by Ian Fodor-Davis | May 19, 2021 | Best Practices
When you ask a river guide for insider tips, you’re tapping into a world of wild stories, hilarious mishaps, and unforgettable moments on the water. River guides are not only experts at navigating rapids—they’re great storytellers who bring each trip to life with genuine passion and quirky humor.
Questions You Should Ask Every River Guide
“What inspires you to work out here?”
Every guide has a story that’s unique as the river itself. If you get a bland answer, dig a little deeper—there’s usually more adventure beneath the surface.
“What is the most epic true story you’ve ever heard?”
For many guides, re-telling a great story is almost as thrilling as living it. Listen closely—you might catch a nugget of wisdom or a hint of local lore.
“If you could give your childhood self one piece of advice, what would it be?”
This one sparks some of the best conversations. It’s not just about the advice; it’s about the laughs and lessons shared along the way.
“What’s your favorite river?”
Be ready for a surprising answer. You might discover that the “best” river is more about personal connection than objective beauty.
Questions You Should Never Ask a River Guide
“So, what do you want to do with your life?”
Skip the career interrogation. A guide’s passion is right there in every paddle stroke—no need to question their choice.
“Has anyone ever died here?”
Often blurted out during a heart-stopping rapid, this one is best left unsaid if you want to keep the vibe light.
“How often do you shower?”
This, along with any political chatter, can kill the mood. Remember: the focus is on the river, not the nitty-gritty.
Bonus Tip: Keeping It Simple on the River
- Leave your phone at home.
Enjoy the moment without distractions.
- Soak in the scenery.
Let the natural beauty and friendly banter fill your day.
- Focus on the experience.
A good river trip is all about connection—with nature, your guide, and your fellow adventurers.
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by Ian Fodor-Davis | May 13, 2021 | Guide Profiles
Guiding as a river couple isn’t just a catchy phrase—it’s a unique way of working and living. Whether on the water or off, blending your personal and professional lives requires care, teamwork, and a strong foundation.
The Perils and Promises of Dating at Work
In any workplace, dating a coworker is risky. In the guiding world, these challenges are even more pronounced. You may have heard the familiar story or even experienced it yourself. Meeting someone on the river last season might spark a sun-drunk love affair full of excitement and shared adventures. But as the summer fades, that initial magic can quickly disappear.
Our Journey: Friendship Before Romance
Unlike those fleeting summer romances, Larz and I were friends long before we became a couple. We built our relationship on years of running rivers together. When we first faced a season of working side-by-side, we learned a crucial lesson: figure it out. This meant putting our job first and becoming a reliable team for our crew, especially when things got challenging.
Lessons Learned on the River
Choosing to date a coworker means committing to a partnership that extends beyond the personal. It means being there for each other when challenges arise and learning the art of teamwork. The experience of guiding as a river couple taught us that supporting one another professionally is just as important as celebrating personal victories.
Cherished Moments on the Water
Despite the challenges, there are plenty of moments when we get to enjoy the magic of being together. Whether it’s catching a sunset at deadhead, running the river trail, or fishing by the camp’s eddy when we’re off duty, these are the memories that make the hard work worthwhile.
A Life Beyond the Rapids
Our strong friendship and shared history on the river laid the foundation for a successful partnership. Today, our “river romance” isn’t just a summer fling—it’s the beginning of a lifetime journey. Living and working in Missoula has given us a truly rewarding life.
Final Thoughts
Dating your coworker might seem like a recipe for disaster, but if you find the right person, working together can bring incredible rewards. For those ready to take the plunge, remember that the key is building a relationship on trust, support, and shared passion for the work—just like guiding as a river couple.
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by Ian Fodor-Davis | Feb 26, 2021 | Guide Profiles
Meet Brit Englund, a dedicated Zoo Town guide and passionate middle school band teacher who brings enthusiasm and expertise to every river adventure. Born and raised in Missoula, Brit has quickly become known not only for his engaging guiding style but also for his fun personality and love for teaching.
Background and Experience
Brit Englund’s journey with Zoo Town began three summers ago, and his commitment to safe, enjoyable, and educational trips has only grown stronger with each season. When he’s not guiding, Brit is shaping young minds as a middle school band teacher—a role that perfectly complements his work on the river.
The Intersection of Teaching and Guiding
Both teaching and guiding require clear communication, a focus on safety, and the ability to forge strong personal connections. Brit believes that guiding is a form of teaching:
- Safety First: Just as in the classroom, ensuring everyone’s safety is a top priority.
- Learning Experience: Every trip is an opportunity for customers to learn about whitewater, the river’s natural beauty, and its surroundings.
- Building Relationships: Brit and his fellow guides cherish the friendships they form during each expedition.
Essential Gear for Every Season
Brit relies on a few key items to stay comfortable and prepared throughout the year:
- Synthetic Nano-Puff Jacket: Perfect for winter, spring, and fall adventures.
- Duckworth Light Wool Socks: An everyday staple when not wearing dress shoes or sandals.
Superstitions and Daily Routines
While Brit does not carry any lucky charms, he follows a consistent daily routine that some might consider a personal superstition. This routine helps him stay grounded and ready for any challenge, whether on the river or in the classroom.
A Unique Talent
Brit’s versatility shines through in his musical ability. He can play every single instrument in the concert band, a talent that highlights his creative spirit and commitment to excellence both on land and on water.
What Makes Guiding Special
What does Brit love most about guiding? It’s the opportunity to meet new people—whether they’re customers or fellow guides. The friendships formed and the trust built on each trip make every river adventure memorable. Brit feels fortunate to share these experiences with people who bring diverse perspectives and exciting stories along the way.
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by Ian Fodor-Davis | Feb 25, 2020 | Rafting
Introduction to Missoula Rafting
It wasn’t until very recently that Missoula, Montana became a true destination town for visitors from across the globe. As river rafting guides, we seemed to always ask the question “where are you going to next?” A large percentage of our guests are now choosing to spend their whole Montana vacation here in Missoula. With easy access to some of the best rivers, trails and breweries in the nation, it makes total sense why.
The Thrill of the Rapids
The Clark Fork River, which runs right through downtown Missoula is a major draw for visitors during the hot summer months. Taking a scenic or whitewater rafting trip is a great way to disconnect and spend some stress-free time with your family and friends. Adventure, relaxation, delicious food… A rafting trip has it all!
15 Reasons to Try Missoula Rafting
- Diverse Adventures: There is a wide selection of rivers and rafting adventures available in the Missoula Valley, where the Blackfoot, Clark Fork, and Bitterroot Rivers come together. Whether you’re seeking calm waters or thrilling rapids, you’ll find a trip that suits your style.
- Family-Friendly Fun: The rapids are designed to be fun and splashy, perfect for families of all ages and skill levels. Even if someone in your group is new to rafting, there’s plenty of excitement to go around.
- Playful Excuses: And if any family member starts acting up, you might just find a playful excuse to let the river take over—figuratively speaking, of course!
- Epic Photo Ops: Your experienced guides are not only there to ensure your safety, but they also know how to capture those epic, social media-ready moments. Expect plenty of photos that will get a thumbs-up from your friends and family.
- New Friendships: Rafting in Missoula offers a great opportunity to meet interesting and friendly people from all over. You might even end up making plans for dinner with new friends along the way.
- Emotional Rollercoaster: Prepare to experience a mix of emotions as you laugh, scream, and maybe even shed a tear during the exhilarating ride through exciting rapids.
- Effortless Adventure: One of the best parts is that your guides handle all of the hard work. All you need to do is show up and enjoy the adventure.
- Extra Thrills: If you’re in the mood for a little extra excitement, try cliff jumping or take a refreshing swim in the rapids—it’s a fun and adventurous way to cool off.
- Fascinating Guides: The river guides are some of the most interesting people you’ll ever meet. Their local knowledge, insider tips, and captivating stories add an extra layer of excitement to your adventure.
- Scenic Meals: Enjoy a delicious riverside lunch with a scenic view that makes the meal even more memorable.
- Unique Perspective: Experience the local area from a completely different angle—sitting in a raft on the water offers views you simply can’t get from land.
- Local Expertise: Since your guides are local experts, they can offer insider tips on the best places to eat and drink in Missoula, making your trip even more rewarding.
- Budget-Friendly: Rafting is also a relatively affordable adventure compared to many other high-adrenaline activities, so you can enjoy the thrill without breaking the bank.
- Digital Detox: This is a fantastic way to disconnect from screens and the everyday hustle, giving you a chance to really immerse yourself in nature.
- Unpredictable Excitement: And finally, if you’re up for a whitewater rafting trip, remember that the beauty of the experience lies in its unpredictability—every ride is a unique adventure with its own surprises!
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by Ian Fodor-Davis | Dec 16, 2019 | Best Practices
Looking for the perfect present this holiday season? Our comprehensive holiday gift guide for kayakers is packed with top gear and innovative gadgets that any river enthusiast will love.
Whether you’re shopping for a seasoned kayaker or a beginner adventurer, these carefully selected items are sure to impress.
The Wish List
Patagonia Micro Puff Jacket
Stay warm on those chilly days on the river or during late-night campfires with the Patagonia Micro Puff Jacket.
Features:
- Lightweight and packable
- Fits comfortably under drysuits or PFDs
- Available in various colors with options for hoods
Why it’s great: Customizable style and essential warmth for every river adventure.
Goal Zero Nomad Solar Panel
Keep your portable devices charged on multi-day trips with the versatile Goal Zero Nomad Solar Panel.
Features:
Available in different sizes
Price ranges from $60 to $400
Why it’s great: Efficient solar charging on the go—ideal for extended river trips.
Watershed Dry Duffel Bag
Never lose your essentials again with the Watershed Dry Duffel Bag.
Features:
- Easy access design for snacks and extra layers
- Multiple sizes suitable for day trips to extended adventures
Why it’s great: Organize your dry bag with ease for any river outing.
Watershed Dry Bag
Perfect for keeping your gear safe and dry, the Watershed Dry Bag is a must-have accessory for any kayaker.
Aire Landing Pad
More than just a sleeping pad, the Aire Landing Pad is a multi-functional accessory for every kayaker.
Features:
- Available in various sizes
- Doubles as a comfortable floatation device on hot days
Why it’s great: Transforms any spot on the river or boat into the perfect nap or relaxation spot.
Stocking Stuffers
NRS Straps
Straps are an essential accessory for kayakers who love spending time on the water.
Benefits:
- Versatile and durable
- Useful all year round
Why it’s great: A simple yet indispensable tool that every river enthusiast needs.
Sponge
Surprisingly, a sponge can be a practical gift for kayakers.
Uses:
- Removing water from your kayak
- Cleaning mud off your boat
- Assisting with impromptu showers on the river
Why it’s great: Multifunctional and essential for any water-based adventure.
Yeti Hotshot Lid
Keep your beverages hot on those early morning river trips with the Yeti Hotshot Lid.
Features:
- Spill-resistant design
- Maintains the temperature of your coffee, tea, or hot chocolate
Why it’s great: Perfect for enjoying a warm drink while paddling.
MPowered Luci Solar String Lights
Enhance your campsite ambiance with MPowered Luci Solar String Lights.
Benefits:
Battery-free and eco-friendly
Ideal for stringing around your campsite or kayak
Why it’s great: Adds a warm, inviting glow to any outdoor setting.
Lil Sucker
Say goodbye to drink spills with the Lil Sucker, a clever accessory designed for kayakers.
Features:
- Attaches securely to any drink container
- Suction cup design works on almost any surface
Why it’s great: Ensures you can enjoy your favorite beverage stress-free while on the water.
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