ThePADDLER 6
BY SHANNON FARLEY
A tribute to
RAFAEL GALLO
The international paddling community recently lost one of its most prominent visionaries and an irreplaceable icon . On March 23 , Rafael Gallo , founder of Costa Rica ’ s Rios Tropicales rafting and adventure company and the International Rafting Federation ’ s first Honorary President , passed away at the age of 62 after a 14-month battle with pancreatic cancer . Upon hearing this news , via social media posts and word of mouth , people from around the world have shared their deep sense of loss and enduring love for ‘ Rafa ’.
In a tribute to Rafa , the International Rafting Federation ( IRF ) stated , “ The IRF , and indeed the entire rafting world has been deeply saddened by the passing of Rafael Gallo , Honorary President of the IRF . The outpouring of messages has been huge and an indication of the respect that so many held for Rafa . A true show of the vast number of people worldwide whose lives he touched with his positive energy . From the forefront of rafting to a global leader in conservation strategies and engagements , Rafa ’ s life achievements will not be forgotten .”
IRF President , Joseph Willis Jones , commented as a personal friend and on behalf of the IRF , “ It ’ s hard to see the rafting and environmental community lose such a passionate leader and individual . Rafa ’ s been someone who I ’ ve greatly admired and respected for all that he has accomplished during his remarkable life . His successes in protecting Costa Rica ’ s ecosystems and especially his beloved Rio Pacuare would have satisfied most people ’ s goals years ago . But for Rafa , enough was never enough because he could see there was always more that could be done . Rafa never shied away from any project , no matter how big or small , if he believed that it would benefit a river , or the sport of rafting , or the environment .”
Rafa is known all over the world for his role in promoting rafting and kayaking . He championed improving worldwide rafting safety standards and helped create a guide training and education system compatible with river rafting anywhere . He has a host of first descents to his credit , both by kayak and raft , and was inducted into the International Whitewater Hall of Fame in 2009 . He was also Costa Rica ’ s first-ever member of the prestigious Explorer ’ s Club of New York .