I am still happiest when in my kayak!
-Claudia Kerckhoff van Wijk
We’re excited to announce that our very own Claudia Kerckhoff van Wijk has received the World Paddle Lifetime Achievement award. There is truly nobody more deserving of being recognized for her participation and contribution to the sport of whitewater paddling.
She has had a very successful slalom and white water kayaking career; with medals in the Canadian Championships, Pan American Championships, and World Championships. For over 40 years she has lead the Madawaska Kanu Centre and inspired hundreds of paddlers to pursue their whitewater passions. Additionally, with the help of her husband, Dirk van Wijk, she has seen OWL Rafting built from the ground up. Claudia continues to use her influence in the whitewater world to promote ecological change and unity within the paddling communities.
It should also be noted that Claudia is the first woman to have ever received this award and is an empowering role model for female paddlers throughout the world. In an interview with the World Paddle Awards, Claudia notes “Giving back to the sport that gave so much to me, is a natural transition. I enjoy it immensely!”
Congratulations Claudia!
