STAFF HIGHLIGHT: TROY MATHERN

NAME: Troy Mathern

NICKNAME: Nothing has really stuck but in Guide Training I was called "Meat" because during our rapid swim I got sucked into the meat of 'suffocater' and was swept down stream and needed to be rescued. It was rather embarrassing.

Troy, well - being Troy!

Troy with his dog, Kuma. 

GIVE US A LITTLE BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT YOURSELF.

I have a BA in Philosophy and became a raft guide to enjoy pondering with my customers about the existential meaning one attains while maneuvering a class V rapid. It's also a kick in the pants. I currently work as a Project Manager at an IT company during the day and play with my wonderful one year old daughter at night. I played football in High School I was an All State Defensive End.

Troy with his daughter. 

Troy pictured top left (#75) .

WHAT GOT YOU INTO WHITEWATER? WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO BECOME A GUIDE?

I grew up rafting on the Payette river in Idaho and discovered that the Northwest has great rivers to explore.

Troy doesn't only like to explore rivers by raft, he can also be found in a cataraft, or kayak. 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RIVER THAT WILDWATER OFFERS?

The White Salmon River.

The beauty is remarkable at the put in to the White Salmon River. 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RIVER OR MULTI-DAY RIVER TRIP?

The Salmon River in Idaho.

Troy rowing on the Main Salmon in Idaho. 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COLOR? 

You know gray is my favorite color. =)

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FOOD/MEAL?

EnviroKidz Peanut Butter Panda Puffs Cereal.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE?

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be?” ― Marianne Williamson

Life is good - on the river!

WHAT IS YOUR SPIRIT ANIMAL AND WHY?

Sea Turtle; I once saw one while kayaking in Hawaii. These ancient creatures can live longer than I can spending their whole lives in the water.

Troy has been working for Wildwater for years. While Troy brings a long list of great things to Wildwater, a few key things would like to be mentioned now - Troy always has a positive attitude, enjoys being out on the river, and sharing his love for whitewater with others. Troy is also great with the guests that join Wildwater out on the river, is helpful and knowledgeable and provides a great experience while on the water. You can find Troy working on the Wenatchee River, Skykomish River, White Salmon River, Tieton River, and support boating on our Class V stretches. We are happy to have Troy on board and a part of the Wildwater crew, and we hope he continues to want to get out on the river and be a part of the Wildwater family. 

STAFF HIGHLIGHT: JUSTINE BRYANT

NAME: Justine Bryant
NICKNAME: Yustine (given to me from guides Andy and Neils).

I love to smile - it's one of my favorite things 

GIVE US A LITTLE BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT YOURSELF.

I was born and raised in Hood River Oregon, in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge. It didn't take long for me to find a love for the outdoors. I spent my days growing up exploring the incredible hikes, waterfalls, and campsites that the CRG has to offer.

Taking in the beautiful views of my hometown in the Columbia River Gorge

On top of Mitchell Point in Hood River, Oregon

Having a peaceful moment at the foot of a waterfall in the CRG

At 5 years old I found a special place in my heart for soccer and the list of team sports I competed in just kept growing as I got older. Although soccer was always my favorite sport, I also played basketball, tennis, volleyball, and participated in track and field.

Playing soccer in High School

WHAT GOT YOU INTO WHITEWATER? WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO BECOME A GUIDE?

It wasn't until the Summer of 2010 that I found out how fun whitewater rafting really is. I had been rafting when I was younger on the Deschutes River, and White Salmon River and now I'm proud to say that just four short years later I have added the Wenatchee River, Green River, Skagit River, Tieton River, Wind River, Klickitat River, and Hood River. As well as experienced multi day trips from 3 days to 25 days on the Owyhee River, Rogue River, and Grand Canyon. The last four years of my whitewater exploration have been a blast, and I don't see myself slowing down anytime soon.

Finding a new love - stand up paddling

I spend most of my free time out on the river - rafting, stand up paddling, or furthering my skills in a whitewater kayak. I also enjoy hiking with my dog Rio, working in my garden, and hanging out with friends.

Stepping out of my comfort zone and furthering my kayaking skills

My dog Rio and me at Umtanum Falls in Ellensburg, WA

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RIVER AT WILDWATER?

This is a difficult question to give only one answer. My favorite river that Wildwater offers is the Wild & Scenic White Salmon River. The White Salmon has great class III-IV rapids to offer and my favorite part of the White Salmon trip is class V Husum Falls. I also LOVE the Wenatchee River for its playful wave trains and fun Spring time flows.

Justine and friend Jaime giving a BIG high-five over Husum Falls with Lance guiding

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RIVER OR MULTI-DAY TRIP?

I spent 25 days on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon February of 2011. I loved the month spent rafting, camping, and exploring the magical slot canyons of the Grand. I feel that the Grand is definitely a trip you have to do at least once in your lifetime, and can’t wait to get out there again! 

Rowing on the Grand Canyon, February 2011

Taking in the beauty of Elves Chasm on the Grand Canyon 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COLOR?
Purple

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE?
“It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.” 
- Mark Twain

WHAT IS YOUR SPIRIT ANIMAL AND WHY?
My spirit animal is a river otter. Friendly, social, curious and loves spending time on the water and hanging out on the banks of the river.

Written by: Justine Bryant

Justine manages the office at Wildwater and leads the sales team. If you have called Wildwater chances are you have talked to Justine. Justine's job in the office is to guide you to the perfect river for you, and your group and we think she does a great job at it.
You won’t only find Justine in the office from the months of April - September, you can also find her running shuttle, taking photos, or guiding a stand up paddling trip.