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.
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.
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!
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.
Floating the Blackfoot River with kids is an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a seasoned rafter or planning your first family float, this guide will help you explore both the scenic upper stretches and the more accessible lower section near Missoula. We’ve compiled our favorite tips to ensure safety and maximum fun on your family adventure.
Discovering the Blackfoot River
This past summer, our family spent more time than ever floating the Blackfoot River. The river offers diverse experiences—from the remote, picturesque upper reaches, which we call the “bread and butter” of the river, to the less popular, yet equally charming, roadside section of the lower Blackfoot. Both areas provide unique landscapes that cater to different levels of adventure.
Why Floating the Blackfoot River with Kids Is Special
When you’re floating the Blackfoot River with kids, every moment matters. Having a toddler has taught me that time is precious, and shorter, more relaxed trips are ideal for keeping little ones engaged. One of our favorite floats is from the Angevine Fishing Access Site (FAS) to Weigh Station FAS. This route is less than five miles long, conveniently located near Missoula, and features easy shuttles plus fun, splashy water at low flows. Our guests, young and old, couldn’t get enough!
7 Essential Tips for a Family Float
When planning to go floating the Blackfoot River with kids, consider these helpful tips:
#1 Boat Access
Starting Point: Angevine FAS lacks a boat ramp, so be prepared to carry or drag your boat a short distance into the river.
Ending Point: Weigh Station FAS provides a boat ramp for a smooth exit.
#2 Plan Short Trips
For families with children under five, opt for shorter floats to ensure everyone remains engaged and comfortable.
#3 Take Frequent Breaks
Kids often relish playing on the riverbank more than the ride itself. Schedule plenty of stops at the scenic river beaches along your route.
#4 Prepare for Changing Weather
Western Montana weather can shift quickly. Bring sun protection, warm synthetic clothing, and ample sunscreen to stay comfortable throughout the day.
#5 Prioritize Safety
Ensure that kids always wear a properly fitting personal flotation device (PFD) and stay close to the raft.
#6 Pack Snacks and Hydration
Bring plenty of snacks and water for the kids—and remember to pack a few beers for the adults to enjoy responsibly.
#7 Schedule Around Nap Time
Time your float to align with your child’s nap schedule (or your own) to maintain a relaxed and enjoyable outing.
These tips will help ensure that your family float on the Blackfoot River is both safe and memorable.
Floating the Blackfoot River with kids can be a rewarding way to experience Montana’s natural beauty while creating cherished family memories. With careful planning, attention to safety, and a few simple tips, your river adventure will be both fun and relaxing.
