LOW WATER - WENATCHEE RIVER UPDATE

From late July and into August, Wildwater River Guides shifts our main operation from the Wenatchee River to the White Salmon, which is several hours south of our main base in Peshastin. Although weekend bookings are closed on the Wenatchee from this point on, we do continue to run weekday trips on our home stretch. At this point in the season most of the snow that feeds the Wenatchee has already melted and floated our boats downstream, only to return again as winter precipitation. But the riverbed is not dry. The late-summer water, low as it may be, will still float a raft full of people down to Cashmere. The nature of these trips is different than those we run in May and June, but they do have a unique appeal that simply cannot be compared with early season high water.

The Wenatchee River is at the perfect level for family friendly trips.

The White Salmon River holds the BEST whitewater in the State for the month of August.

First and foremost, the air and the water are actually warm. No more wetsuits and blasts of cold water to the face– come late July it’s “sun’s out guns out” and there is no better time than to show off those biceps or work on your PFD tan than on a casual Wenatchee float.

In the spring season large waves can easily flip a boat or knock you out, but as the water comes down throughout the Summer, swimming becomes more a matter of your own volition than that of the river. In the slower, deeper stretches of the river you can jump into the water and cool off, and just about anywhere save the rapids you can incite playful (or competitive) splash wars between boats. As a guide, I like to take the opportunity to practice flip drills in the late summer. If my guests want to get wet I’ll have everybody get to one side of the raft to help me flip it upside down, then hoist myself and whoever else back onto it in order to flip it back over, and finally pull everybody/everything back into the boat before continuing downstream.

BIG hits in the Spring and early Summer on the Wenatchee River.

Say "good-bye" to the wetsuits until next season - the weather is HOT here and the water feels great.

Another perk of late-season floats is that there are generally far fewer boats on the water, which creates a more natural, remote-feeling atmosphere for you and your friends or family. Sometimes you’ll see a few fellow rafters or spot some quiet fisherman on the bank, and at other times you may come around a bend to find that you have an entire section of the river to yourself.

Most of the rapids on the Wenatchee mellow out when the water drops, but they don’t disappear completely. Drunkards Drop loses the huge raft-rocking waves that usually characterize it, but you still get to feel the several foot “drop” that creates the rapid in the first place. Snowblind, which is usually a disorienting series of white-capping waves at higher water, becomes a beautiful maze of exposed bedrock. In some sections of the rapid it feels like you gloss right over the top of the riverbed, which is perfectly visible through the shallow water. When the water gets lower yet, you have to carefully maneuver the boat through tiny pathways left between the large protruding rocks, making the rapid feel almost like a puzzle. And Granny’s, the last rapid on the Wenatchee, always remains big and splashy regardless of the river’s level. After a relatively leisurely float, it’s fun to end the trip with a full-on class III wave train that will spark your nerves just before takeout.

You will still experience fun rapids on the river. 

“I would say low water Wenatchee is the best opportunity for families to come out and have fun with their kids on a river, enjoy the sunshine and the heat, the excitement of the waves and the splashes, without parents having to worry so much about risk,” Wildwater guide Jaime Jasinski says.


And if late-season Wenatchee doesn't seem to be your cup of tea you can always try one of our other trips available in August. Test your balance on one of our class-II SUP trips, head up to the scenic Skagit river nestled in the North Cascades, or head on down to the White Salmon and huck yourself over Husum Falls.

Stand up paddleboard on the lower Wenatchee River. 

Enjoy a family friendly scenic trip on the Skagit River in the North Cascades National Park.

Optional Class V Husum Falls on the White Salmon River is a great way to get your adrenaline pumping. 

Written by: Nicholas Farley 

LEARNING TO KAYAK: A worthwhile endeavor for people who like things that are awesome.

I've always been drawn to kayaking. While I rafted down the South Fork of the American River as a first year raft guide I found it hard to take my eyes off of the little vessels. I watched the kayakers in envy as they wove in and out of our long caravans of blue boats, plunged head first into waves that our large rafts blasted over top of, and sped past us with a sly, self-satisfied air of independence. Although I didn’t have a boat, paddle, or car – the bare essentials of a kayak setup – I resolved to pursue the sport regardless, namely by leeching the resources of rafting companies and the curious figures that inhabit them. Fortunately, many of the kayakers I hung out around were eager to share the experience and would let me borrow their boats until I could acquire one of my own.

Nicholas learning to kayak in California on the American River

The initial learning curve was steep. My first few times in a kayak I found myself upside down underwater, unable to breathe, and bound to a hunk of plastic that kept me in this less-than-ideal position. I almost felt like the helpless protagonist of a Hollywood action thriller whose feet are bound to cement blocks as he is thrust into the ocean, indefinitely removed from the life-sustaining nourishment of oxygen. For many beginners kayaking can feel dangerous, counterintuitive, and often quite scary. But with a little bit of guidance and practice the sport is anything but.

Nicholas kayaking in June on the Cooper River in Washington

Being a beginner kayaker isn’t like being a beginner at baseball, poker, or just about anything else – rivers are dynamic environments and unless your are in control of your boat, the river is in control of you (regardless of whether you are upside down, swimming alongside your abandoned vessel, or even right side up). But with even a small degree of control, from the balance on top of the water to the simple ability to roll upright, kayaking begins to feel more like a form of liberation than constraint.

Nicholas and fellow Wildwater guide Neils having fun on the river. 

A qualified kayaker will tell you that learning to re-right your kayak isn’t the most important starting point, and that there are in fact many basic techniques that trump this coveted ability. That said, when I first learned to roll my kayak upright I felt as if I had uncovered some sort of superhuman nautical power. The more comfortable I became upside down, confident that the surface air was always going to be there for me, the more in-synch I became with the river environment. With 360 degrees of motion around the fulcrum of the water’s surface, I felt as if I had breached river’s third dimension of vertical, horizontal and vertical space – no longer simply on the water but in it.

Wildwater guide and kayak instructor Lance playboating on the White Salmon River

It’s striking to watch trains of fuzzy little ducklings scamper around the peripheries of powerful rapids, coolly navigating the narrow channels of green water as if oblivious to the ferocity of the hydraulics that surround them. They meander through the rivers with an instinctive confidence and finesse, hardwired with the wisdom to revere the river’s power without challenging it. By using carefully calculated strokes and remaining acutely aware of their surroundings, ducklings seem to dance about the tumultuous river environment without ever putting themselves in direct danger.

Wildwater guide Jamie kayaking a few years back

As primarily ground-dwelling creatures, we humans are not endowed with the same physiological capabilities that allow ducks to inhabit and play about the river environment – our bodies are simply not designed for it. But kayaking somehow opens these doors. As I gradually grew into my kayak it came to feel like more of a bodily extension than an accessory. Like some sort of aquatic centaur, my body became all boat from the torso down. It was as if I had been granted the awesome privilege to experience rivers in such a way that my physiology alone would never have allowed - to actually feel the wrath of the currents firsthand, in their sublime beauty as much as their humbling ferocity. I suppose that the magic of kayaking, for me, lies in this special capacity to help us transcend the very basic limitations that would otherwise keep us far removed from the majesty of whitewater.

Neils kayaking through the first rapid on the Cooper River

Blog post written by: Nicholas Farley

New Specialty Trips: River Yoga!

How many people choose to go rafting, hiking, SUPing, skiing, or kayaking because being outside makes them feel just darn good? How many people have taken up the practice of yoga for the same reason? There is no question that getting out of doors, away from the burdens of technology and office chairs, can bring about a real change in one's wellbeing. Some attribute this to a connection to nature or source, while others attribute it to the physical sensation for moving one's body, physical exertion and breathing that fresh air. The same could be said of yoga practitioners from all walks of life. People have tons of reasons for loving their activities or choice, but the consensus is that these things are great for the body, mind, and soul.  For myself, I know that the very same root feelings inspire my love for both the outdoors and hatha yoga (the physical yoga that many practice today).

And now, with a TON of excitement, we announce that Wildwater River Guides will be offering specialty yoga-themed rafting and SUP trips this season! Experience connection to nature and energize the body in a whole new way, combining river experiences with vinyasa (flow) yoga. Here's what we've got going on:

Yoga + Downriver SUP

Experience two of the fastest growing activities in the world! On this trip you will take in the meditative and grounding energy of yoga paired with the playful excitement of Downriver SUP. An energizing outdoor vinyasa yoga class near the beautiful vacation town of Leavenworth will enliven your body, mind, and spirit before getting on our Stand Up Paddle boards. From there we will experience the natural beauty of the river and the rising Enchantments behind us as we paddle down the river! Be prepared to laugh and play! Downriver SUP is one of the most accessible and fun ways to experience the river. Don’t miss out on this experience of a lifetime!

(River section variable, dependent on flows)

Yoga + Sunset Rafting

Combine a river adventure and connection to nature with the physical and meditative practice of vinyasa yoga. Invigorate your body, mind, and soul on the beautiful and exciting Wenatchee river during the gorgeous afternoon light! Yoga is the ancient practice of moving mediation, and builds incredible strength and flexibility. Couple this with whitewater rafting, and you've got an experience that is sure to leave you feeling refreshed, excited and renewed! This trip will start with an energizing outdoor Yoga class to help bring participants into a state of active awareness and physical readiness to experience the Class III Wenatchee River. Following yoga, we'll paddle through the rapids in the breathtaking glow of the late afternoon!

About the Instructor - Julianna Fultineer

My journey towards the yogic process began with a intense love for the river. During my time on the water working as a river guide, I began to notice and cultivate the sacred connection between mind, body, spirit, and nature. This feeling of connection to source lead me to begin a diligent yoga practice in 2011. I received my 200-hr certification through the Nosara Yoga Institute in 2013. Through my experiences both on the mat and on the river, I’ve come to see yoga as an amazing tool for realizing the multi-dimensional, limitless nature of being. Drawing inspiration from many styles of yoga, particularly the T. Krishnamacharya lineage, I have an integrative approach to vinyasa yoga, with an emphasis on the personal journey of each practitioner. 

Connect with me on facebook or instagram!


If these trips sound like something you'd love to experience, give Wildwater a shout at 1-800-522-WILD to talk about availability! There will be a limited number, so book yours soon!

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.

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. 

STAFF HIGHLIGHT: LANCE REIF

NAME: Lance Reif
NICKNAME: Fancy Pants, or just Fancy.
This was the name given to me when I was a "rookie" guide on the New and Gauley rivers of West Virginia where I trained at Songer Whitewater. I am not sure how it came about, maybe because I had a pair of board shorts with flowers, or just because my guiding style was so slick.

Lance at the top of Glacier National Park, BC

GIVE US A LITTLE BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT YOURSELF.

Growing up I played soccer year-round. I was really competitive and had a lot of energy, so soccer was a great sport for me. Eventually I got a new passion after a high school teacher introduced my to whitewater kayaking. I didn't know many people that kayaked, so I decided to try and get a job as a guide. Every day I wasn't working I would kayak along with raft trips trying to get better.

Lance surfing on the New River Dries, WV

Eventually I entered a few kayaking competitions to see how I compared. My first claim to fame was in the 2007 Wavesport Open on the Upper Gauley river, where I took home a brand new Sweet Protection helmet for the best (worst) carnage of the day for getting stuck in the "room of doom" on Pillow Rock rapid for over 4 minutes but managed to not swim. In the same event I also took 3rd place in the boater cross race through "Lost Paddle" rapid.

Lance competing in the 2008 Big Air competition, Clackamas River Festival

 Here as some other events I have taken part in:
-2nd place 2007 ASCI Wavesport Freestyle Rodeo
-2nd place K-1 playboat category, 2008 Upper Gauley Animal race
-Finalist in Big Air competition, 2008 Clackamas River Festival
-5th place 2009 nation wide Eddy Flower Vertical Challenge, kayaked 24,755 vertical feet in 32 days
-4th place 2010 nation wide Eddy Flower Vertical Challenge, kayaked 28,205 vertical feet in 32 days
-2nd place short boat category, 2010 Upper Wind River Festival
-17th place (in a 3 way tie!), 2012 Little White Salmon Race
-8th place Long boat category, 2014 Upper Wind River Festival

Lance running S-turn rapid on the Rio Alseseca, Mexico

Aside from competitions I have kayaked class V rapids and big waterfalls in Ecuador, Mexico, British Columbia, and all over the United States.

Lance dropping 50 foot falls on the Rio Texolo, Mexico 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RIVER AT WILDWATER?

This is a hard one to answer with so many great rivers, but if I had to choose a favorite river that Wildwater runs it would have to be the Green River Gorge. It is a hard one to get on due to its unpredictable flows and early season, but the combination of amazing scenery and exciting whitewater make it my favorite.

Green River Gorge, WA

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RIVER OR MULTI-DAY TRIP?

Favorite river would have to be the Little White Salmon in Washington. This class V river drops almost 1,200 feet in 4 miles and has some of the best whitewater in the world. The water is perfectly clear and turquoise in color. There are several springs that you can pull over to and drink from and the rapids are top notch. It may not be the hardest river in the world, but it sure is one of the best.

Lance boofing Stovepipe rapid on the Little White Salmon, WA

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

My first time in a raft, I was probably 5 at the time, was on the Snake River in Wyoming on a gentle scenic stretch outside of the Grand Tetons where my cousin was a guide. Then, while I was in 5th or 6th grade, my family did a whitewater trip on the New River in West Virginia. For the next few years I rafted almost every Summer on the New River with friends or Youth Groups. My senior year of high school I got introduced to kayaking from a teacher and quickly bought a kayak. That Summer, my Dad took my brother and I down the Grand Canyon for 13 days and I started thinking about becoming a guide. Through friends I met a guy with a raft and my freshman year of college he invited me and some friends to raft the Gauley river. He wanted to sit up front for the last big class V rapid called Sweets Falls, so he asked who wanted to guide. Being the only person in the boat who kayaked and with the most rafting experience I stepped up and he let me guide Sweets Falls and several other class IV-V rapids. In the Spring of 2004 I became a guide for Songer Whitewater in West Virginia and I have never looked back.

Lance getting the pillow ride at Pillow Rock rapid on the Upper Gauley river, WV

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COLOR?

Green

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FOOD/MEAL?

Pizza! I know it's cliche but melted cheese with any toppings and sauce on a delicious crust is hard to beat.

Lance catching some air in the Wasatch back-country in UT

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE?

"Would you rather have bankruptcy of pocket or bankruptcy of soul?"

Lance dropping Punchbowl Falls on Eagle Creek, OR

WHAT IS YOUR SPIRIT ANIMAL AND WHY?

I have always been drawn to the cheetah. They are beautiful, elegant, fast, and determined. They rest most of the time so that they can devote all their energy to one thing, which in their instance is to eat, but I think there is some deeper meaning in that.

Lance took over Wildwater in October 2012. He re-branded the company, changing the name and introduced ACA kayak instruction, stand up paddling trips, and private rowing instruction. Wildwater was founded in 1980 and will continue to grow and progress for years to come.