RISK
A Life Saved by the River
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RISK is an adventure story about my lifelong and life-saving connection with wild rivers. Alternating between two time periods, RISK is about my journey as a pioneer in whitewater canoeing, kayaking, and rafting. Outdoor adventure helped me cope with the trauma of my mother’s diagnosis of acute multiple sclerosis when I was five, which rapidly forced our family into poverty and separation. Woven into these stories are chapters describing more recent events when I was thrust into becoming a first-time parent after menopause to my four-year-old nephew. My nephew's early years were spent with biological parents who struggled with addiction and mental illness. The journey into parenthood has been fraught with deep fear and insecurity about my ability to be a mother to an 'at risk' child. The weave of my story explores how pursuing 'good risk' through adventure can help one escape, and face, their fears.
Juliet Starrett, NYT bestselling author of Built to Move & 3x World Whitewater Champion
“RISK is an inspiring and captivating adventure story that beautifully intertwines Sue Norman’s legendary and pioneering career as a whitewater paddler with her deeply personal journey of overcoming immense challenges. Norman's raw and heartfelt narrative, spanning from her childhood coping with her mother's severe illness to unexpectedly becoming a mother later in life, showcases the transformative power of embracing what she calls ‘good risk.' This book is a testament to resilience, courage, and the healing force of outdoor adventure. Get ready to be inspired!!! "
Peter Heller, NYT bestselling author of The Dog Stars, The River, and Burn
"Sue Norman’s Risk inspires awe. It is a tale of overcoming; of passion; of deep connection to nature; and of a profound commitment to bringing one’s best to a life. How does one come through early family tragedy and poverty to become a champion whitewater kayaker? How does one suddenly become a parent when a twin’s child needs a guardian? As a lifelong kayaker I thrilled to the passages about international river running and whitewater racing--the heart pounding risks and the courage. As a human, I was profoundly moved by the lessons in how to put together a moral, generous, and meaningful life."
Caroline Paul, NYT bestselling author of Gutsy Girl, and recent release of Tough Broad
"Sue Norman has paddled whitewater rivers around the world, skied down steep ravines, and camped in bitter cold and rain. Yet without a doubt her biggest act of courage was becoming a first time mother to a toddler at age 57, by adopting her young nephew. Can all the lessons that nature has taught her – bravery, resilience, risk assessment – persevere? In this deeply thoughtful, often funny, resonant memoir, Norman deftly explores not just the landscapes and adventures that made her who she is, but also the terrain of the human heart."
IN THE PRESS
until I get some book press, just for fun... here are some links to past video coverage of US Women's Whitewater Team raft racing
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Chapter 12 -Be Ready for Change, in the book Tough Broad: From Boogie Boarding to Wing Walking―How Outdoor Adventure Improves Our Lives as We Age (Caroline Paul, March 2024)
I was the subject of this chapter, which provides a concise version of my unique parenting journey. Check it out!
BIO
At age two, I was introduced to whitewater while canoeing in the Ozarks with my family. Thus began a lifelong journey with the river, working, exploring, competing worldwide, and winning National and World Championship titles as a member of the U.S. Slalom Kayak Team and the U.S. Women's Whitewater Rafting Team.
I began writing my memoir soon after retiring from a hydrology career with the US Forest Service in Lake Tahoe and learning how to be a first-time parent after becoming the legal guardian of my four-year-old nephew at age 57.
RISK is not just a memoir, it's a testament to resilience. It's the story of how I used the lessons learned from the river to confront the effects of childhood trauma, both for myself and my nephew. RISK will be published in June of 2025 on She Writes Press with distribution by Simon and Schuster.
My future writing will continue to focus on the joy and power of immersion in wild sport in wild environments to provide the resiliency, strength, and grounding for facing life's inevitable losses and challenges.
I live in Lake Tahoe with my son/nephew Seth, my partner Lisa, and our two dogs.
A few images in a life on the river....
