S2O Design & Engineering

02/19/2026

From March 13–15, Montgomery Whitewater in Montgomery, AL is hosting Race One of the 2026 ICF World Ranking series—a Level 3 international event drawing 100 elite athletes from the U.S., Canada, and South America in Canoe Slalom and Kayak Cross. These athletes are sharpening their lines and racing for global ranking points as they prepare for the 2026 World Championships at Riversport Rapids in Oklahoma City, which will also be the venue for the 2028 Olympic races.

From Montgomery Whitewater to OKC to the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, purpose-built whitewater parks are changing the game, elevating whitewater nationally and globally. They are bringing world-class competition to new communities, building new fan bases, and giving athletes incredible venues to train and qualify.

Go and check out these amazing athletes as they train for the 2026 ICF World Rankings!

More info about whitewater parks at www.calibre-engineering.com

12/19/2025

We’re proud to see the growing recognition of dedicated swiftwater rescue training—and our work featured in Firehouse Magazine!

As severe flood events become more frequent across the U.S., responders need realistic, repeatable scenarios to build skill and confidence.

At Calibre Engineering, formerly S2O Design, our background in whitewater park and river-hydraulics design transfers seamlessly to swiftwater rescue training facilities—where controlled flow, complex hydraulics, and scenario-based features are essential for preparing responders for real-world flood and river emergencies.

These engineered facilities that support year-round, side-by-side training for multiple agencies are redefining how first responders prepare for water-based rescues.

👉 Read the full story in Firehouse Magazine: “Advanced Facilities Enhance Swiftwater Rescue Training Opportunities”
📖 Link: https://www.firehouse.com/rescue/water-ice/article/55333114/swiftwater-rescue-training-becoming-paramount

EngineeringForSafety Firehouse.com

📷: Shane Palmer

07/25/2024

Just had a project featured in time magazine—pretty excited to see a whitewater park get this kind of recognition!

Find out why Montgomery Whitewater is one of the World's Greatest Places 2024

05/08/2024

Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to water sports, safety should always come first. Learn from the best with expert advice from Scott Shipley, a three-time Olympic veteran and World Cup champion in slalom kayaking and our Whitewater Division Manager! Read more: https://www.calibre-engineering.com/post/how-to-have-fun-stay-safe-on-the-water

04/15/2024

Montgomery Whitewater is more than just a pumped park for recreation - it's transforming Alabama's economy! Take a look at this article for more information and watch the video to see what our Whitewater Division Manager, Scott Shipley, has to say about the project: https://alabamanewscenter.com/2024/04/09/montgomery-whitewater-a-catalyst-for-growth-in-alabamas-river-region/

04/10/2024

The U.S. will be streaming on Peacock this weekend as they take place at Montgomery Whitewater, a pumped whitewater park designed by Calibre's S2o Whitewater Team. Make sure to tune in! For more info: https://loom.ly/0OSei0Y

American whitewater slalom and kayak cross athletes seeking a berth to compete in this summer's Paris Games will take center stage on April 13, when the

03/27/2024

Just another reason we love water! Check out Paddling Magazine's latest article on why is more than just fun: https://paddlingmag.com/skills/health-fitness/is-kayaking-good-exercise/?utm_source=Paddling+Magazine&utm_campaign=d7521faefa-ptw-2024-03-26&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-0cd6a72dfd-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D&mc_cid=d7521faefa&mc_eid=4424596005

The best way to get your daily exercise.

03/07/2024

The Montgomery Park has been awarded Project of the Year by Business Alabama! Our Whitewater Team is thrilled to have collaborated on this state-of-the-art adventure park. Read more: https://www.wsfa.com/2024/03/05/montgomery-whitewater-park-named-business-alabamas-2024-project-year/

Montgomery Whitewater Park, was honored with the Project of the Year designation at Business Alabama’s annual awards.

02/13/2024

01/31/2024

Let's dive into the possibilities of creating recreational water spaces together! Scott Shipley is leading the conversation on dam removal along in St. Charles and activating the river for . Read more: https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/ct-abn-st-charles-dams-st-0119-20240118-f64mondzc5auldz3sd3uvrvf6u-story.html

A crowd of more than 400 came to the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles on Wednesday night to learn more about options concerning the proposed removal of the dam on the Fox River in the city.

01/24/2024

Our Whitewater Team is committed to serving our local communities! LaVern M Johnson Park in Lyons, once ravaged by the 2013 flood, now thrives as a vibrant camping and destination. We were the lead designer and engineer for the river components and the lead engineer for the park site plan. We also worked with Ripley Design, Inc. who did the landscape design on the project