
About
Chief Instigator & Whitewater Program Director
Melissa grew up in the Northeast but found her way to the rivers and mountains of California in 2004. While living on the north shore of Lake Tahoe, she discovered whitewater and began working as a raft guide. Fueled by a love for rivers, travel and adventure, Melissa worked her way around the world on the endless summer as a raft guide, safety kayaker, and photo boater, spending seasons in places like Norway, Chile, New Zealand, Nepal and Uganda.
Melissa grew up in the Northeast but found her way to the rivers and mountains of California in 2004. While living on the north shore of Lake Tahoe, she discovered whitewater and began working as a raft guide. Fueled by a love for rivers, travel and adventure, Melissa worked her way around the world on the endless summer as a raft guide, safety kayaker, and photo boater, spending seasons in places like Norway, Chile, New Zealand, Nepal and Uganda.
In 2015, Melissa created California Watersport Collective, with a focus on bringing more women into the sport of kayaking, and as a way to cultivate community, helping to make paddlesports accessible to everyone. Melissa currently runs her whitewater programs on her home river, the South Fork American, as well as in Oregon, Idaho, Washington, Montana and Chile. You’ll often find Melissa living it up at river festivals and races around the country.
In addition to paddling, mountain biking, hiking and snowboarding, Melissa has a passion for good food, culture, music and dance. While she is focused on building her company, Melissa is still a free spirit and often feels more at home when she’s out on the road.
* ACA L4 Whitewater
Client Types
Individuals
Small groups
Experts
Trips

Whitewater Adventure Trip in Norway
Your journey begins with a shuttle from Bergen Airport to Voss, a charming town nestled in the heart of the fjords. After outfitting your boat, you’ll dive straight into the adventure, paddling through pristine rivers surrounded by dramatic landscapes. Voss is known for its world class rivers, and you’ll have plenty of time to explore and refine your skills on the water. You’ll also have the chance to hike to breathtaking waterfalls, immersing yourself in Norway’s natural beauty.
Next, we’ll hit the road for a stunning drive to the Sjoa Valley, a region that offers a distinct vibe with its rugged terrain and crystal clear rivers. The paddling here is equally amazing, with challenging sections that will take your skills to the next level. Sjoa is a paddler’s paradise, known for its classic whitewater sections. You’ll get plenty of time to experience it all before heading back to Voss for the final days of your trip where we’ll have the chance for more rivertime. We’ll return you to Bergen on July 10, where we’ll bid you farewell “Ha det bra” until we see you again on the river.
Throughout the journey, our expert coaches will work closely with you, offering personalized guidance on technique, timing, scouting, decision making and the all-important — boof. With a small guest-to-coach ratio, you’ll receive plenty of attention and feedback, ensuring you make the most of every moment on the water.
Don’t miss out on this epic adventure – get ready to paddle some of the most beautiful rivers in the world!
Seasonality
Jul

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Whitewater Adventure Trip in Italy
Italy Kayak Adventure: A Journey Through Valsesia
Join us on an unforgettable kayaking adventure in the breathtaking Valsesia Valley. Your journey begins on May 15th with a convenient airport shuttle from Milan’s Malpensa Airport, taking you straight into the heart of the Italian Alps. The first day features a scenic drive through charming villages, a delightful lunch stop, and a relaxing introduction to the river as we get you equipped and comfortable in your kayak.
Every day offers something new— exploring pristine rivers, savoring the iconic Italian happy hour “aperitivo” and indulging in incredible dinners that showcase the region’s best cuisine. Mornings kick off with a delicious breakfast at our cozy chalet before we set out to explore the area’s spectacular rivers. After a day on the water, you’ll unwind with a well-deserved gelato, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
From the water to the mountains, we’ll also take time to discover hidden gems in the surrounding area, immersing ourselves in both natural beauty and local culture. On May 23, we’ll make our way back to Malpensa after a final breakfast, and send you on your way with memories to last a lifetime.
Come for the adventure, stay for the experience. We can’t wait to show you everything Valsesia has to offer.
Book your trip today—your Italian kayaking adventure awaits!
Seasonality
May

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Whitewater Adventure Trips in Chile
Looking for a unique and authentic experience? Join us for a paddling adventure in one of most truly breathtaking places on the planet – Chile. These unique and active trips include paddling beautiful rivers, culture, cuisine and so much more.
We are excited to offer customized trips and packages designed especially for you and your group skill and experience level. Our trips in Chile include whitewater kayaking, paddleboarding, packrafting and all skill level adventure trips. Whether you are an advanced paddler hoping to run your first waterfall or a class II paddler looking to explore new rivers — we offer professionally guided trips around the iconic rivers of the region. Let us create the perfect adventure for you!
Depending on your craft of choice, your paddling adventure includes whitewater kayaking, packrafting or standup paddleboarding the incomparable rivers throughout the gorgeous Araucanía region or in pristine Patagonia. Cali Collective is proud to partner with Chilean outfitters, chefs and companies to provide a seamless experience and to support local businesses.
While these trips are focused on paddling, we also have you covered when we’re off the water. You’ll have the opportunity to dive deep into local culture and learn about the people, flora and fauna of this land. Interested in hiking, biking or horseback riding? We can organize rides into the Patagonian Andes, to crystal clear alpine lakes or hike up a big volcano. You’ll enjoy authentic Chilean food, sip regional wines, spark meaningful conversation by the campfire and relax under the Southern Cross. The sky’s the limit!
Seasonality
Jan-Mar
Nov-Dec