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Become the River
Well, the summer of 2025 was filled with Northern California author talks to promote my memoir RISK, podcast interviews, engaging in various acts of resistance to the assault on public lands, speaking on author panels at my first literary festivals, along with many blissful days of Tahoe stay-cation What I learned from author talks is that no matter how small the audience, there was always at least one person—or a few—who made me feel my effort was worth it. I may not have s
Susan Norman
Oct 285 min read


Giving Back to the Wild
The Missouri River Wild (Montana) As the assault continues, I am once again drawn to devote this month’s blog to public lands advocacy....
Susan Norman
Aug 255 min read


The River Remembers - the Greatest River Restoration Story on Earth
Standing on the side of the Klamath River in sight of its confluence with the Pacific Ocean, my eyes strained to see paddlers emerge from...
Susan Norman
Jul 186 min read


Girl Powered Paddling Leadership -'Portage Like a Girl'
Outdoor adventure sports involve risk; it's part of the package, and for many, the allure of 'good risk' is part of the attraction in the...
Susan Norman
May 125 min read


Resistance and Resilience
Inspecting the Upper Truckee River Restoration Project behind my home in Lake Tahoe. My blog this month is taking a sharp swerve because,...
Susan Norman
Mar 316 min read


Part I - Source to Sea Adventures - THE GRAND SALMON
There was a time when I thought it would be cool to embark on a long, multi-week, or months-long exploration of a large river system....
Susan Norman
Feb 135 min read


The Reluctant Outdoorswoman- A Tribute to Bette Norman
While finishing up the final edits for my memoir RISK before going to print, I was unsure how to refer to my Mom in the dedication. Was...
Susan Norman
Jan 214 min read


Reluctant Motherhood and the Holidays
Without a doubt, my life would have been just as fulfilling had I never become my nephew's mom. Fulfilled with my intentionally childless...
Susan Norman
Dec 15, 20243 min read


Brave the Wild River
Several times throughout my life, I have admittedly, felt like a badass. These moments of vanity emerged through achieving several...
Susan Norman
Nov 11, 20243 min read


Not Pau Yet - Na Wahine O' Ke Kai
In September 2024, the greatest women's paddling race on earth resumed after a four-year hiatus, the Na Wahine O’ Ke Kai, Molokai to Oahu...
Susan Norman
Oct 14, 20246 min read


Women Warrior Healers of the Klamath River
During my 27-year career as a hydrologist, I participated in numerous efforts to restore ecological function to watersheds and rivers. As...
Susan Norman
Sep 19, 20247 min read


Loving Solutions
My memoir RISK includes many exciting stories about the adventure sport of whitewater paddling. But the theme of my memoir is just as...
Susan Norman
Aug 21, 20245 min read


The Paradox of Power and Grace in Sport
Well, it is that time again for those of us who are passionate about—maybe you could even say obsessed with—the Olympics. For two whole...
Susan Norman
Jul 12, 20244 min read


NariNauka (Women's Boat)
I will always be proud of being part of a strong group of women who pushed the boundaries of what women could do in the sport of...
Susan Norman
May 30, 20244 min read


Platforming an Audience
Over the past year I have been advised repeatedly that I am unlikely to sell many copies of my memoir, RISK, unless I develop a PLATFORM...
Susan Norman
Apr 29, 20242 min read
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