Read this actual account of a Lochsa River Guide’s activities. Rafting Idaho’s whitewater river is a both a passion and hard, rewarding work! Follow along with this story from our guide:
It’s still dark when I open the rain fly. Six thirty. I swear I just walked away from the hot fire and cold drinks to pass out happily by the rushing river.
Morning Preparations: Assembling the Crew and River Equipment
Quietly, we round up the crew and head downriver. We have two hours to get everything in place before the guests show up. The team breaks off into individual tasks, some fill and rig rafts while others count helmets and life vests. It’s always a guessing game sitting in Lochsa country. No cell service. No way to change the plan.
Coffee is consumed rapidly in between stacking rafts higher than a bus or piling paddles into the trailer. What looks like chaos to the few guests that show up early to watch “guide TV” all flows smoothly together as the rest of the cars start to show up. The essential gear is handed out and the bad jokes start to roll. You can feel the excitement and anxiety pouring off the paddlers. Many have never been whitewater rafting before. I play the role of comedian, teacher, and, of course, guide.
The bus ride is filled with questions and stories of river trips past. The boat ramp is a flurry of work as the rafts get shoved in the water and pumped full. The PFDs are snugged tight and the helmet cams are rolling. The work’s not done for the day yet but for the next few hours, everyone that worked hard all morning gets to enjoy the thing that brought us all together. The river.
On the River: Immersed in Nature and Adventure
The miles flow by quickly. A hot lunch is much needed on cold water trips. We prep and cook as guests lounge in the sun or crowd around the heater in the rain, reliving the trip this morning. Service with a smile, and usually a bad joke or two. The dishes are washed and ready for the next day, we load up for the final 10 miles of river.
Post-Raft Rituals: Take-Out Procedures and Gear Cleanup
The takeout is the same flurry in reverse: restack the rafts, collect the helmets and vests, and load them back into the bus. While the guests revel in the glory of a day on the mighty Lochsa, the guides get to work. Gotta wash and hang dry all the gear and get it sized and put back in place for the next day.
The rafts deflated and the sun hanging low in the sky, we head back upriver to our fire and cold beverages. Six thirty is gonna come quickly tomorrow and I couldn’t be happier about it. A day In The Life of a Lochsa River Guide is a gift. Thank you for joining us.
What an honor it is to be writing this and introducing ourselves to all of our future friends, employees, coworkers, partners and customers. Megan and I are so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to do what we love to do, serve our community, as well as educate and find stewards, or build upon existing ones. This truly is a dream come true. First, we must thank Jason Shreder again for this opportunity. We will do everything we can to ensure the continued growth and prosperity of the business you started, my friend. Thank you. I will try to keep this brief, but I am not known for that talent. Here is a bit about us, and our journey to Zoo Town Surfers.
Our Love for the Water
Ever since I was young, I have been fascinated and drawn to water. I have a picture floating around somewhere of me, around 2 years old, standing next to some rafts my parents had rented for a Green River multiday. Since then, water and rafting has been in my blood.
I grew up never being able to get out the ocean, spending much of every summer in Southern California with family. The same was true when I was home in Idaho on it’s rivers and lakes; I was the first one in the water, and the last one out, and that much of me at least, largely remains true to this day.
Megan similarly always loved the water. She grew up snowboarding on the frozen kind, and playing on the wet kind in various river and fishing trips with her family in Alaska. Her love of rivers grew dramatically when she hopped on her first multiday trip with me back in college on the Lower Gorge of the Salmon River. Since then, she’s taken every opportunity to be on the water. The Lochsa is one of her favorite places on the planet, and in her words, where she “truly fell in love with rivers.”
Our Journey to Ownership
Seven years ago, Megan asked me whether or not I would ever want to own an outfitting business. My work in guiding on the Salmon and Hells Canyon led me to work as a rep for the absolutely wonderful folks at Northwest River Supplies (NRS), so the question of owning a river business came up pretty frequently. My answer was invariably; it depends on the business. I would not want to do it for the wrong reasons, and I would want to structure a company that I would be happy to guide at.
One that focuses on guide voice, stewardship, individual and professional growth, and sharing our incredible rivers with those that do not get to experience them as often as we do. One example of this type of business came up as a general answer to Megans question; if Jason Shreder ever decided to sell, that would be a business worth purchasing. As luck would have it; 7 years, a few moves, and many river trips later, as well as right place at the right time and some good friends, would lead us to start the process of purchasing Zoo Town Surfers.
Our Commitment to the Community
We could tell from the get-go that Shreder’s involvement in the community and his passion for his business was incredible. He built this business from the ground up, and we want to continue the traditions, hard work, and community care and involvement that he set the foundations of ZTS on. That seemed a daunting task at first, but it has become much more achievable and exciting as we have seen how much love and support has been built around ZTS. Our promise to you is this: We will continue to grow ZTS into a community minded, inclusive, and safe place where any and all can experience the river.
I am always available via email at ian@zootownsurfers.com, and phone at 208-310-2253. I would love the opportunity to introduce myself over a cup of coffee or a beer, please feel free to reach out! Thank you all for taking the time to read this far, and we hope to see you on the river!
The excitement is real as we welcome the Zoo Town Surfers new owners – Megan and Ian Fodor-Davis. For those who have been a part of this incredible journey, you know that Zoo Town Surfers (ZTS) is more than just a youth kayaking club. It’s a community built on adventure, passion, and the thrill of the river.
A Journey Remembered
One of my favorite memories from ZTS is when me and Scott Doherty hopped in the old, silver World Class Kayak Academy van with some local teenagers from Missoula and travelled north to Canada and all the way up to BC, topping it off with some world class surf at Skookumchuck Rapids. The van smelled worse than a football locker room, and our gear would repel anyone that came close. Life was simple and all we cared about was kayaking and paddling hard. That was what ZTS was – A youth kayaking club with a bunch of dirtbags that liked kayaking a lot. We all had plenty of spirit and it worked for us.
From Humble Beginnings to a Thriving Community
Scott (co-founder) and I always had plans to grow it into something bigger and we certainly did. I never imagined ZTS would be where it’s at today. For years, I have tried to answer the question of what the ZTS experience is but have always had a hard time putting my finger on it. There have been so many times after long days where I found myself wondering, “how on earth did we do that”. What makes it special are the guest, the guides, friends, family, countless mishaps, laughter, tears, joy, flat tires, and lost pieces of gear. Looking back, some of the more challenging days/moments are the most memorable ones.
Embracing a New Chapter
My only goal when I started ZTS was to create a business that would allow me to kayak 250+ days of the year. I accomplished that goal for many years paddling hard and living my life to the fullest. The desire to spend as much time on the river with my family and friends is stronger than ever and there is a sense of urgency burning inside me.
I’m excited to announce that there are new owners of Zoo Town Surfers, Megan and Ian Fodor-Davis. Over the last 10 years, I have had the opportunity to build a friendship with Ian and Megan and I can assure you they are going to continue what we started and take the “ZTS Experience” to the next level.
Thank You, Missoula
Words can’t describe the experiences and memories I have in my heart from running ZTS for all these years. I’m most thankful for the friendships. Missoula – you have had my back since day one and I love you for that.
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.
Celebrating 10 years of life-changing adventures, the Lochsa river guiding duo has been captivating rafters on Idaho’s Wild and Scenic Lochsa River. Over the past decade, Mat McGrath and Ian Haddad have guided Zoo Town Surfers trips, marking a milestone that coincides with the 50th anniversary of our nation’s Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. This perfect timing underscores their passion and commitment to the river—and their genuine chemistry as a duo.
A Decade on the Water
If you’ve been rafting on the Lochsa in the past ten years, chances are you’ve witnessed the synergy of these two remarkable whitewater professionals. Their combined experience and love for the river have transformed countless lives and created memories that last a lifetime.
Meet Mat & Ian
Mat McGrath
Hi, I’m Mat. My name is Mathew Eben McGrath but everyone calls me Mat. I was born and raised here in beautiful Missoula, Montana and continue to live here with my lovely wife Jana and dog Mesa.
Guide Style:
MAT: “Describing my guide style is tough. I would say I’m a pretty hard charger. I like to keep the raft moving downstream and the crew engaged with the river. For me there is nothing better on the river than seeing nicely spaced rafts coming through some great whitewater. Tight lines and looking good.”
Mat’s journey on the Lochsa began in 2008. A fortunate friendship with a rafting company owner opened the door for him. “I had no idea what I was missing and after the first run in 2005 I was hooked. I never stopped trying to get on trips or hop in whenever a spot opened up. I learned a lot just following around some great river runners and doing it the hard way time and time again. I feel really lucky to have found the Bearpaw crew. It was a good, tight group that really made me the rafter I am today.”
Ian Haddad
Hi, I’m Ian. Call me Ishmael. (Ian’s great too.) I live in Missoula with my wonderful girlfriend Julie, our ornery cat Lonestar, and a plant named Earl.
Guide Style:
IAN: “Go big! On the water and bigger on the lax layover days where I can make a big Dutch oven of lasagna.”
Ian’s start in rafting came about in an unexpected way. “I used to work at an outdoor retailer that sold many types of watercraft. I first bought an inflatable kayak and then a one-man pontoon boat for lake fishing about fourteen years ago. These were the first crafts I took out on the Blackfoot and then Clark Fork through Alberton Gorge. A couple years later I bought my first full-sized raft so I could enjoy the water with my family and friends. A little over ten years ago, I was introduced to Justin Walsh. He was the owner of Bearpaw River Expeditions and he invited my good friend Mat and me to come out the Lochsa and try paddling some real whitewater. I like to joke around that this happened one weekend ten years ago and I’ve been back every weekend since, but there is some truth to that. He made monsters out of us.”
Life on the River
The Role of the River
For Ian, the river is nothing short of transformative.
IAN: “The river has absolutely changed my life. It was like an avalanche that sweeps down into the water, creating a new rapid with unseen challenges and unforeseen turns. I’ve met some of my best friends on the river and it has opened doors to new opportunities I had not imagined. I’ve traveled hundreds of miles to places I had never been just to get a taste of the waters there. Without the river I would not be the person I am today and I couldn’t be happier to hear her siren’s call.”
Mat echoes a deep reverence for the water, emphasizing how it brings people together and teaches respect for nature.
Favorite Rivers
When asked about his favorite river, Mat explains:
MAT: “It’s tough to pin my favorite river since there are so many enjoyable moments on every trip; maybe that’s what draws me to the water. Nothing beats the hard-hitting waves of the Lochsa. Except maybe the fun busy water of the south fork of the Clearwater or maybe the scenic beauty and remoteness of the Selway. Even the 6pm evening float down the Clark Fork, right into town. I feel there are so many opportunities and options around us to ever pick just one.”
Ian keeps it simple:
IAN: “Lochsa, baby! With it being in our backyard and its one day epic whitewater, it’s pretty hard to beat. If it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t have the passion that I have for rivers in general. Plus, it’s a great place for a brisk swim…”
Getting Out on the Water
Why the River?
Mat believes that the river is for everyone:
MAT: “I feel the river should be experienced by everyone. It’s a great way to get outdoors and see some of the most amazing places on earth. It’s an easy way to camp and a great way to hang with the family. It truly brings people together. There is so much to learn from the river. The power and beauty can be seen everywhere the water cuts into the earth. It teaches respect and humbles you: the energy of water rushing over the rocks or the quiet meandering stretches through canyons.”
For Ian, it’s the adrenaline, camaraderie, and the connection with nature that make the experience unforgettable:
IAN: “Honestly, I could say it’s the adrenaline pumping whitewater. Or the camaraderie with your mates on shore. But more than anything its connecting with nature. I still remember the first few times I pushed off on the Blackfoot River and I was surrounded by nothing but water and trees. I imagined a satellite zooming in on me, then pulling way back until I was just a dot and then gone completely. If I had the ability to be anywhere else, I realized just how lucky I was to be right there, right then. I would choose no other place to be. With all of the strife in the world it’s easy to be caught up in the daily stresses. The river allows me strip that all of that away and truly live in the moment. Enjoying what I have right in front of me and I know it can do the same for others.”
Letting Go of the “Real World”
Mat explains his approach to getting guests into the river mindset:
MAT: “Sometimes I think it’s hard to get people into the river mindset. When you’re only out for a day it can be a real struggle to let go of the stresses and problems of their day-to-day life. I think getting them engaged with the water and keeping work talk to a minimum is always key. I like to talk about other trips or vacations. Anything except the fact that the trip always ends eventually and we all return to ‘the real world’. I think trying to blend into the crew and just be an additional part of the conversation rather than a tour guide is a great way for people to open up and really start enjoying the their time on your raft.”
Ian adds his personal touch:
IAN: “I’d like to think that I bring them the passion for the river that I’ve felt for years, and hopefully impart some of it onto them – the true joy of showing them that in this moment is the only place they need to be.”
Parting Wisdom and Inspirations
A Word of Advice
For newcomers to the Lochsa, Mat advises:
MAT: “If I had only one recommendation for new folks on the Lochsa (and most other rivers) it would be to dress warm. Wear the fleece and wool. Bring the poly and the socks. It’s hard to have fun when you’re cold and it’s easy to cool off on the water. Dress for the water temp (usually cold round here), not the air temp. Being comfortable on the water shouldn’t be second or third on the checklist.”
Ian’s tip is equally practical:
IAN: “One piece of wisdom for guests: Bring multiple pairs of wool socks! Also: NO COTTON!”
What or Who Inspires Them
Mat shares,
MAT: “The list of things that inspire me is endless. So many amazing people helped shape me into the person I am today. I owe a lot to the OG Bearpaw crew Justin Walsh, Jeff Wieber, and Adam Montgomery for the early days teaching me a lot on and off the river. We had a lot of good times during some pretty epic seasons. Shreder and all the entire Zootown crew for keeping the passion alive and working hard every trip. It takes a team to run good river trips and it’s nice to be surrounded by a solid crew.”
Ian reflects on his inspirations:
IAN: “My mom. My Dad. My Grandparents. Justin Walsh. Mat McGrath. Jason Shreder. Kelsey ‘Tex’ Richardson. Kev Kev Donachie. Clay Ordway. Johnny Stackhouse Watson. Ian Fodor-Davies. The whole NRS crew. Marty Smith. Martin Litton. Kenton Grua. Edward Abbey. Santa Claus (he’s so fast!). Every man and woman who’s ever had the courage to take their own boat down a river to find what they are capable of! And, of course, Julie Erickson, my inspiration to come home after every trip.”
Bonus: River Cuisine
When it comes to cooking on the river, both guides have their specialties. Mat shares his love for Dutch oven cooking:
MAT: “Cooking on the river for me is all about the Dutch oven. It makes even the simplest meals delicious. One of my all-time favorites is the Cottage (Shepherd’s) Pie. It’s a one pot meal that’s easy to prep and is always a crowd pleaser. You can prep the potatoes and veggies ahead of time (recommended of course) or do the instant thing. Brown your beef (my meat of choice). Don’t drain; instead pour a gravy packet in and stir. Pour your veggie mix on top of the meat. Now fill to top of veggies with gravy. Spread your potato mixture nicely on top and coat with some cheese if you like. Once you start cooking let it go – don’t open the lid! Your dinner should be ready in 30-45 minutes, depending on the size of your D.O. Enjoy!”
Ian’s response is simple and to the point:
IAN: “Dutch oven Lasagna…duh”
Whether you’re a seasoned rafter or a curious newcomer, Mat and Ian invite you to experience the thrill, beauty, and camaraderie that only the river can offer.
