Expert Advice from a Seasoned River Professional
So, you’re aiming to become a multi-day whitewater River Guide? Or perhaps you’ve already landed the job? If either is true, you’ve come to the right place. Drawing from my years of experience guiding in the stunning rivers of Idaho since 2020, I’m sharing crucial tips and essential items for your overnight rafting adventures. While much of this advice highlights foot care (yes, foot care is paramount!), we’ll also cover vital gear investments for your first season as a river guide. Let’s get started!
Prioritizing Self-Care on the River
First and foremost, understand that self-care is non-negotiable for a river guide. Multi-day trips mean constant river days and riverside nights. Forget the luxury of a hot shower at day’s end – maintaining hygiene on the river is key. Body wipes are a game-changer, offering a quick and easy clean-up after long days on the water. River rinses are equally refreshing and essential, especially after scorching days, helping you cool down and feel rejuvenated at camp.
Don’t hesitate to bring your hygiene routine into the backcountry. For me, an electric toothbrush is a must-have. While guests might find it amusing, it’s vital for my health. Remember, we’re rafting, not backpacking, so weight isn’t a primary concern. Prioritizing these small comforts significantly impacts your well-being throughout the season as a river guide.
Foot Care: A River Guide’s Top Priority
Now, let’s talk feet – a critical topic for any river guide. Many first-year guides underestimate the significance of foot care, but foot problems are incredibly common, often surpassing musculoskeletal injuries in frequency. Especially on Idaho rivers during late July and August, when water temperatures rise, fungal issues become prevalent among guides. Constantly wearing wet shoes or sandals creates the perfect breeding ground for fungus. This can occur at any point in the season, so carrying anti-fungal cream in your toiletries or medkit is highly recommended. Even if you don’t need it, chances are a fellow river guide will.
Preventing foot fungus starts with changing footwear at camp. Pack closed-toe shoes and socks to wick away moisture from your feet. While keeping these dry might seem inconvenient, the long-term benefits are undeniable. Many guides enjoy going barefoot on sandy riverbanks, which is tempting, but sand can be abrasive and hidden hazards like splinters, fishing hooks, or glass are always a risk.
Daily foot cleaning is equally crucial. Those body wipes we mentioned? They’re perfect for cleaning your feet effectively. I also recommend applying lotion to prevent skin cracking. The constant cycle of wet and dry conditions is harsh on the skin, leading to painful cracks, especially on heels and fingertips – a common issue for river guides who are rigging boats daily. Feet are truly vulnerable for a river guide, making proactive care essential.
Sun Protection: Shielding Yourself on the Water
Beyond foot care, sun exposure is another major concern for a river guide. River season coincides with the longest days of the year, meaning intense sun exposure. While sunshine feels good, sunburns are detrimental. Sun hoodies are a simple yet effective way to minimize exposure. They eliminate the need for constant sunscreen reapplication on your body, preventing that uncomfortable, mud-caked feeling at the end of the day. Sun hoodies also prevent chafing from your Personal Flotation Device (PFD) around your arms. Some companies even offer sun-protective leggings, further reducing sunscreen needs. While sun hoodies can be an investment, consider them an investment in your long-term health, preventing costly doctor visits down the line.
Protecting the backs of your hands is particularly challenging. Waxy face stick sunscreens tend to offer longer-lasting protection in this area. Some river guides prefer gloves, which provide excellent hand protection, but I personally prefer the direct feel of my guide stick or oars. Experiment to find what works best for you, but prioritize sun protection as a river guide.
Essential Gear for River Guides: Building Your Kit
Now for the exciting part – gear! Building your overnight kit as a first-year multi-day river guide can be pricey, even with pro-deals. Start by checking with your rafting company to see if they provide any overnight gear for the season. If borrowing isn’t an option, prioritize a good sleeping bag if you don’t already own one. Given that you’ll spend most nights riverside, a comfortable and warm sleeping bag is crucial for quality sleep. Adequate rest is essential for performing your best for guests and fellow guides each day.
A reliable dry bag is the second most critical investment. This bag will house most of your personal items and your sleeping bag. While “dry bag” implies complete dryness, some are more effective than others. Investing in a high-quality, truly waterproof dry bag is worthwhile, especially in case of capsizes or wraps.
Next on the list is a sleeping pad. While personal preferences vary, a sleeping pad is essential for comfortable sleep on the ground. More affordable options are available, but consider investing in comfort, especially if you plan to spend many nights on the river. River-specific pads that rig directly to the raft and can get wet are also excellent options, eliminating the need to pack them inside your dry bag. The best choice depends on your sleep preferences and budget. Guides who frequently sleep under the stars often prioritize more comfortable pads.
Finally, consider a tarp for laying out your gear at camp. This ties back to hygiene and foot care, providing a sand-free zone for foot maintenance and general sanity, especially for experienced river guides like myself. Sand mats, designed to allow sand to filter through but not up, are another option, but they are often bulky and expensive. A simple, affordable tarp from a general store works perfectly well for a sand-free sleeping area. These days, I prefer a tent footprint – slightly pricier but more packable.
Regarding tents, a functional tent is essential for unpredictable weather. Some guides use a separate dry bag for their tent, while I prefer to keep mine in my overnight bag along with a roll-top dry bag large enough for the tent body and fly. If rain is expected, I keep tent poles in my overnight dry bag and pack the wet tent body and fly into the roll-top bag separately, rigging it to the raft until camp to dry out later.
Connecting with the River Guide Community
Like any outdoor profession, becoming a successful river guide involves learning from others. Everyone develops their own unique tips, tricks, and habits to simplify life on the river. Seek advice and recommendations from experienced guides and industry professionals – they’ve often refined their systems to a science. I hope these insights are helpful as you embark on your journey to becoming a river guide. Overnight trips truly are the best way to spend a summer, and with the right preparation and mindset, you’re in for an unforgettable experience.
