Recap of the 2019 Rafting Season
The season is almost over for us river guides here in Western Montana. With winter coming, many of us have already shifted into off-season mode. It was a fantastic summer, and I’m so grateful to work with amazing people while calling the river my office.
I couldn’t be happier with what we achieved together on and off the river. Of course, we’ve got a few things to work on during the off-season.
Behind the Scenes with Expert Guides
Here at Zoo Town Surfers, we bring a lot of energy every day and treat each trip as if it were our first. Our guests deserve that level of enthusiasm. Still, there’s a reason the season ends—everyone needs a break from the daily routine of being a river guide.
Transitioning into the off-season can be tough. I love the busy days, the challenging logistics, and even the chaos of running a river business. But sometimes (maybe one or two days each season), I find myself wondering, “Why on earth am I doing this?” I end up sitting next to a broken-down vehicle or trailer, reflecting on it all.
I go from barely sleeping to wondering what I’ll do next. It takes a little time to adjust to fall work and other jobs.
The season always seems to end so quickly and informally. I always hope for one more chance to get everyone together for one last hurrah, but then it’s over.
Memorable Moments and Lessons Learned
Here are some of the highlights from the 2019 season:
- Surf lessons: Last season we worked out the kinks, and this year we really went for it. Kevin and Liam did an amazing job teaching, and we’re excited to bring even more opportunities next season.
- First-year guides: It’s not easy being new, but you have to start somewhere! Our first-year guides—Sorrel, Clara, Mitch, Brit, Max, and Liam—did a fantastic job. I couldn’t be prouder of their progress.
- International guides: We’re always looking to add more diversity to our team. Tommy came over from Chile and brought incredible professionalism and skills.
- Record numbers: This summer was a big one for us. We’re growing each season, and more people are choosing Missoula as their destination. We want to offer more opportunities for everyone who loves the area.
- Perfect safety record: We kept a sharp focus on safety while still having loads of fun. No one got hurt—neither our team nor our guests.
These are just some of the highlights from 2019. We’re going to work hard during the off-season to keep improving and making our customer experience even better.
Thank you to all our wonderful guests, staff, family, and friends for supporting Zoo Town Surfers. It means the world to us!
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