We Are FPC
Our Vision
Foothills Paddling Club is a 501(c)(7) non-profit organization based in Greenville, SC. Although Greenville is our home base, we have members from across the region, including Western North Carolina, Northeast Georgia, Eastern Tennessee, and throughout South Carolina.
We exist to promote healthy community, educate both the novice and the experienced, and be resource for paddlers of many disciplines in the Southeast. We are dedicated to promoting the safe enjoyment of both whitewater and flat water in canoes, kayaks, rafts, stand-up paddle boards and other craft.
Our Bylaws
The bylaws of Foothills Paddling Club, among other things, govern our organization, define how to become and maintain as well as the code of conduct for membership, and outline the duties and responsibilities of officers and committee members and how those individuals are elected.
Membership
When you become a member of Foothills Paddling Club, you are joining a community of paddlers who share a passion for the water and a commitment to helping each other learn, grow, and enjoy our waterways safely and sustainably
Community
We work hard to promote and maintain a healthy community for paddlers of all backgrounds and disciplines regardless of race, creed, orientation, or anything else. We organize community events and guided trips on the water. We also maintain a Facebook page open to the public and a private online community for our Members.
Education
Our members have access to clinics and classes that teach concepts and build skills in many areas including river kayaking fundamentals, taught in our Foundations of Kayaking program, Swiftwater Rescue, and Wilderness First Aid
Conservation
Our community is passionate about stewarding the natural resources in which we play, especially our resource. We organize conservation events, such as river cleanups, and stay involved with environmental policy and larger conservation projects.
Giving Back
Thanks to the generosity our Members, The Foothills Paddling Club is able to financially support conservation and advocacy organizations such as…
American Whitewater is a national non-profit 501©(3) river conservation organization founded in 1954 with approximately 6,000 members and 100 local-based affiliate clubs, representing whitewater enthusiasts across the nation. American Whitewater’s mission is to protect and restore America’s whitewater rivers and to enhance opportunities to enjoy them safely. The organization is the primary advocate for the preservation and protection of whitewater rivers throughout the United States, and connects the interests of human-powered recreational river users with ecological and science-based data to achieve the goals within its mission.
Save Our Saluda's mission is to protect and restore the Upper Saluda Watershed. We strive to educate the community and increase awareness of the watershed, water resource issues, and the need to help protect our rivers. We advocate for clean water and sustainable flows, and seek effective solutions to threats facing the Saluda River and its tributaries in cooperation with partnering organizations and volunteers.
Our Board
.Mel has been a member since 2022 but in that time has become an integral part of the community
Professionally, she has over 20 years of experience working in the nonprofit sector, focusing on 501(c)(3) organizations, and has served as an Executive Director for both affordable housing and art programs. She holds a master’s degree in business administration, and though originally from New Jersey, the Blue Ridge Mountains has had her heart for as long as she can remember. In 2016, She made the decision to relocate here, hasn’t looked back since.
Ross enjoys any day spent out on the water. Ross, a native Floridian, learned to love whitewater after moving to Charlotte. It’s a shared sport with his wife and now three year old daughter. He serves as treasurer and is passionate about education, helping people get out on the water, and family boating (bonus points if camping is involved).
