Off Beat Interview Series with Avery
Riverbeat Questions
Tell us a little about yourself! Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Berkeley, California (yes, I’m one of the awful Californians coming to Idaho)! I moved to Western Massachusetts for school, and now I’m bouncing around the Mountain West. When I’m not guiding I love running, kayaking, hiking, skiing, writing, and sewing.
How did you find your way to the river?
I started as a guest! I’ve always loved water and rivers and was lucky enough to go on a trip down Grand Canyon in high school, where I fell in love with rafting. I looked at the guides on that trip and thought, dang these people are so cool, I’d love to do that someday! At that point, though guiding didn’t seem attainable for me—I had no real river experience, and had never seen a trans person working as a river guide. Then, in college, my family went on a Canyons trip, where I met Auri East and learned that there ARE trans guides out there! I also fell in love with the Salmon River and the Frank Church on that trip. I learned as much as I could from the Canyons guides, and at the end of the trip, they told me to ask Greg for a job. So I did! Greg took a chance and hired me as a trainee, and I’m so thankful that I was able to make Canyons my river home.
If you could be a river super hero, what would you be?
Hmmm… does Whizzy count?
Otherwise, a cool superpower would be polarized sunglasses built into my eyes. No more glare!
What is your favorite dress up theme?
Pirates are always fun!
What is your ‘go to’ crazy hat night creation?
I can crochet a sweet headpiece with a throw bag and a coffee strainer!
What brought you to Canyons?
I think I answered this above.
How many years have you worked here?
I’ve worked at Canyons for three years!
What is your favorite thing about Canyons?
I love that canyons is committed to getting everybody out on the river! It’s special to see an outfitter who cares about bringing diversity to outdoor spaces. Also, I love all my friends at Canyons 🙂
If you could describe Canyons in 3 words?
Small-crafts, Flair, Love
When you hear the word Idaho, what comes to mind?
Mountains! Until I found the Salmon, I would have said “potatoes and intolerance”. But I’m so glad to have learned that there’s much more to Idaho!
What are your top three favorite camps?
Cradle Creek, Wilson Creek, and Rhett Creek! I love a creek to soak in and the cliff view and whitewater noise at Cradle have a special place in my heart.
Your favorite hike?
I love Johnson Point!
Top three favorite rapids?
Big Mallard, Tappan Falls, and Pistol Creek!
Currently what is your nemesis rapid?
Cove Creek! Some weeks I grease it and some weeks I hit every possible rock ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
What river do you want to run that you haven’t yet?
So many rivers! But I’m excited to get on the Lochsa this spring.
What do you consider a ‘real’ job?
Oof, no idea. But also, I don’t care if my job is ‘real!’
If you could only have one kayak in your quiver, what would it be and why?
I feel like my answer should be a creek boat, but the truth is I love my Dagger Rewind so much that has to be it. It keeps me on my toes but it’s fast and fun!
What is your favorite thing to cook on the river?
I love to make the polenta! There’s so much room to play with spices and make it extra delicious.
If you could take a musician or band down the river today, who would it be?
Hmm… I think a trip with Allison Russell would be sweet!
What is your most memorable swim in a river?
I’ll always remember my first big swim! I fell out of a paddleboat in Lava Falls and went pretty deep, couldn’t tell which way was up for a while. But then I popped out!
What is one of your river rituals or superstitions?
I like to dip in the river or a creek every night before bed. If it’s really cold I might just splash my face, but a moment with the water at night helps me settle and remember why I’m here.
What is your most valued non river related item that you bring with you on every trip?
I bring so many books! They make my bags pretty heavy, but I want to have reference books and fiction options when I need them!
What is your favorite groover spot?
Cliffside camp! Such a view.
Similar Posts by The Author:
- Off Beat Interview Series with Katy
- Off Beat Interview Series with Jessie
- Off Beat Interview Series with Jimbo
- Do You Know What Watershed You Live in?
- The Salmon – A Free Flowing River
