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.