Chevaughn Dixon talks kayaks
Chevaughn Dixon runs the non-profit organization Hudson River Riders which seeks to provide access to outdoor activities and develop the next generation of environmental stewards. He’s an accomplished kayaker and one of the youngest black kayakers to complete the Manhattan Circumnavigation, one of the largest kayak trips in the country. Read more about why kayaking is near to his heart, and how he plans to bring more youth of color to the space.
LWO: How did you get involved with kayaking?
CHEVAUGHN: I was looking for something different to do outside of basketball, soccer, and track and field. One day I was hanging out by the river watching someone who had a kayaking program and they asked me if I wanted to try. 11 years later, I’m still here.
LWO: What did you like most about it?
CHEVAUGHN: I felt good doing it. It offered the opportunity to connect with people from vast backgrounds. I kayak with doctors, lawyers, engineers, environmental scientists, really all kinds of people from different professions are out there. It really gives you more perspective meeting all those people.
I really started liking it more when I started my nonprofit to help kids get that same opportunity. I started sponsoring swim lessons and taking them on trips just to inspire them. I got involved initially to do something unique, but what has kept me there is my role in the community and helping black and brown people have quality equitable access to kayaking.
LWO: What is it like being different than the typical kayaker?
CHEVAUGHN: Well, I am always one of the only black people out there. I have completed the Manhattan Circumnavigation which is the largest kayak trip in the world and was probably the youngest and maybe even first black person to make that trip. I think I am the only black person running a full on nonprofit kayak program in New York. For that reason, I’ve been working to help people to start similar programs in other cities.
LWO: Why do you think there is not a lot of diversity in the kayak world?
CHEVAUGHN: First, kayaking is one of the most expensive sports to start. You can go cheap, but it only takes you so far. You really need the equipment to develop elite level skills.
LWO: So how much are we talking?
CHEVAUGHN: If you’re going for the first time, you could get started for about $500. Which is still a lot of money for a lot of people. And to be a serious kayaker, it takes anywhere from $2500-$5000. On average the boat is about $2500. Then there’s the life jacket- $350, paddle- $500 skirt- $160. Plus, everything else you need. It adds up fast. With such a high upfront cost it’s just not practical for low-income people.
LWO: How do you feel the sport has benefitted you and why do you feel people need this access?
CHEVAUGHN: I am able to make a good life doing it. It can help give you a rich mindset and inspire you to go do, or study something very important. Kayaking is a gateway to many things, and can help you be wealthy. When you get in the water your entire prospective changes from land. What you think of on land is very different from what you’ll think about in the water. When you see a fish jump out the water it makes you curious about marine biology and understanding more species of fish. You think about chemistry and all types of things. Going out on water just provides something different. It’s not just about kayaking. It’s about applying those things you learn when you’re back on land.
LWO: How has your journey of being a black kayaker been?
CHEVAUGHN: Interesting and sometimes difficult. There have been issues with race. The experience mostly has been good, but there are some sides of it that have not been ok. Going into a space where there’s not many people who look like you, and no effort to bring them there is not easy. Those are the battles I deal with. I want to see black and brown people get the access that they are giving to everybody else. There are like 4-5 black, level 4 instructors that I know of and we’re not in the same vicinity. One guy’s down in South Carolina, so everybody’s spread out. But overall, kayaking has given me the opportunity to travel the world and meet some great people I wouldn’t have otherwise known.
LWO: What you’re doing is amazing! How can people follow your journey and help your cause?
CHEVAUGHN: You can donate, or follow us on IG and Facebook: Hudson River Riders. Also, reach out if you need advice on how to start a similar program and we’ll help.
Follow the Hudson River Riders and start your own kayak adventure. In the words of Chevaughn, “Keep enjoying outdoors, it’s yours!”
“Keep enjoying outdoors, it’s yours!”
-Chevaughn Dixon
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