Regional and  National Events

 

 

Each year, Team River Runner runs Leadership Enrichment Clinics at both National and Regional levels.   Clinics are lead by trained instructors, veterans and/or volunteers.  Safety is our number one priority.  These clinics focus on instructing veterans using the TRR Paddler Progression System.  Our system is based on of American Canoe Association standards.   There are about 10 to 12 TRR National Clinics each year – below are highlights of some of our most popular National Clinics.  

Check Out Our Programs Calendar Here

 

TRR Regional Clinics:  Each Region plans 2 to 3 Leadership Enrichment Clinics per year.  To find out about Regional Clinics – please contact the regional coordinator for your area – click here.

 

 

Women's Multiday Paddling Clinics

TRR will host 1-2 women specific paddling clinics each year

  • Women’s Beginner Wilderness Paddling Clinic – Participants learn paddling and leadership skills while at the same time bonding over a campfire with their fellow female Veterans. The San Juan River trip is a wilderness camping trip; raft supported by the experienced guides of Adaptive Sports Association (ASA), a nonprofit out of Durango, CO.  The trip covers 27 miles of Class 1-2 Water.
  • Women’s Paddle Power Clinic:  A long weekend of paddling, yoga, supportive instruction and companionship for women veterans with experience on class III water and have a combat roll.
 
 
 
 

Affinity Clinic

 

  • This clinic is led by our Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee
 
  • Team River Runner is an equal opportunity organization and is proud to provide a clinic focused on educating and creating community among all veterans regardless of age, gender identity, race or ethnicity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic situation, or disability status. 
 
  • Team River Runner is committed to providing better opportunities for health and healing through outdoor recreation and paddlesports to military veterans belonging to historically underserved groups. 
 
  •  Location and type of water varies from year to year.  
 
 
 
 

Stand Up Paddleboard Clinic

 

  • One of our newest programs. 

 

  • No experience necessary.

 

  • 5 days learning or improving how to Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP)

 

  • Features leadership and leadership activities.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Apostle Islands/Great Lakes Sea Kayaking Adventure

  • This clinic is one of our most unique trips!  
 
  • Island may vary from year to year – in 2022, trip took place at Rock Island
 
  • This is a multiday self sustaining sea kayaking camping trip.  
 
  • ACA-certified instructors lead sea kayak skill sessions. These include strokes, bracing, edging, risk management and rescues. The goal is to prepare paddlers for future sea kayak trips
 
  • Participants also learn to pack sea kayaks to self sustain during trip.
 
  • Paddlers need to be trained in wet exits and rescues prior to the trip.
 
 
 
 
 

Lower Salmon Paddling Clinic

 

 

  • Another opportunity to paddle and explore the beauty of the Salmon River. 

 

  • This trip participants  paddle 50 miles w Class 2 to 3+ rapids along the way, in 4 1/2 days. setting up and camping at different beaches along the route each day. 

 

  • Depending on ability – participants will have a choice of paddling a hard shell kayak or inflatable kayak. 

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.