ThePADDLER 34

Interview : Peter Tranter Photos : Matt Power , Don Beveridge

For the month of International Women ’ s Day , we are honoured to interview Darcy Gaechter , the first and only woman to kayak the Amazon River from source to sea . A hugely influential figure in the world of white water kayaking and an ever-present inspiration to women across the planet , she has now taken on the mantle of environmental awareness , writing and public speaking .

Darcy grew up in Colorado . Playing outdoors was a big part of her childhood , though she didn ’ t get into whitewater until she was 18 . When Darcy was a kid , her dream was to become a ski patroller at the Aspen Highlands ski area just like her dad had been , but her life took a different turn ! She still loves skiing , but loves kayaking more .