Why Hire a Guide?

By Travis Tomlinson

O.A.R.S
P.O. Box 67
Angels Camp, CA  95222
209-736-4677 ~ 800-346-6277
www.oars.com/htdocs/utah/

Hatch River Expeditions
P.O. Box 1150
Vernal, UT  84078
800.342.8243 ~ 435.789.4316
www.hatchriver.com

Though you are paying money for these adventures remember that the qualified individuals who are taking you have dedicated their lives to being the best in their arena and have spent lots of time finding these wonderful places and adventures to bring them to you. They know the secret places. They know where the best places for fish are, what climbs will give you the thrill of a lifetime, but remain within your reach. They are paid professionals with priceless knowledge and the experience and they are willing to share a fun filled day or week with you, your friends and family.

Guiding vs. Instruction. One aspect that people often have trouble understanding is the difference between a guided trip and an instruction course. You need to try and determine how involved you would like to be with the activity you have chosen after your trip. If you just want to go out and not have to worry about any of the logistics or decision making processes a guided adventure is probably right for you. People often ask if they do a guided trip if they will still have an opportunity to learn. The answer is yes. Take a guided day of canyoneering for instance, you will definitely learn the basics of rappelling and how technical descending gear works. It should be noted however that the focus of a guided day is going to revolve more around the experience of the trip and pushing you beyond what you thought were your limits. The depth and scope of what you learn will not be deep enough for you to pursue this activity alone without future instruction or mentoring from someone with knowledge and experience. A day of instruction is for the person who is interested in rock climbing let’s say and thinks that they would like to pursue this adventure on their own in the future. The focus of an instructional course does not center around the experience so much and as it does learning the technical aspects, safety issues and decision-making skills necessary to keep you safe while enjoying these pursuits on your own. Some times, at least on the first day of a course you will not spend much time in the realm of the activity you are pursuing. Again, take climbing for instance, anyone can climb stuff. Kids do it all the time, curtains, couches, trees, humans, come on you have seen ‘em in Wal-Mart. Though climbing well can keep you safe, that’s only true if you never fall. What keeps you safe are the systems and processes which make you a safe and competent technical rigger of ropes and hardware associated with the sport. These things can are often taught in the safety of terra firma. Talk to the guide service you have chosen and explain to them what it is that you would like to get out of the experience. If your not quite sure what all of the possibilities are ask lots of questions. All of us have been in your boots. There is nothing wrong with being a newbie. In fact acknowledging such is the first step to not becoming one.

Hiring a guide for a day of guiding or an instructional course takes out all of the guess work and most of the headaches in planning for the time you would like to call your vacation. Good times are yours to be had. Feel strong knowing that with the pictures to back you up, your water cooler, copy machine conversations will be dazzling. Find a local guide within these pages for a pursuit that interests you and feel good knowing that this vacation will be one that is not soon forgotten.

Bill Dvorak Kayak/Rafting Expeditions
17921 Hwy. 285, Suite OUV
Nathrop, CO  81236
800-824-3795 ~ 719-539-3571
www.dvorakexpeditions.com

Moki Mac River Expeditions
P.O. Box 71242
Salt Lake City, UT  84171-0242
800-284-7280 ~ 801-268-6667
www.mokimac.com

Arta River Trips
24000 Casa Loma Road
Groveland, CA  95321
800-323-2782
www.arta.org