Off Beat Interview Series with Jessie
Riverbeat Questions
Tell us a little about yourself! Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Minnesota but quickly became infatuated with the west when I moved to California for college. Haven’t
looked back since!
How did you find your way to the river?
By accident! I signed up for a trip with the ‘canoe club’ while studying abroad in New Zealand… I thought, ‘that’s a
funny looking canoe’ when I first laid eyes on a kayak. And I was hooked.
If you could be a river super hero, what would you be?
My dog Denali! Every day is a great day if you have a stick, a splash, and humans for company.
What is your favorite dress up theme?
90th Birthday Party…
What is your ‘go to’ crazy hat night creation?
I think we have to bring this tradition back…I’ve never done a hat night at Canyons!
What brought you to Canyons
I was working on the Main Salmon for a different company and I remember watching a girl row a HUGE gear boatdownstream. I remember thinking ‘WOW she is so cool, how can I be her friend?’ Yep, that was Ren Egnew!
How many years have you worked here?
I started working for Canyons in 2022
What is your favorite thing about Canyons?
The people! Guide teams and guests.
If you could describe Canyons in 3 words?
colorful, warm, bright
When you hear the word Idaho, what comes to mind?
The Salmon River corridor…duh
What are your top three favorite camps?
Wilson (MF), Cradle (MF), Warren Creek (MN at high water)
Your favorite hike?
Shelf camp to Loon Creek Hot Spring
Top three favorite rapids?
Marble Surf Wave (MF), Impassible Canyon stretch (MF), Alder Creek 2.0 (MN)
Currently what is your nemesis rapid?
Last summer I got a big ‘parking ticket’ on the right rock in Rubber at low water…
What river do you want to run that you haven’t yet?
The South Fork Salmon!
What do you consider a ‘real’ job?
This job is as real as it gets!
If you could only have one kayak in your quiver, what would it be and why?
Half-slice, baby! A sleek, fast, surf machine with stern-squirt energy
What is your favorite thing to cook on the river?
I love designing the charcuterie boards for appetizers
If you could take a musician or band down the river today, who would it be?
John Craigie
What is your most memorable swim in a river?
I flipped a paddle raft in the ‘Big Kahuna’ of Bernard and that was the fastest I’ve ever jumped back on a raft!
What is one of your river rituals or superstitions?
I remind myself to run my hands through the water and ‘feel her energy’ before dropping into a big rapid
What is your most valued non river related item that you bring with you on every trip?
Mmm maybe earrings? They make me feel both feminine and badass.
What is your favorite groover spot?
Any spot that’s right at the river’s edge!
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- Off Beat Interview Series with Katy
- Off Beat Interview Series with Jimbo
- Off Beat Interview Series with Avery
- Do You Know What Watershed You Live in?
- The Salmon – A Free Flowing River
