The word Diva, in Latin, means goddess.
A Diva can also be a stage celebrity who demands what she needs. Both of these meanings are important to the mission of Downriver Divas. You are worthy of placing yourself first on the stage of life. You were born into this world wild, uninhibited, deeply in tune with your senses and demanding that your needs be met.
So often though, women have learned to suppress these authentic desires and retreat into our comfort zones. We have somehow bought into the misbelief that being a woman equals sacrifice. Downriver Divas challenges this misbelief and provides the opportunity to live into the awareness that you are a wild goddess!
Multi-day rafting excursions present a rare opportunity to sink into a sensory-rich world, free of distraction or interruption. It is empowering to experience the beauty and challenges of the outdoors as a woman; especially in the company of other strong and like-minded women. Each day on the river provides a new stage to play, connect, explore and co-create with your wild goddess.
Aimee Cullwick
Founder & retreat leader
Having spent recent years in a down-turn of “mommy martyrdom”, taking care of everyone but herself, Aimee sought to reawakening her wild side by leading multi-day river trips for women. With 20+ years of experience as a raft guide and kayaker, Aimee gypsied the globe after college seeking river tribes throughout North, Central, South America and New Zealand.
Aimee has intimate knowledge of the camaraderie, natural beauty and spiritual connection that only river trips can provide. Though her experience as a raft guide began as an adventurous pursuit, helping clients feel safe on all classifications of whitewater, she soon realized that the true journey on a river is within one’s consciousness.
As one of four sisters and mother to three daughters, Aimee was inspired to create a space to honor relationships among women where they can play, laugh, dance and cry in a natural setting that inspires growth and connection. It became clear that river trips provide the perfect backdrop to bring women in-tune with their feminine power, rediscover their creative wisdom and celebrate all aspects of sisterhood.
Aimee has a masters degree in education and certifications in Spiritual Psychology and Soul-Centered Life Coaching from the University of Santa Monica. She is also the proud owner of one of the most coveted costume closets in the world!!
If you are new to river camping:
Years of guiding experience have taught us that access to intimate places on rivers does not have to be uncomfortable. Our trips are run in partnership with one of the world’s best outfitters whose all-female staff provide everything from expert river skills to amazing meals.
There is a misconception that camping equals poor sleep and smelly clothes. Unlike a small backpack, rafts are big vessels with space for huge sleeping mats, comfy camp chairs, refreshing drinks and gourmet food. Rafting trips equal comfort!
We take pride in our goddess surprises; lavender spray on pillows, sparkly tattoos to go with your rustic attire, maybe even a warm foot bath. Trust us, the rhythm and serenity of the river will become a new home you will not want to leave.
Downriver Divas supports The Buddy Program:
Downriver Divas believes strongly in recreational exposure to rivers! Floating a river provides intimate perspectives to fragile ecosystems and preserved natural settings that everyone should have the opportunity to experience.
With this mission in mind, we support The Buddy Program a local organization that provides rafting as part of the camps they offer youth who receive mentoring experiences in order to achieve their full potential.