What’s your favorite rapid and what makes it special?
When I’m kayaking, any good wave train is my favorite. The thrill of riding through a series of waves, feeling the power of the river beneath you, and the pure joy of the experience makes wave trains special to me. I hope to discover more wave trains on many different rivers in the coming years.
Why do you love working for Mother Lode
Originally, I was looking for a fully remote job before starting at Mother Lode, but even though I don’t get to work fully remote, I actually secretly enjoy coming into the office (shh, don’t tell Greg or Scott). Mother Lode introduced me to guiding commercially and the joy of taking someone new on the river for the first time, sharing this beautiful place with them.
Working at Mother Lode has brought me closer to the river community, something I’ve always wanted. I love that I get to work with people who are just as obsessed with the river as I am! Plus, I get to closely work with the owner and manager, who have so much experience and continually push and encourage me.
Mother Lode also introduced me to river conservation, a cause that has truly changed how I view rivers and the whitewater industry. This is something I will carry with me forever.
What’s one of your favorite adventures?
One of my favorite adventures was driving to Baja this past winter with my dog Pretzel and my partner Riley. We had never been there before and went just the three of us. We stayed for almost a month, living entirely in our rooftop tent. It was the most magical time, and I developed a strong love for the area and felt a deep connection to the ocean for the first time.