Off Beat Interview Series with Jimbo
Riverbeat Questions
Tell us a little about yourself! Where did you grow up?
Never did. But I love the look on our guests’ faces when they ask me where I was born (expecting/hoping for ‘a cave in Alaska’) and I answer “Manhattan.” But truth be told Vermont shaped my young self more than anything. Still where much of my heart exists.
How did you find your way to the river?
I started my outdoor life as a climber. But working for Outward Bound, they offered these cool continuous three week ‘multi environment’ trips where we would climb through a mountain range for a week, drop across the desert for another, and descend down to the Colorado river for a week-long float. All without a shower. Ramen and luke warm water vs Steaks and cold beer. Guess which eventually won out.
If you could be a river super hero, what would you be?
Les Bechtel
What is your favorite dress up theme?
Hilarious yet functional
What is your go to crazy hat night creation?
Throw-rope turban
What brought you to Canyons?
I had been working the Middle Fork for 10 years, and occasionally I would see these camps with cool slatted chairs in a small circle and kayaks littering the beach. I thought “That’s the trip I want to be on”
How many years have you worked here?
Idaho 30, Canyons 20. So, like, half as long as Whizzy.
What is your favorite thing about Canyons?
We seem to have the most cool and diverse guides. And a really cool owner. And, of course, kayaks littering the beach.
If you could describe Canyons in 3 words?
Diverse, mature, family
When you hear the word Idaho, what comes to mind?
Turquoise water flowing by a sandy beach with Ponderosa shade.
What are your top three favorite camps?
Marble right, Cradle, Alder
Your favorite hike?
Loon. It’s not always about the journey. It can be about the destination.
Top three favorite rapids?
Jack Creek series (high water), Split Rock, Big Mallard
Currently what is your nemesis rapid?
I want another shot at Hell’s Half Mile in the sweep without hitting the new rock in the entrance. Gotta start more right…
What river do you want to run that you haven’t yet?
Something in Chile’
What do you consider a real job?
One where you don’t need sunscreen
If you could only have one kayak in your quiver, what would it be and why?
Currently I have a Liquid Logic Sweet Ride (a half slice) in that role. It’s forgiving, cuts back nice on a wave, and can fit my size 13 feet with proper shoes on
What is your favorite thing to cook on the river?
A perfect over-easy egg. And the uncut rib steaks, all salty and naughty.
If you could take a musician or band down the river today, who would it be?
I bet Maggie Rogers would be fun on a trip
What is your most memorable swim in a river?
The Rock Garden on the Taos Box. Guests had to pull me back in after running it without me
What is one of your river rituals or superstitions?
Putting your kayak on a roof rack backwards. People say it will mess you up; I say it makes you a better back surfer
What is your most valued non river related item that you bring with you on every trip?
A pillow. Sorry, Tessa.
What is your favorite groover spot?
The downstream groover spot at Red Harlan (Main Salmon) has the best view. Period.
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