The Starring Cast
Alex & Hannah Barham
Alex and Hannah Barham are the passionate organizers of Beaver fest, a vibrant festival held every Labor Day weekend at Snow Ridge Ski Resort in Turin, New York. What began as a modest gathering of campers has transformed into a full-fledged event featuring world-class whitewater paddling, live music, food, bars, a skate park, family-friendly activities, and more. Dedicated advocates for both the paddling community and the environment, Alex and Hannah are also deeply involved in securing the next 40-years of relicensing agreements for rivers in the Black River watershed, including the Black, Moose, and Beaver rivers. Their tireless efforts are helping to preserve access to these incredible waterways while fostering a welcoming and inclusive community for outdoor enthusiasts.
Jared Seiler & Drew Sherkness
Jared Seiler and Drew Sherkness bring a wealth of experience and passion for the outdoors to their roles as race organizers for the Whitewater King of New York race series. Jared, a former professional whitewater kayaker, has traveled extensively across the Americas, teaching kayaking and promoting paddle sports. Drew, a lifelong outdoorsman and river guide, has dedicated his career to sharing the wonders of nature while fostering skills and camaraderie on the water. Together, they oversee the annual Labor Day weekend race series, hosted by the Great Falls Foundation and the Beaver River Rendezvous. This celebrated event features three Class V whitewater races on Adirondack rivers during recreational dam releases, attracting hundreds of paddlers to this stunning destination for thrilling competition and community.
Pete Skinner
Pete Skinner was instrumental in transforming American Whitewater (AW) from a struggling volunteer organization into a national leader in river access and conservation. Through his leadership, AW gained the capacity to intervene in federal hydropower relicensing, securing scheduled whitewater releases on rivers like the Beaver, Black, Moose, and others. His groundbreaking advocacy not only created year-round paddling opportunities but also helped establish AW as a vital voice in balancing recreational access with river health. Skinner’s efforts led to significant victories, such as securing “water on demand” agreements and forming the Hydropower Reform Coalition to unite diverse stakeholders. His passionate, innovative work laid the foundation for AW's continued success in protecting and restoring rivers nationwide.