X-twitter Spotify Youtube Instagram Facebook Linkedin
Contact
Whitewater & River Engineering

Revitalizing Communities Through Whitewater

45+

River and whitewater projects

5

Olympic Standard Venues

Yellow outline of a certificate with a circular badge and ribbons on the lower right corner, symbolizing civil engineering achievement or award.

Time Magazine World’s Greatest Places Award Winner

15

Award-Winning Designs

Yellow line drawing of a person wearing a hard hat and safety vest, standing beside a large gear, symbolizing civil engineering, construction, or technical work.

Global Leaders in whitewater and river engineering

Whitewater & River Engineering Experts

We integrate sustainable whitewater solutions to create vibrant places that connect people to nature and drive economic growth.

Specializing in in-stream and pumped whitewater park design, our team offers expertise in river engineering, in-stream recreation, and water resource management. Clients benefit from our deep understanding of whitewater culture and our commitment to creating vibrant, resilient, and ecologically sound designs that seamlessly integrate rivers into communities.
Whitewater Tool Kit

How We Help

  • Bank stabilization
  • Boat ramps
  • Channel restoration
  • Dam and spillway design
  • Diversions and hydraulic structures
  • Feasibility studies
  • Flood mitigation
  • Hydrology and Hydraulics (H&H) modeling
  • In-stream whitewater parks
  • In-water recreation
  • Low Impact Development
  • Master planning
  • Movable obstacles
  • Pumped whitewater parks
  • River engineering
  • River restoration
  • River surf parks and adjustable waves
  • Swiftwater rescue centers
  • Training canals
  • Waterway access
  • Wetlands mitigation

Why Calibre

A group of nine people, including a Denver engineer, wearing helmets and life vests pose excitedly with paddles and inflatable tubes by a river, surrounded by trees and water, celebrating an outdoor rafting adventure.

We Live the Whitewater
Culture

Our paddler engineers bring first-hand experience and knowledge into whitewater and river projects.

A kayaker paddles through a whitewater course designed by a skilled whitewater engineer as people sit in chairs watching from the grassy bank. Numbered gates hang above the water, and spectators are enjoying the sunny outdoor event.

Whitewater
Gold

Calibre-S2O stands as the global leader in profitable design for whitewater parks.

A kayaker wearing a helmet and colorful shirt paddles through rough, splashing whitewater in a bright red kayak—channeling the spirit of a whitewater engineer amid foamy waves.

Olympic-Calibre
Leadership

Led by a three-time Olympic veteran and four-time whitewater world champion, Calibre’s Whitewater Team blends engineering precision with athletic experience.

“

“Calibre’s whitewater team is more than just engineers; we are passionate paddlers dedicated to creating exceptional whitewater parks. Our deep understanding of what paddlers and communities need drives us to deliver creative, user-focused solutions that ensure lasting satisfaction for everyone involved.”

Scott Shipley, PE, MS
Whitewater Division Manager
Start a Conversation
Smiling man with short brown hair, a light blue collared shirt, and a black quilted jacket, posed against a plain, transparent background—perfect for highlighting a Denver engineer or showcasing expertise in civil engineering.

”

What Clients are Saying

“From the very first meeting, S2o Design and Engineering (now Calibre-S2o) and Scott Shipley’s design and leadership were instrumental in not only providing a world class recreation and competitive venue, but also providing the City of Montgomery with a new destination identity. Scott’s excellence in engineering and passion for paddling and outdoor sports have truly made Montgomery Whitewater a unique destination.”
Jeffrey Gustin, Montgomery Whitewater
“Calibre is great to work with! Scott Shipley and Riley Adams have been instrumental in helping our firm develop a new and exciting design for the riverfront in Columbus, Indiana. They are true team players and very dependable in responding to questions and meeting project deadlines. I highly recommend them!”
Randy Royer, Hitchcock Design Group
“Without the Calibre-S2o team, we wouldn’t have successfully completed our project in Cunovo, due to all the specifics and unique characteristics of the venue. We appreciated the team’s friendly and kind attitude. We look forward to working with them again on any whitewater project in Slovakia”
JUDr. Matúš Štulajter, PhD
“I honestly believe the project could not have been a success without their dedication.”
Paul Owen, Formerly British Canoe Union

Featured Projects

People are rafting on a man-made whitewater course at sunset, surrounded by trees and grassy areas. Designed with civil engineering expertise, the scene features concrete structures, nearby buildings, and an empty blue raft resting on the shore.
[city_state]
  • Charlotte
  • NC

U.S. National Whitewater Center

The National Whitewater Center is the largest and most profitable whitewater park of its kind...

Read more
Two people wearing wetsuits and helmets ride waves on bodyboards in a river, surrounded by splashing water, showcasing the thrill of whitewater engineer adventures with rocks visible in the background.
[city_state]
  • Cañon City
  • CO

The Cañon City River Whitewater Park

The Cañon City River Whitewater Park focused on revitalizing the river ecosystem while enhancing recreational...

Read more
A panoramic view of a whitewater rafting course engineered by civil engineering experts, with several groups rafting on artificial rapids, surrounded by green grassy areas, walkways, and nearby park facilities under a clear sky.
[city_state]
  • Tees Barrage
  • UK

Tees Barrage International White Water Centre

The Tees Barrage International White Water Centre is a groundbreaking project that showcases our commitment...

Read more
A group of people gather under tents by a lake in a grassy field, with mountains and trees in the background, on a sunny day. Tables with displays and activities are set up for an outdoor event featuring colorado engineering projects.
[city_state]
  • Ketchum
  • ID

Sun Peak River Master Plan

Calibre’s Whitewater Team led the development of the River Park Master Plan in Ketchum, Idaho,...

Read more
A detailed map displays the town of Moab, Utah, highlighting main roads, parks, bike paths, and recreation areas with green and tan shading. Labels identify locations and trails—ideal for whitewater engineer planning or Colorado engineering projects.
[city_state]
  • Lyons
  • CO

St. Vrain Creek Watershed Master Plan

Calibre’s Whitewater Team played a pivotal role in the development of the South Saint Vrain...

Read more
A gently flowing creek with large rocks along its shallow bed, bordered by stone walls that reflect careful civil engineering. Trees and a road run parallel to the creek on the right side of the image.
[city_state]
  • Lyons
  • CO

St. Vrain Creek Channel Flood Recovery Design-Build

Calibre’s Whitewater Team played a key role in the successful recovery project following the devastating...

Read more
See More Projects
Contact
X-twitter Spotify Youtube