Jim Sausville, from Saranac Lake, NY, has won American Whitewater's Paddle Ecuador! contest, one that was established to inspire paddlers to recruit new members. "Jim is an avid American Whitewater volunteer, having dedicated time to river restoration in hydropower relicensing proceedings on the Ausable River, building whitewater opportunities on the Saranac River, and teaching paddling to youths," said John Gangemi, American Whitewater Conservation Director. "I can't imagine a more deserving individual for this contest." Sausville commented, "In 1995, I attempted to build a beginner slalom area in our village. The village board went nuts crying about liability. At the time they were rebuilding the dam in town and I knew the FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) was hot for recreation. I contacted my friends at American Whitewater who put me in touch with a great lawyer. We won the case and as a result, hundreds of youths and adults have learned to paddle on the course." SNEWS® View: Nicely done Jim! Enjoy the well-earned paddling in Ecuador.