Offbeat Interview Series with Nate
Nate ‘Baby Buffalo’ Zabloski
Born and raised in Massachusetts, Nate discovered the west and never looked back. He dove into commercial river guiding, learning the art of various crafts including oar boats, paddle boats, snout-rigs (motorized) and sport-boats (motorized), in Moab Utah. After a few years, he discovered the Division of Wildlife Resources and ‘fish squeezing’ trips. Since 2006 Nate has worked studying and monitoring the endangered fish species of the Colorado River Basin. Finally deciding that Moab was the place he wanted to put down some roots, Nate helped build his first home. Now a proud homeowner, it’s not uncommon to find him tinkering about the yard on one project or another. Nate has moved on from fish squeezing, to shoulder season business endeavors in Moab. Come summertime you will find him on the Salmon Rivers because Idaho is the place to be!
In his free time, Nate is an avid river runner, backcountry skier, mountain biker, Motorhead, and all-around adventurer. His lady friend Nicole, likes to join him in his adventures as often as possible, from her home in the Northwest. He also journies up to her home, where they enjoy climbing mountains, yoga and each other.
Given the chance, Nate will be paddling with and running safety for the Rainbow Fleet of Canyons Duckies. He hasn’t completely taken to kayaking just yet but loves any opportunity he gets to ‘Safety Duck’. He likes to go big in the paddle boat, so if you ride with him you may just get the chance to HIGH SIDE!!
The Interview
If you could be a river superhero, what would you be? A form of Super Nate that can breathe underwater and in the air
What is your favorite dress up theme? Baby Buffalo
What is your ‘go-to’ crazy hat night creation? Captain Shady Hat
What brought you to Canyons? The call of Idaho, good friends, and a high water trip
How many years have you worked here? Two
What is your favorite thing about Canyons? The Love and the Style
If you could describe Canyons in 3 words? Flossing Rafting Family
When you hear the word Idaho, what comes to mind? Hot springs and clean clear wild rivers
What are your top three favorite camps? Little Soldier, Loon Creek, Haynie Bar
Your favorite hike? Martin Mountain
Top three favorite rapids? Velvet, Rubber & Big Mallard
Currently, what is your nemesis rapid? House of Rocks rapid in high water
What river do you want to run that you haven’t yet? Tatshenshini-Alsek
What do you consider a ‘real’ job? A job that can sustain your lifestyle
If you could only have one kayak in your quiver, what would it be and why? Remix 69 because it is solid and stable
What is your favorite thing to cook on the river? Grilled shrimp
If you could take a musician or band down the river today, who would it be? Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats
What is your most memorable swim in a river? Big Drop 2 in Cataract Canyon
What is one of your river rituals or superstitions? Dress up the last night and party!
What is the most valued non-river-related item that you bring with you on every trip? My acoustic guitar
What is your favorite groover spot? The motor well of my J-Rig
Similar Posts by The Author:
- Blue Moon Yurt… RIVER TRIP MAGIC in Winter!
- Come Wine and Dine with Team Canyons!
- The Gift of a River Trip for Dad.
- Meet Velvet, A Dory on the Salmon!
- Offbeat Interview Series with Mike
