On-Water Demo Day • June 20
Sawyer Ambassador
Ellie Clapp
Whitewater paddler, junior racer, and next-generation river athlete.
Ellie Clapp is a Southern Oregon whitewater paddler whose passion for rivers began at a young age. From competitive swimming to technical whitewater and expedition boating, Ellie continues pushing her skills while helping inspire the next generation of river runners.
Meet Ellie
Growing up around the rivers of Southern Oregon, water has always been a central part of Ellie’s life. She joined swim team at five years old and started rafting at age nine. Over time, paddling evolved from a hobby into a year-round passion focused on progression, adventure, and building confidence on challenging rivers.
Ellie sharpened her skills through training with Sierra Rescue and became part of the Rafting Magazine Junior Paddle Team. In 2025, she and another teenage paddler competed in the South Smith Race, placing seventh in the Class IV race division against experienced adult teams. She continues pursuing new challenges, including expedition boating and international river exploration.
Sawyer gear has been part of Ellie’s boating experience from the beginning. She learned to row on 9-foot Sawyer SquareTop oars and values lightweight, responsive equipment that reduces strain while still performing in big water and technical rocky creeks. Her favorite setups include the MXS Oar Shaft, Sawyer SquareTop Oars, and the Carbon Pro Raft Race Paddle.
“Whether rowing a new river or paddling with a new crew, I am excited to broaden my horizons.”
Life on the Water
Home Waters
- Rogue River
- Illinois River
- Middle Fork Smith
- South Fork Smith
- North Fork American
Featured Sawyer Gear
Ellie’s Gear of Choice
MXS Oar Shaft – Lightweight and responsive for reducing fatigue while maintaining power and control in technical whitewater.
Carbon Pro Raft Race Paddle
Built for lightweight power, fast cadence, and efficient strokes during whitewater racing and high-performance paddling.
Watch or Listen
Connect & Explore
Learn more about the organizations helping support river safety, whitewater education, and stewardship within the paddling community.