Off Beat Interview Series with Kami
Off Beat Interview Series with Kami
Riverbeat Questions
Tell us a little about yourself! Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the flatlands of Minnesota, in a small town called Randolph
How did you find your way to the river?
I grew up with a river flowing through my backyard (truly, literally in my backyard) and
spent most of my days on a little grassy beach on that river, inevitably falling in love with
flowing rivers. But it wasn’t until 2020, which is where I was introduced to the river
rafting scene in Moab, Utah. I started working for a nonprofit called Canyonlands Field
Institute, where I was able to combine outdoor education and multi-day river trips in the
southwest rivers and canyons. And then made my way to Idaho to guide on free-flowing
rivers, which is a dream and one of the highest privileges.
If you could be a river super hero, what would you be?
Ooooohhh, to be honest…. I kind of already know her. Her name is Kamalamadingdong
and she appears once in a blue moon on a Canyons trip. She’s a glorious diva that will be
sure to bring the house down. Hopefully someday you’ll be lucky enough to meet her…
(iykyk).
What is your favorite dress up theme?
My favorite dress up theme is anything to do with sparkles, glitter and tutus.
What is your ‘go to’ crazy hat night creation?
I like to have my creation be things in nature that have already moved past their time or
are moreso not alive, maybe fallen leaves, sticks, rocks, decayed flowers or sometimes
even bones and skulls! The hard part is finding a vessel to hold them all, but sometimes
I’ll just stick them all in my hair!
What brought you to Canyons?
I knew that if I wanted to keep guiding I wanted to be with an outfitter that felt
intentional and purposeful with why they existed on the river. I wanted to align with
their values and feel that they were proud to be inclusive, stewards, silly and passionate
about the river and the landscape we get to traverse on. I found Canyons, had a phone
call with Greg, went on the training trip and the rest was history. I was in love.
How many years have you worked here?
I’m coming up on my 3rd season!
What is your favorite thing about Canyons?
It’s hard not to say everything. I think my absolute favorite thing is how much I feel like
the Canyons team is my chosen family. I feel celebrated and held and pushed to grow.
They allow me to be silly and passionate in the work that I do and ultimately, I want
people to feel as loved by Canyons as I do.
If you could describe Canyons in 3 words?
Flare, magical, top-notch
When you hear the word Idaho, what comes to mind?
Wild, formidable, staggering
What are your top three favorite camps?
Cradle and Shelf on the Middle, California on the Main
Your favorite hike?
Ohhh I love to trail run / hike to Loon Hot springs (or past loon hot springs!!!)
Top three favorite rapids?
Weber, Cramer, and Big Mallard
Currently what is your nemesis rapid?
Always Chittam rapid.
What river do you want to run that you haven’t yet?
So many! I’d love to run
What do you consider a ‘real’ job?
A real job is any job that you are paid to do, I strongly dislike the hierarchy of jobs or
careers. We all make the world go round and anything that provides a paycheck is a real
job, there isn’t anything imaginary about that.
Going at ‘real’ in a different sense, I think being in these landscapes and on these rivers
is as real as it will ever get. It’s the realest connection, feeling and experience I’ve ever
had. Life feels REAL out there.
If you could only have one kayak in your quiver, what would it be and why?
Being newer to the kayaking scene, there are only a few I’ve experienced, but I do love
the Dagger Rewind.
What is your favorite thing to cook on the river?
I love breakfast made to order! It’s fun getting to talk to everyone in the morning and
also make something different with each person!
If you could take a musician or band down the river today, who would it be?
I would love to take Nick Shoulders, I think he would be a hoot and a holler. OR Maggie
Rogers, because of course.
What is your most memorable swim in a river?
Most of them have been on the Salmon! My most memorable swim was also my very
first swim, which was Chittam rapid on the Main Salmon at 32,000 cfs. It was before my
time at Canyons, but it was my first time on the Main Salmon and I was rowing a gear
boat, no guests. I had lost an oar, went sideways to the perfectly timed wave that I
thought was going to flip my boat, but just washed me out of the boat. I got sucked into a
whirlpool, touched the bottom of the river and resurfaced, only to get sucked down
again. It was gnarly.
What is one of your river rituals or superstitions?
Before launching each day, I touch the water and give gratitude towards the water and
the canyon (and also ask for safe passage). Another is I must be wearing dangly earrings.
If I’m not wearing any, I’m asking for trouble.
What is your most valued non river related item that you bring with you on
every trip?
Oh man, I feel like I have a few of these. Probably tiger balm or glitter. OR floss.
What is your favorite groover spot?
Big fan of the groover spot at Ship Island
Similar Posts by The Author:
- Off Beat Interview Series with Mike Hipsher
- The Interior Guide: How to Actually Show Up for Yourself this River Trip
- Internal Hydrology: Why You’re More Watershed Than Human
- Off Beat Interview Series with Clark
- Blogs are Reflections from a Salmon River SUP Adventure
