In the predominantly white world of outdoor water sports, two remarkable Black women are challenging stereotypes and inspiring a new generation of kayakers.
Devin Brown and Tanya Walker have not only conquered rapids and navigated challenging waters but have also become beacons of representation and change in the kayaking community.
Their stories highlight the importance of diversity in outdoor recreation and remind us that passion knows no racial boundaries.
This post will delve into the lives of these two exceptional athletes, highlighting their challenges, accomplishments and how they made it big to inspire thousands of young kayakers to take up the sport and contribute beyond.
Take a look.
Tanya Walker
Image Source – BlackWomenWho
Tanya Walker is a prominent figure in the kayaking community, known for her advocacy and efforts to increase diversity within outdoor recreational sports.
Early Life
Tanya Walker grew up with a passion for outdoor activities, including kayaking, hiking, and cycling.
However, she noticed a significant lack of representation of people of color in these spaces.
This absence was not just a personal observation; it reflected a broader trend where marketing and visibility in outdoor sports were predominantly aimed at white audiences.
Walker’s experiences ignited her desire to create change within these communities.
Achievements
In 2018, Walker founded Black Women Who , an organization aimed at encouraging women of color to participate in recreational sports that have historically been seen as exclusive to white individuals.
The group has successfully hosted numerous events focused on kayaking, rowing, and cycling in the Austin area.
Through partnerships with local organizations like the Texas Rowing Center and the British Swim School, Walker has fostered a supportive environment that empowers Black and brown individuals to engage in these activities.
Walker’s initiative has led to the inclusion of over 20 women in the rowing community, illustrating her impact on expanding access and representation in outdoor sports.
She emphasizes that her organization is not just about one-time events but aims to cultivate ongoing participation and interest among people of color.
Image Source – BlackWomenWho
Professional Stint
Tanya’s role as an advocate and community leader has been pivotal. She transitioned her passion for kayaking into a purposeful mission to break down racial barriers in outdoor recreation.
Her leadership has inspired many women to step outside their comfort zones and explore activities they may have previously felt excluded from.
Contribution to the Kayaking Community
Walker’s contributions extend beyond her organization; she actively works to change perceptions around who can participate in outdoor sports.
By creating a welcoming space for women of color, she challenges stereotypes and encourages inclusivity. Her vision is clear: she wants everyone to feel that outdoor activities are accessible and enjoyable for all, regardless of race.
Through Black Women Who, Tanya Walker continues to make significant strides in promoting diversity within the kayaking community and beyond, ensuring that more people can experience the joy of outdoor recreation.
Devin Brown
Devin Brown is an emerging figure in the kayaking community, known for her historic attempt to become the first African American woman to solo kayak the entire length of the Mississippi River.
Her journey, which she refers to as a “Source to Sea” adventure, spans approximately 2,340 miles from Lake Itasca in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico.
Early Life
Originally from New Jersey, Devin Brown relocated to Minnesota with the specific goal of learning about the Mississippi River and undertaking this ambitious kayaking journey.
This move reflects her deep commitment to connecting with nature and understanding the river’s significance.
Brown has expressed a strong belief in the importance of nature as a shared space for all people, emphasizing her desire to inspire others, particularly those from marginalized communities, to embrace outdoor activities.
Achievements
Brown’s kayaking journey began on May 27, 2025, and she made significant progress in her quest, covering over 1,000 miles in just 34 days before pausing due to dangerous conditions caused by heavy rains and flooding along the river.
Her journey has been marked by numerous challenges, including navigating difficult weather conditions and overcoming physical obstacles.
Notably, she completed the MR150 race—a 150-mile challenge—within her broader expedition.
In addition to her kayaking endeavors, Brown serves as a community program manager for Mississippi Park Connection, where she promotes outdoor activities among Black, Indigenous, and other people of color.
She has been vocal about her experiences as one of the few women and people of color in the kayaking space and aims to create inclusive opportunities for others to engage with nature.
Image Source – Mprnews
Professional Stint
Brown’s professional kayaking career is characterized by her determination and resilience.
Throughout her journey on the Mississippi River, she has encountered various challenges but has remained focused on her goal.
She has received support from “river angels,” local residents who have assisted her with lodging and supplies during her expedition.
Despite facing setbacks due to environmental conditions, Brown remains optimistic about completing her journey in the future.
Her story is not just about personal achievement; it also serves as an inspiration for diversity in outdoor sports and highlights the importance of representation in nature-related activities.
Devin Brown is not only making history through her kayaking expedition but also working towards greater inclusivity in outdoor sports.
Her efforts reflect a broader commitment to connecting communities with nature while challenging stereotypes within the kayaking world.
Conclusion
The stories of Devin Brown and Tanya Walker represent more than individual achievements; they symbolize the changing face of outdoor recreation.
By breaking barriers and creating pathways for others, these women prove that kayaking’s appeal transcends racial and cultural boundaries.
Their influence extends from the water to the boardroom, reshaping both the sport and the industry around it.
The legacy isn’t just in the records they’ve set or the rapids they’ve conquered, but in the doors they’ve opened for future generations of diverse paddlers.
As the kayaking community becomes more inclusive, it grows stronger, richer, and more vibrant – one paddle stroke at a time.
