In the 1970’s golden age of whitewater kayaking, hydropower and corporate interests threaten to sever public access to flowing rivers. Through grassroots organizing and guerilla tactics, a ragtag band of kayakers helped topple the giants of industry, sparking a revolution in dam removal.
Now filmmaker Mike McKay is telling the story in “Whitewater Released,” a film which dives into how federal dam relicensing and scheduled releases reshaped the way paddlers float rivers across the United States. The inspiring tale features advocates like Pete Skinner, Tom Christopher, Chris Koll, Pope Barrow, Steven Massaro, and many others who fought tirelessly to protect river access and recreation. Thanks to their efforts, rivers like the Moose, Black, Beaver, and Deerfield became whitewater icons, offering reliable flows that paddlers depend on to this day. What began as a grassroots fight to save local waters evolved into a national movement, transforming river resource management and paving the way for organizations like American Whitewater, American Rivers, New England Flow, the Appalachian Mountain Club, and New York Rivers United Inc.
But this film is billed as more than just a history lesson—it’s a story packed with passion, grit, tenacity, and humor, following a scrappy group of river enthusiasts who band together to fight for something bigger than themselves—and they won. With never-before-seen footage, slides, and photos, Whitewater Released brings their remarkable journey to life and highlights the lasting impact of their work.
“We’re creating a documentary about whitewater history—this is a story you won’t want to miss,” says McKay. “But the fight isn’t over. Many of these licenses are now up for renewal, and the battles to protect our rivers continue. This film is a call to action, rallying a new generation to step up and ensure the rivers we love remain accessible for all paddlers.”
With broad industry experience, including work for TSN, APTN’s Pulse, and NBC Sports’ Journey to the Hammers, McKay brings a passion for kayaking and river conservation to the project. His debut short film, Jondachi (2016), earned international awards and led to producing Renaissance (2022), The Suffer Factor pilot and his first feature, Jaya. He also collaborates with NPOs like CPAWS and Ottawa Riverkeeper. Mike’s current project is Pinock, a documentary on the cultural importance of birch bark canoes.
How You Can Support the Project
Learn More and Contribute: Visit www.whitewaterreleased.com to explore the project and help bring this incredible story to life.
Tax-Deductible Donations: Support the film through American Whitewater by mailing a check directed to the project. Your contribution is tax-deductible, making it a meaningful way to give back.
By supporting this project, you’re helping us honor the legacy of pioneering river advocates and ensure their hard-fought victories endure for generations to come.
MIKE McKAY
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER / WRITER