Philanthropy
The Adventure Sports Problem in America
Immersion Research Brand Ambassador—”Jaime Enrique Lancaster Rial is from Cochrane in the south of Chilean Patagonia.
In Lancaster’s hometown, he had access to learn whitewater paddlesports through a youth kayaking club at the non-profit organization ‘Escualos.’” — Culturs Global Multicultural Magazine
I have witnessed the work that clubs have done in China, including Hong Kong, as well as in Malaysia, where between September 2016 and December 2019 I have done many America Canoe Association courses in coastal kayaking.
I have marveled at their club system, some of which are “for profit” and/or receive a lot of government financial support, but still a nice model which gives many more people an opportunity to enjoy watersports.
John Browning ACA SEIC Vice-Chair
But in the United States, one of the wealthiest nations, every individual must find their own way into the outdoors to experience the health and social benefits and career opportunities in the outdoor industry and adventure sports.
The Solution – The Free National American Adventure Sports Club
We think the best way to tell you about the free national American Adventure Sports Club (AASC) is by viewing a video presentation. Please use this link. Our recommendation is to watch the video presentation until the end as there is a valuable Q&A session, and you can hear how private citizens, outfitters, and experts are volunteering time and money toward bringing an AASC to their community and throughout the country.
The free National American Adventure Sports Club, a collaboration between WhitewaterTV on XOTV and the National 501(c)(3) organization–Vibe Tribe Adventures.
It’s time that America–one of the globe’s wealthiest nations catches up with the rest of the developed world. Every human has a natural right to nature, but we don’t all have equitable access to outdoor recreation.
Antoinette Lee Toscano
Please watch this video, learn, see how other folks are getting involved, and decide to be a part of the solution.
About the Free National Adventure Sports Club
Together, we can ensure that every American has an opportunity to get outdoors safely, respectfully, and with a heart toward conservation—protecting our natural resources.
The American Adventure Sports Club’s (AASC) mission is Free adventure sports training, mentorship, entrepreneurship, adventures, and more for all Americans, centering on the most vulnerable.
- Hiking
- Archery
- Paddlesports (kayaking, rafting, canoeing, stand up paddle)
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Backcountry and water safety
- Leave no trace principles Land and water equity + conservation education
- Creating a career in outdoor recreation as an entrepreneur, employee, guide, brand ambassador, or competitive or professional athlete.
The AASC creates chapters throughout the United States, beginning with Loveland, Colorado. New chapters will crisscross the U.S., centering on urban and rural locations initially.
Free membership, including the needed gear, apparel, and equipment, is extended to any youth or adult accepted into the program through an application process on a first-come-first-served basis.
Vibe Tribe currently supports more than 1,200 members–youth and adults throughout the U.S.
📍The video was filmed on the ancestral lands of the Arapaho, Cheyenne, Ute, and Ochethi Sakowin peoples.
In light of the 2020 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) movement for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) two women of color–Antoinette Lee Toscano (L) and Lily Durkee (R) co-founded Diversify Whitewater (DW).
POC artist: Rebecca York
The mission of Diversify Whitewater is to promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in paddlesports by removing the barriers that exist for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and allies for entering and excelling in kayaking, canoeing, rafting, and stand up paddleboarding.
Working together with some of the best-known brands in adventure sports, DW provides free paddlesports skills training, no-cost outdoor gear, product discounts, and more to remove barriers for BIPOC entering paddlesports.