In this episode of Following Waters, host Brett Mayer speaks with Hattie Johnson of American Whitewater about her roots as a paddler and conservationist—and then dives deep into one of the most pressing river access issues in the country right now: the legal right to float in Colorado.

Hattie shares how her personal relationship with rivers led her into conservation work, before walking listeners through the history of river access law in Colorado, how we arrived at the current moment, and why long-standing assumptions about paddlers’ rights are being challenged. Together, they unpack the evolving legal landscape, what recent conflicts mean for paddlers across the state, and why this issue extends far beyond Colorado’s borders.

The conversation is both a primer and a call to awareness—helping paddlers understand the legal, historical, and political context of river access, while clarifying how individuals and communities can stay informed, engaged, and involved in protecting the ability to float rivers now and into the future.

Topics include:

1. Hattie’s pathway to rivers as both a paddler and conservationist
2. The history of the right to float in Colorado
3. Why river access is being challenged now
4. What’s changed—and what’s at stake for paddlers
5. How American Whitewater is responding
6. Practical ways paddlers can stay engaged and support access efforts

This is a timely and important conversation for anyone who cares about rivers, access, and the future of paddling in the United States.

Mentioned in this episode:

JointheACA

In this episode of Following Waters, host Brett Mayer sits down with whitewater kayaker Isaac Hull, whose relationship with paddling began unusually early. Sponsored by the age of ten, Isaac effectively grew up alongside the river, learning not only how to paddle but how to navigate identity, expectations, and opportunity within the sport from a young age.

The conversation traces how that early immersion shaped Isaac’s development as a paddler and as a person—from formative trips and long days on the water to the realities of growing up sponsored in a relatively small, tight-knit community. Isaac reflects on how early exposure influenced his approach to risk, progression, and longevity in the sport.

Looking forward, the discussion explores how Isaac’s relationship with kayaking continues to evolve, what drives him now, and how time, perspective, and experience have reshaped his goals.

Check out Isaac's instagram page to check out some of the drops we talked about in this episode, including Young's River Falls, and the log dodge in Mexico.

Mentioned in this episode:

JointheACA

JointheACA

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.

1. River Management Society

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...