Wisconsin Paddlers Hall of Fame
Nominations are now being accepted from NEWP members for three new awards to recognize significant contributions to Wisconsin paddling.
- The NEWP IMPACT AWARD will go to a person who has made contributions to NEWP’s programs and activities.
- The PADDLE AMBASSADOR AWARD will recognize contributions to Wisconsin paddle sports.
- The WISCONSIN PADDLERS HALL OF FAME will recognize someone with a connection to Wisconsin who has made outstanding, long-term contributions (20 years or more) and far-reaching impact on paddle sports.
- The nominee may be living or deceased.
- The nominee has been involved in Wisconsin paddling for a minimum of 20 years.
- The nominee has made considerable contributions to paddling in Wisconsin (canoeing, kayaking, rafting, SUP).
- Nominate someone for the Paddlers Hall of Fame
If you would like to nominate a person for one of these awards, please click on the above link(s), review the criteria and submit your responses. You may submit nominations for one, two or all three awards.
The 2023 inductee to the Wisconsin Paddling Hall of Fame is Rebecca Giddens (formerly Bennett). She competed in two Summer Olympics, winning a silver medal in the K1 event in Athens in 2004. Giddens also won three medals at the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships with a gold (K1: 2002) a silver (K1 team: 1999) and a bronze (K1: 2003).
Giddens was born in Green Bay and attributes much of her world-class kayaking success to her mentors at NEWP. She now resides in Kernville, California, where she owns a brewpub with her husband, Eric. Her husband finished 20th in the men’s K1 event at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta.
Rebecca’s Olympic run, and award acceptance speech may be viewed here.
Jake Stachovak, the first inductee to the WPHOF was named at the annual meeting of Northeast Wisconsin Paddlers (NEWP) on January 29, 2022.
2023 Award Recipients will be named at the 2023 Paddling Film Festival on March 25, 2023. Make your plans now to attend this prestigious event!