Offbeat Interview Series with Britt

April 15, 2017 3:16 pm

Brittani ‘Britt’ Farquharson

Originally from Toronto, Canada Britt spent her childhood winters ski racing on eight hundred vertical feet. The rest of the year she spent playing lacrosse and rebelling against the family legacy of flatwater kayaking, canoeing, and rowing. Britt’s father is the oldest of four boys, all of which competed at the provincial level in flat water kayaking and canoeing. Her sister was a medalist at the Junior Worlds in rowing and Britt’s cousins all competed provincially in all three sports. Whitewater was a word she had never heard of, thus she pursued lacrosse, eventually playing at the worlds for Team Canada. Britt then moved to California to play lacrosse and attend school at UC Davis. Luckily for her, after her junior year, she was talked into going to a whitewater guide school. Britt showed up to the guide school with a borrowed tent, a sleeping bag, a backpack and no idea what she was getting herself into. Britt’s first day of guide school was her second day ever seeing whitewater, and it was the beginning of a new life. Now she spends her spring and summers river guiding in California and Idaho. During those times, if Britt is not guiding she works for Sierra Rescue teaching wilderness medicine and swift water rescue classes. In the fall and winter Britt and her partner Chris travel, to experience new cultures and pursue their various adventure sports.

The Interview

If you could be a river superhero, what would you be? The illusive river dolphin. Sees no evil, speaks no evil, hears no evil.

What is your favorite dress up theme? Christmas Theme

What is your ‘go to’ crazy hat night creation? Antlers

What brought you to Canyons? My fiancé and his family (he comes from a river guiding family) convinced me to start exploring opportunities to guide in Idaho. We were lucky enough to interview with Greg and need I say more. After the meeting we knew working for Canyons was an opportunity we could not let slip away. Lucky for us, Greg felt the same and our future was set!!

How many years have you worked here? 1 season

What is your favorite thing about Canyons? The diversity of crafts: Kayak, Oar Rig, Duckie, SUP, Sweep Boat, Paddle Boat.

If you could describe Canyons in 3 words? Chocolate, Friendship, and Laughter.

When you hear the word Idaho, what comes to mind? More wilderness area than people.

What are your top three favorite camps? Fire Island, Marble left, Ship Island

Your favorite hike? Johnson Point, it was my first hike on the Salmon. It really gives you a perspective of the canyon’s grandeur.

Top three favorite rapids? Tappan 3, Redside, Hancock

Currently, what is your nemesis rapid? Yet to be determined…

What river do you want to run that you haven’t yet? So many! But currently, I am eyeing the Zambezi river that creates the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe in Africa.

What do you consider a ‘real’ job? A profession that puts you in a place to inspire people, to live the life they dream of living and take the risks necessary to achieve that goal.

If you could only have one kayak in your quiver, what would it be and why? Jackson Villian. It is my first ever kayak and we have been through a lot together.

What is your favorite thing to cook on the river? Chocolate, oh sorry I thought that question was EAT. When it comes to food I have a one-track mind. Chocolate!!!

If you could take a musician or band down the river today, who would it be? Island of Black and White.

What is your most memorable swim in a river? I don’t have one, I have eight. Chris and I decided it was a good idea for me to learn how to kayak in Ecuador. This resulted in me swimming eight times on the Cosanga river, in two weeks. Luckily the trip was four months and I managed to have several swim free laps.

What is one of your river rituals or superstitions? Drink a little so you don’t drink a lot. A tradition that started for me in California and I have continued my whole career.

What is your most valued non-river-related item that you bring with you on every trip? A hammock

What is your favorite groover spot? On the raft, convenience is everything.