Risa Shimoda Earns ACA Leadership Award

The American Canoe Association Nov. 24 honored Risa Shimoda with its Havens Leadership Award.

This award, ACA says, "recognizes individuals whose practices and behaviors best serve the interests and success of USA paddlesports athletes." About Risa, the ACA awards announcement says:

"It seems like everywhere you look in the paddlesport world, you find Risa Shimoda connected to making things happen. This year, in the sphere of competitive paddling alone, Risa helped organize the 69th Annual CCA Downriver Race, attended the premier of the remastered classic film Fast and Clean, assisted in freestyle events around the country and still competes in Squirt boat. Risa is everywhere!

"Under Risa’s leadership this year, the Competition Council has been reactivated and reinvigorated as representatives from discipline committees have been meeting on a regular basis to communicate what each discipline is doing, share ideas about best practices, help committees organize and become more structured, develop a coaches education resource, and more."

CCA knows whereof ACA speaks, as Risa is one of the club's most active members. She chaired the Downriver Race Committee in 2022, 2023, and 2024 and has played an active role in diversity outreach efforts with Soul Trak Outdoors and in the club's Hurricane Helene relief drive.