A new, free online platform designed specifically for whitewater paddlers is set to launch Tuesday, August 26, addressing a long-standing challenge in the paddling community: staying connected across scattered social media platforms and group chats.
RallyCrew, founded by whitewater kayaker and tech entrepreneur Deborah Kane, offers paddlers a centralized space to find partners, plan trips, and access events worldwide. The browser-based platform targets both recreational paddlers and paddlesport professionals.
“The whitewater world is passionate, but we are scattered across so many platforms,” Kane said. “RallyCrew was born out of a desire to bring everyone together in one space—whether you are looking to find new paddling buddies, plan a trip, or improve your skills.”
To celebrate the launch, RallyCrew is hosting a live virtual Q&A with founder Deborah Kane and Aniol Serrasolses on Tuesday, August 26 at 4:00 p.m. PT / 7:00 p.m. ET. The event will feature stories from Serrasolses’ expeditions in Patagonia, Mexico, Iceland, and other destinations worldwide.
The Q&A is open to RallyCrew members globally. After creating an account, users can find and save the event in their profile under the Events section.
Core Features Address Community Pain Points
The platform tackles common frustrations through several key features. Personalized paddler profiles allow users to highlight skills, experiences, and preferences for better partner matching. A global events database covers races, clinics, tours, and trips. Trip planning tools include river logs where paddlers can share experiences and insights.
Affinity groups let users connect based on shared interests, skill levels, or paddling styles. In-app messaging keeps paddling conversations organized, while sophisticated search helps users find local trip partners or connect with paddlers worldwide.
Professional kayaker Aniol Serrasolses endorsed the platform’s community-building approach. “RallyCrew is the community platform paddling has been missing,” said Serrasolses, co-founder of Serrasolses Brothers River Co. “It brings the whole whitewater world together in one place—athletes, instructors, clubs, newcomers, everyone.”
Professional Tools for Industry Growth
RallyCrew also targets paddlesport service providers with business-focused features. Instructors, schools, and guides can create business profiles, promote courses and trips, and connect directly with engaged paddlers seeking instruction.
The platform offers event listing capabilities to help professionals gain visibility among interested paddlers, bypassing social media algorithms. Qualified instructors and event organizers may also access insurance coverage tailored to paddlesport activities.
“RallyCrew is helping us reach paddlers who are looking for instruction and guiding, without getting lost in social media algorithms,” said Casey Bryant Jones, Paddle School Director for Ottawa Kayak School at Wilderness Tours. “It is a direct connection to the community we serve.”
The platform supports all whitewater crafts including kayaks, rafts, packrafts, and canoes, accommodating paddlers across skill levels from beginners to professionals.
Early access is currently available at https://beta.rallycrew.com, with the full platform launching Tuesday. More information is available at rallycrew.com. Photos courtesy of RallyCrew and Seth West.