First Descents provides whitewater kayaking and other outdoor adventure experiences to promote emotional, psychological and physical healing for young adults with cancer.

In 2001, ten young adults took to the rivers of Colorado in whitewater kayaks. For seven days, they learned the basics of the sport, eventually conquering Class III rapids before the week’s end. They were there to prove themselves and to prove a point: that cancer, no matter how aggressive, dormant, advanced, or invasive, would never be stronger than they were.

Since that week in 2001, First Descents has utilized whitewater kayaking and other outdoor adventure sports to promote emotional, psychological, and physical healing for over 500 young adults with cancer. In 2009 F.D. will host nine weeklong programs in six different states. We invite you to learn more about how you can participate, help, donate, or volunteer.

First Descents was created in 2001 by professional kayaker, Brad Ludden, and the support of the Vail Valley Chamber and Tourism Bureau, Nike and other partners . Get more information about FIRSTDESCENT