelling — offering insights and inspiration from the worlds shaped by rivers.
One story at a time, we honor the people, places, and ideas that make paddling possible.
About the Host, Brett Mayer
Brett’s connection to water began long before he picked up a paddle — growing up outdoors, studying environmental science and policy, and developing a deep interest in the ways people form bonds with place. After a Division I soccer career, he transitioned fully into the natural world, finding in paddling a profound sense of connection and purpose.
In 2003, Brett began kayaking, eventually becoming a sponsored paddler working with several outdoor brands, traveling widely, and competing in a range of races. He later became an ACA Level IV whitewater instructor, founded and operated a river school and adventure-travel company, and spent years teaching young people to paddle. His career is distinguished by craft, commitment, and the simple love of being on the water. Over time, the miles on the water shaped him, and they helped him understand the sport in a way few others do.
His perspective deepened through personal tragedy while writing his graduate thesis, The Lived Experiences of Whitewater Kayakers, a four-year exploration of how paddlers form meaning, identity, and community on the water. Brett completed much of this work while grieving the loss of his closest friend on the Grand Canyon — a period that strengthened his dedication to safety, storytelling, and honoring the river community.
Today, Brett serves as Policy Director for the American Canoe Association, where he works on national access, public lands protections, paddlesports safety, and grassroots engagement. He has spent more than a decade collaborating with the Outdoor Alliance, advocating on Capitol Hill, and working with paddlers across the country to protect the places we love. He recently co-authored Smart Start, a modern introduction to paddling designed to welcome new participants and broaden access to the sport.
Across all these roles — educator, guide, athlete, researcher, writer, and policy leader — Brett has shaped a holistic career in paddlesports. Following Waters is his way of giving that back to the community: creating access through storytelling, honoring the people and ideas that sustain paddlesports, and opening a world of wonder for listeners the same way it was opened for him when he first sat in a kayak more than twenty years ago.
Above all, Brett believes that paddling isn’t just a sport; it’s deep medicine for the soul, a way to connect, steward, and grow.
About
- American Canoe Association (ACA) — Staff Profile: Brett Mayer
- Following Waters — ACA Story Project - personal essay
Research & Academic Work
A phenomenological study exploring why people paddle, conducted during your graduate work in Adventure Education at Prescott College.
Media Appearances & Interviews
- Guest on “The Discomfort Zone” with Anna Levesque — Ep. 81: “Conquering vs. Connecting”
- Kayak Session - Winter to Spring Entry#8 - Short Film of the Year Awards
Mentioned in this episode:
