I had a pretty straightforward idea about my writing topic when I stepped into Glenna Alderson’s home (now weeks ago) to ask a few questions about her paddling background .  I’d wanted to interview and write a story about supportive women who have been in the paddling community for a long time.  Women who are not only very accomplished kayakers but also have encouraged and supported others. Women who have given generously and freely of their time particularly to novice kayakers and women. While that topic created the thread of our conversation, and Glenna has absolutely 110% done that, I left with my brain practically exploding with how inspiring Glenna is for our community well beyond paddling.  Glenna is undoubtedly a paddler to her core, and so much more in her toolbox of skills, perspective and life experiences. Truly, I sit in awe of her, and have a bit of a “girl crush” for how cool she is–with honesty, integrity and a can-do attitude (in spades). And PS, as I left her house hours later, she was going to help a friend’s daughter with a sewing project in between packing for a trip and meeting with me.

Glenna grew up in Portland, Oregon and began kayaking when now husband, Earl, asked her on a date suggesting they go kayaking together.  She must have really liked both Earl and kayaking because she continued spending time with both, paddling regularly with the OSU paddling club (where she attended college, in Corvallis). As for Glenna and Earl, I’ve heard about them/know them as “Glenna and Earl”…almost as a unit. They’re certainly independent people and both wildly capable yet it seems they were (and are) a great fit from the beginning.

It was later that year (1983) when Glenna jumped on a bus to South Carolina with $200 to her name, following a potential job opportunity as a raft guide on the Chattooga River. As Glenna tells the story it’s almost as if she’s still that young adult, getting excited about a new adventure. She tells me about how she ate dinner that first night, exhausted from the bus ride, and after eating, noticed the kitchen floor was kind of sticky.  She grabbed a mop and cleaned the floor.  When the Wildwater manager saw this she said “oh yeah, you’ll fit in well here”. And she did. 

This exemplifies Glenna’s character.  She sees a need and fixes it–a suggestion she would give to many of her students throughout the years–”see a need and do it, even if the task seems small or “beneath you”. ” It’s a trait that has served her well and gained the respect of many paddling legends–the river manager who fed Glenna straight off the bus in 1983 was Annie Scarborough of Dagger Kayaks.

When Glenna began at Wildwater, she  had never raft guided.  Those were the days of “follow me” instruction and without formal training just went for it. She was a quick learner and soon began guiding clients down the river. Glenna recounts stories of incrementally learning and mostly going well. Like anyone’s progresison in whitewater, there were a few mishaps which were incredible learning lessons for her.

Glenna didn’t forget her love for kayaking though. She expresses how she and the other guides would frequently hurry through dinner so they could get back on the water in their kayaks in the evenings. I can envision this–young, excited paddlers done with their guiding work for the day, now letting loose pursuing their passion of kayaking with their co-workers (built in friends who are likely like family). Personally, I can relate–having worked an amazing summer job somewhat similar in my early 20’s I can feel the festive energy.

Over the years, Glenna became an accomplished kayaker and raft guide, and in the last three decades has paddled all over the country (including a stint guiding in California) and paddling around the world. Some of the most notable experiences were under Project Raft (Russians and Americans For Teamwork)–the brain child of Jib Ellison, and dear friend to Glenna. Project Raft involved American/Russian expeditions in Siberia, rafting the Katun river. It was created during the time of perestroika with the mutual goal of bringing together the Russian and U.S cultures (1987 and 1988). The teams were able to learn each others’ approach to paddling and bridge what appears to be friendships (which you can check out here: Rafting into Siberia Worth the watch! Personally, I loved seeing a young Glenna (and Earl) alongside all the other young boaters sharing a joy of the river.

In 1990, after the 1987 and ’88 trips, an all-women’s crew–American and Russia, set out to paddle the Katun. Glenna writes:

“A group of women friends that included accomplished women in the paddling industry: Julie Munger, Arlene Burns, Kelly Kalafatich, Renee Goddard and myself, traveled to Siberia in 1990  to do the first All Women’s Soviet/ American rafting expedition on Siberia’s Katun river. We had super high water! Other women that joined us were community members with some or little river experience who wanted to be a part of something so positive. The Soviet women who joined us were the wives and partners of the men who had done the earlier trips. They said it was but a dream to be able to participate in such a thing. After that trip, we were determined to bring them to the United States, specifically to California, to help their dreams come true”. 

And determined they were. In 1991 the American women helped raise funds via Project Raft, sponsoring a prominent citizen exchange where they brought fourteen Soviet women to California to participate in an extensive rafting and hiking expedition, paddling the Tuolumne and Stanislaus).  During the Russian women’s stay, Glenna tells how she and her American crew also helped the women get dental and reproductive care, and skin checks, as they didn’t have access to this in Russia. She also tells me of more simple activities (for Americans) like going to a grocery store and the reactions of the women who lived in the Russian regime. A reminder of how plentiful and abundant our lives are by comparison. A point that wasn’t lost on Glenna.

During all these decades, Glenna taught kayaking, for thirty two years, at Hampshire College. She was clearly a dedicated instructor who cared deeply for her students, their progress and well-being.  She remembers taking a crew of students down the Grand Canyon. The trip was in January and when describing it she noted it was so cold their water jugs froze. She adds they had a great time and are still in touch even now, so many years later.

When asked what she would say to anyone new to kayaking, Glenna says “stick with it”!  Progression is so important and not too much, not too fast. Don’t skip the basics–go to a progression-based class. On a more emotional level, Glenna advises “you’re going to have good and bad days.  Keep mistakes small and manageable. Be your own advocate! Say “yes” to opportunity.  Find calm in the chaos.  Dissect into manageable pieces, focusing on the task at hand”. 

Glenna notes several women who greatly inspired her throughout her journey in paddling.  Annie Scarborough, Wildwater Manager back in the 80’s–Glenna says “she was small and mighty, kind, had no “attitude” and was helpful”.   Kelly Kalafatich was a paddling buddy.  Kelly’s claim to fame was as the stunt double for Meryl Streep in the River Wild.  Becky Wise, owner of Wildwater (and daughter of Wildwater founder) was a C1’er and was one of Glenna’s first paddling buddies. Based on the descriptions from Glenna, these women all have several traits in common–all friendly and inclusive. They don’t have a big ego or an attitude, and are supportive to other females. Glenna shares these qualities too.

Glenna’s talents go well beyond paddling.  She is a fantastic artist which I saw in person, hanging in her art studio. In fact, a few years ago Glenna noted that the local Meadowcamp race first prize is of a painting by another fabulous local artist, David Kinker. He has donated a beautiful painting to the winner of the short boat race, which year-to-year is passed along to the next winner (which has mainly stayed in the Anderson family this decade!). Glenna saw the need for a female category and donated a fabulous painting for the winner-which has two years in a row remained with Lauren Lily (a young boater friend whom Glenna has paddled with for years–they recently returned from paddling the Tatshenshini/Alsek rivers).

This short blog only scratches the surface of Glenna Alderson’s talents and personality. She is dear to so many in our central Oregon community and I’m sure, around the globe since she easily creates friendships with her inclusive personality. I have so much gratitude for her– for giving me the time to learn more about her history, and for all she’s done in our paddling circles.