Paddle for Life

Witness firsthand as Team River Runner’s adaptive paddlers and volunteers are interviewed about their experiences surf skiing, kayaking and volunteering for the organization.

Team River Runner is currently being considered as a potential community partner for a new organization entitled Project Phoenix LLC., modeled after a three-week independent study program for high school students.

Project Phoenix’s mission: to connect students to creative, innovative and entrepreneurial non-profits, organizations and community leaders and mentors all interested in providing opportunities for students experiential or artistic in nature not typically found within the classroom setting.

See for yourself how these folks bound together by a love of the sea discover new pathways forward, as their paddles slice through the surf.

Vanessa Jones

Committe Co-Chair

Vanessa A. Jones is a dynamic force dedicated to fostering
inclusivity, encouraging discussion, and promoting a culture of
belonging in the outdoor sports community. Hailing from
Washington, DC, she brings a wealth of diverse experiences and
perspectives to her endeavors.
As a US Army veteran and ordained Chaplain with a focus on
seniors and caretakers, Vanessa is deeply committed to serving
others. Her work as a patient-caretaker advocate reflects her
passion for supporting vulnerable populations and ensuring their
voices are heard.
Currently, Vanessa is employed by a resettlement agency, where
she confronts challenges head-on with resilience and
compassion. As a single, Black woman veteran, she embraces
the unique hurdles she faces, viewing them as opportunities for
growth and empowerment.
In her downtime, she wears many hats, including that of a
missionary, spreading hope and positivity wherever she goes.
Weekends are spent paddling, immersing herself in West African
dance and finding solace and joy in nature’s embrace.
Vanessa is committed to equitable principles, ensuring that
everyone’s opinions are valued and heard. Through her
unwavering dedication and inclusive leadership, Vanessa is
paving the way for a more equitable and diverse outdoor sports
landscape.