09/16/2024
We are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Erin Larson who died in a car accident late last month. She called Fayetteville, WV home and was a active member in the whitewater paddle board scene though had an even bigger relationship in the Yoga community.
Given it's an already small, niche part of the sport, everyone who paddles WW on a SUP in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast have likely met one another at least once and Erin's infectious smile and kindness was impossible to miss.
A personal note from our guide: "If you ever paddle with me and conversations drift into my bigger views of the outdoor sports industry, you'll know how vocal I am on how egos and machismo in these mostly male dominated scenes are big barriers and turn offs to newcomers. It can be incredibly intimidating to attend your first event or group gathering so I often say, seasoned practitioners most often only have one chance to make a good impression to newcomers, make them feel welcomed and at home, otherwise they'll likely get turned off and interest will dry up.
Even though I have a lifelong relationship with outdoor adventure sports, I do not fall into that overly competitive, chest puffing, macho, earn your place here mentality. Attending my very first white water SUP event in West Virginia 9-10 years ago, I bashfully found a spot to myself away from the crowd to wait for the race to start. It wasn't long before one person clearly went well out of their way to introduce themselves, spark light conversation, then offered to introduce me to some of her friends, many have since become lasting paddle friends. Erin was that person. She made a point to welcome me to a place I was clearly unfamiliar, intimidated, and uncomfortable with. At the least, she offered me a single kind face during our first visits into the community.
Erin and I were paddle friends and distance acquaintances at best - but my opinion of her among our peers was large and outspoken.
Simply put, Erin was rad as f***
I always tell people that single fleeting actions can leave a lasting impression for the person on the receiving end. Erin made a point to be kind for no other reason than to offer kindness. The outdoor community needs more people like her, which is why this was very sad news and a true lost for us in the Virginia's (WV/VA) and beyond.
I send my deepest condolences to her family, friends, and everyone else who has been impacted by this loss."
~ David
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Erin's husband, family, and friends have launched a GoFund me to raise money to build a Yoga Shala in Fayetteville in her honor. They said it in their post, it was a project she was aiming for that they hope they can still see it through. If you're incline, donate or share that link with any SUP or Yoga friends you may have.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/celebrate-erin-larsens-life-with-us?utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet_ai&utm_content=amp9v2&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link&fbclid=IwY2xjawFVHNdleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHXw4ocHJDNwLFZECCNy0NvU6EM75N-o-tLnLt85X8FcGRqT3rL6ctIiBEA_aem_mAlLMgeipnn5MH13QBI6Cg
