The World River Centre proudly invites the international paddling community to the Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough, Ontario—home of the world’s largest collection of paddlecraft—for the official Induction Ceremony for the newest members of the 2026 International Whitewater Hall of Fame (IWHOF) May 2, 2026.
The newest honorees of the International Whitewater Hall of Fame (IWHOF) include: Explorer Roger Parsons (Canada), Champions Dana Chladek (USA) and Danielle Woodward (Australia), and Advocates Hugh Canard (New Zealand) and George Wendt (USA). Registration is open.
“These inspiring individuals remind us how lives can be changed, barriers broken, and our precious rivers can be shared, honored, and protected,” says World River Centre President Risa Shimoda. “We are thrilled to share their stories and honor them at the Canadian Canoe Museum, the world’s most extensive display of human-powered watercraft.”
The event will also herald the museum and other interesting activities in the area. “River enthusiasts and members of the general public are invited to visit the Museum, attend a tour, observe a demonstration of traditional canoe-building, and attend the induction ceremony,” adds Claudia Kerckoff VanWijk, WRC Director and advisor to the Canadian Canoe Museum. “To add to the excitement of the weekend, paddlers are invited to enjoy a day at the Gull River and a mini week of rivers hosted by the Madawaska Kanu Camp in Barry’s Bay.”
The World River Centre
The World River Centre (WRC) was founded in 2019 to provide community-based research and activities for education, stewardship, celebration, and the enjoyment of rivers around the world. The WRC has initiated a collaborative to develop and maintain a central, publicly accessible archive of whitewater activities, share educational and experiential opportunities for river enthusiasts, and celebrate excellence and leadership in the river community.
The International Whitewater Hall of Fame is the central program of the World River Centre (formed in 2019) which, since 2005, has welcomed over sixty-five inductees from 14 countries.