Raft Guiding

        Britt and I have been working as raft guides since 2011.  We both started our careers in Lotus, California working for All-Outdoors whitewater rafting .  The season stretches from from May through September and our company operates on  several different rivers throughout the state.  Britt and my athletic background gave us an advantage when starting the job.  Britt played lacrosse at UC Davis and I played tennis at the University of Michigan.  We both understood the importance of teamwork, variability of group dynamics and had dealt with high pressure situations.
          We have taken many different types of client down the river; big or small, petrified or experienced, outdoorsman or city folk.  Every morning before our trips a manager would tell us what other guides we were working with and how many clients we were taking down.  After meeting the clients we would distribute them into different rafts in a way that gave us the best chance for a successful and smooth river trip.  We needed to convince our clients immediately that we were capable guides so that they listened to our instruction.  Over four years we continued to progress as raft guides and started working on different rivers through out the state of California. We are going to try and offer rafting around the wedding.  However, we will not know water flows and availability until September.  Don't worry well keep you posted as the date approaches.

Britt navigates Sunderland Rapid on the Tuolumne

Chris rowing down Clavy on the Tuolumne

Britt and fellow guide Sam Dobson exhibiting the "paddle 5"

Britt braces for the Leap of Faith on Cherry Creek

After four full seasons in California we decided to try some new rivers and were very fortunate to be hired by the amazing company called Canyons Inc in Idaho. Canyons has trips on the Middle Fork and Main Salmon rivers which wind through the largest wilderness area in the lower 48 states.  These trips are 6 days long and a fully self sufficient unit on the river, we don't have any opportunity to resupply.  Clients can ride leisurely in large rafts, paddle in a paddle boat or take their own craft called "duckies" while following a kayak guide.  Once we arrive at camp everyone sets up their "home" for that night and various activities are available.  Depending on the location hikes or hot springs are available but often the most popular activity is sitting around the camp fire.  We will be in Idaho once again this summer and its not too late to come rafting with us, canyonsinc.com has all of the contact information and dates if anyone is interested.

Helping clients organize their possessions for one week at the Middle Fork of the Salmon launch point

Britt makes lunch with the guides

Geritt leads down guest in hard shell and inflatable kayaks

Some of our fellow guides in Idaho

Getting ready to push of the shore for the Main Salmon

Camp life! Believe it or not all this came off of the rafts.

Britt and I will be working in California until June 18th when we will go to Idaho.  The season ends September 1st and  we will be in the middle of wedding madness after that.  We can't wait to see everyone in Coloma on October 7th.