STAFF HIGHLIGHTS: NICHOLAS ASHER FARLEY

NAME: Nicholas Asher Farley

Nicholas is rarely seen without a giant smile on his face

GIVE US A LITTLE BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT YOURSELF.

I was born in Indiana and raised in rural Missouri, but I have also lived in France, Argentina, Indonesia, and various locations on the West Coast. I’m proud to tell anyone that Nelly, Eminem, Tech N9ne and Budweiser represent my home state. I currently live in Portland and spend a lot of time/money going to live concerts, but I also enjoy freebies like cycling, cooking, reading and writing.

Taking in the sites and beauty of the sunset

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RIVER AT WILDWATER?

The White Salmon River.

The put in of the beautiful wild and scenic White Salmon River

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

I worked in the fast food industry in Missouri (home) during high school and my first summer of college. I soon grew weary of deep fryers and resolved to find the most interesting and fun job that I could the following summer. An acquaintance of mine recommended a company in Northern California. Using my savings to pay for camping equipment, whitewater gear, guide school and transportation to the American River in Coloma, CA, I began my whitewater career in the summer of 2010 and have worked in the industry every summer since then.

Nicholas kayaking through "Hell Hole" on the Trinity River

Nicholas and Neils in the cave on the Wenatchee River

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FOOD/MEAL?

Indian food, especially garlic naan with palak paneer.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE?

“True, we love life, not because we are used to living but because we are used to loving. There is always some madness in love. But there is also always some reason in madness.” -Friedrich Nietzsche

Climbing in Memanjat near Bogor, Jawa Barat

WHAT IS YOUR SPIRIT ANIMAL, AND WHY?

I do not have a spirit animal per se, but Mogli from The Jungle Book is definitely my spirit character. I feel like Mogli posses the very same mixture of primal instinct and juvenile curiosity that make me happy. In an ideal world I would be free to wear a loincloth, play games all day, and tromp around the jungle with a fun-loving gang of animal friends.

Pramuka Island

Nicholas joined the Wildwater crew in the Spring of the 2013 season. Nicholas contributes great energy, a warm smile, and a friendly - positive attitude to the Wildwater family. We are excited that he will be making his way back up to Wildwater in the end of May for the 2014 season. You can raft with Nicholas on the Wenatchee River, Skagit River, or White Salmon River and join him for a Stand up Paddling trip.