

Celebrating 30 Years in the Hall of Fame
For over half a century, Bunny Johns has made her impression on Paddlesports, shaping the world of whitewater kayaking and canoeing with skill, leadership, and a passion for the outdoors. This year, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of her induction into the International Whitewater Hall of Fame, a recognition well-deserved for a woman who has paved the way for generations of paddlers. Bunny Johns: A Whitewater Legend

The Early Days: From Lakes to Rapids
Bunny’s journey into the world of whitewater began in the early 1960’s at Camp Merrie-Woodie, a summer camp for girls in North Carolina. There, she was first introduced to paddling as a counselor by the campers! As the final test of an extensive canoeing program, the campers were required to teach someone else how to paddle. Instead of teaching their peers, they had to instruct a counselor who was unfamiliar with paddling. The chosen counselor was Bunny. She enjoyed the experience so much that she decided to pursue more challenging waters.
Her transition to whitewater came on Section 3 of the Chattooga River, a step that would define the rest of her career. Bunny first met the Kennedys on the river, and after becoming immersed in the paddling community of Bryson City, North Carolina, Bunny took on multiple roles at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC). She started with NOC in 1975 as a staff member and then quickly moved into paddling instruction in 1976.
In those days there wasn’t much material on how to teach people to paddle other than Red Cross books, and they were about flat water. It was thrilling to be there during the time where whitewater was developing and we had so many excellent paddlers who became so involved in trying to be excellent in teaching.
At a time when the philosophy at NOC was that “everyone did everything,” Bunny embraced the challenge, working as a kayak school manager while guiding, instructing, and even cooking for guests. But it wasn’t long before she made a name for herself in the competitive paddling world.

A Champion on the Water
Bunny quickly rose to prominence in competitive canoeing, earning national recognition as a racer in Open Boat Canoeing. In 1981, she and Mike Hipsher achieved what many paddlers only dream of: winning gold at the World Wildwater Championships in Bala, Wales. This victory not only solidified her status as an elite paddler but also demonstrated the strength and skill of women in the sport. But Bunny’s impact extended far beyond the competition. She was dedicated to ensuring that future generations had access to high-quality instruction and safe, effective training. Her leadership at NOC helped establish one of the country’s most respected whitewater paddling schools, NOC Paddling School.

Shaping the Future of Whitewater Education
As an instructor, trainer, and mentor, Bunny revolutionized how whitewater paddling was taught. Serving as the Chair of the American Canoe Association (ACA) Training Committee from 1979-1981, she played a pivotal role in shaping modern Paddlesports education. She was instrumental in developing instructor certification and whitewater rescue techniques that are still used today.
Her contributions included:
- Leading the world’s first open-source code for elite whitewater kayak instruction.
- Supporting the first adaptive kayak instruction program, making paddling more accessible to paraplegic and amputee athletes.
- Developing new stroke techniques, rolling improvements, and whitewater safety standards that are now industry best practices.
Bunny’s philosophy was simple but powerful: “What is the most effective way to teach this? Can we break it down and make it understandable? How can we do this better? How can we do it safely?” Her relentless pursuit of excellence has shaped Paddlesports instruction nationwide, empowering thousands of instructors and students alike.

Leadership at NOC & Beyond
From 1991 to 2002, Bunny served as Chief Operating Officer and then President of NOC, guiding the organization through significant growth while staying true to its mission of fostering a deep connection between people and the outdoors.
She was also a key advocate in bringing the 1996 Summer Olympics to Atlanta, serving as an Olympic official and ensuring whitewater paddling’s place on the world stage. Beyond the paddling world, Bunny continued to make an impact through her work in conservation. With a PhD in Plant Physiology from NC State University, she applied her expertise to projects that protect the rivers and landscapes she has long cherished. She has worked with Duke Energy to rebalance resource use and collaborated with the Little Tennessee Land Trust to preserve critical waterways.

A Lasting Legacy
Bunny Johns’ influence runs as deep as the rivers she’s navigated. Her dedication to Paddlesports, instruction, and conservation has left an indelible mark on the community. As we celebrate 30 years since her induction into the International Whitewater Hall of Fame, we recognize not just her past achievements but the lasting impact she continues to have on paddlers of all skill levels. Her story is one of resilience, passion, and commitment to both adventure and education. Bunny Johns is a true legend of whitewater.