In honor of International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the women who are pushing boundaries on the water and helping shape the future of paddling. From record-setting expeditions and groundbreaking river descents to honest conversations about sexism in the outdoors, these stories highlight the resilience, leadership and community building happening across paddlesports.

Raft guide Maria Blevins uncovers the realities of sexism and misconduct in rafting, and we explore how women can build stronger support networks on the water. And we witness Nouria Newman descend California’s Fantasy Falls during one of the state’s best snowmelt seasons in years.

Alongside these conversations, you’ll find gear advice designed specifically for women paddlers—including drysuit testing—and inspiring profiles of athletes and adventurers like Freya Hoffmeister, Bonnie Hancock, and Brooke Hess.

From groundbreaking expeditions and grassroots movements to community initiatives, these stories celebrate the determination, adventure and leadership of women who are redefining what’s possible in paddling.

— Paddling Magazine Newsletter Editors

Raft guide and researcher Maria Blevins spent half a decade investigating sexism and sexual misconduct in rafting. Here’s what she uncovered.

Nouria Newman caps a historic California season with one of the state’s most gargantuan stretches of whitewater.

We took to the water to test industry-leading women’s drysuits for comfort, fit, breathability, durability, waterproofness and weight. Here’s how they stacked up.

With the future of their paddling school riding on a pivotal moment, MKC's mother-daughter team turned to a big-business strategy.

Former U.S. Surf Kayak Team member and Surf Sirens founding member Deb Volturno on waves, women and what's next in sea kayaking.