Just like the Maitre ‘D can get you the best table in a fine restaurant, your guides know the good stuff and will share when engaged.
Specifically, we will consider rafting trips. Whether you will be together for 16 days on a Grand Canyon trip on the Colorado River, or doing an overnight on the Tuolomne River, you will find that befriending your guides will enhance your experience. You are probably thinking, “Well, that doesn’t seem necessary because a professional guide is going to do their level best to look after me, no matter what.” I would say that, in general, this is true when it comes to your safety. But, there are so many layers to the river/ outdoor experience that can be discovered together when there is genuine interest and engagement to go a little deeper. So, how do you “befriend” the guides?
For one, eye contact and a smile upon meeting. This is what the good guides do, and if met on the other side with the same, a bridge is already built. When starting a trip, it is a bit stressful for all involved because expectations are set high to have the “best trip ever”. This is a tall order, but it is actually possible, and one of the prime movers towards this goal is to bring the “stoke”. This may seem vague, or intangible because it is. It is also palpable and can be shown through enthusiastic behavior and chatter. Complements are the number one ice breakers. For example, “Nice job rigging your boat! I want my drybag to be on your raft!” Or, “Wow, what an awesome fleet of crafts set up for our river journey! We are going to have a great time!” Little endorsements towards framing positively are the way to go and win the hearts and minds of your crew.
The next thing you can do is to bring some extra beverages for the crew. Now a days there is a wide array of how the Outfitters handle beverages from bring your own, to we have an open bar and are ready to serve you once you land. So, bringing a little extra for the crew, wether LaCroix sparkling water if you dont drink alcohol, or a few six packs of your favorite beer, or a bottle of wine are all excellent gifts that will be well received. It may sound like bribing, because it is, but is also an ancient ritual of bringing your hosts a small gift, eventhough you are meant to be on the receiving end. Its just the way humans have evolved in that if offered a small gift, we melt a little and soften towards compassion and empathy.
The next subtle way to win the hearts and minds is to offer your assistance. You may feel way out of your league amongst the pro’s but guess what? The pro’s are humans and love the show of support, even if not readily needed. For example, would you like some help pumping the rafts in the morning? How can I help? Just showing up sometimes is the hook that will get you a little closer to your crew and allow another layer to be peeled back. Many guides will thank you but say they are fine, and smile. More veteran guides will realize that by you offering help, you are really saying, “Am I accepted in this situation? Am I ok here?’ So, by accepting a little help, by saying sure, you can help me carry the water jugs to the kitchen, or yes, will you help me carry this cooler? The guide will now break down another barrier to “you” versus “us”, and cement the team into the feeling of “us”. We are in it together, to have the best trip ever!
Finally, be real. Be yourself, be honest. Let the crew know how you feel. Guides are not mind readers, although that may be coming! They genuinely want to know you and how you are feeling. If you share, guess what? You become friends and it allows everybody to drop their shoulders and relax. For example, If you are afraid of heights, don’t be embarrassed but blurt it out and you will now in your vulnerability receive understanding and support. One of the magical aspects to a meaningful river experience is that as we are out of range of technology and endless exterior communications, we turn inward and connect with each other and even ourselves!. This tribal aspect to how we return to primordial survival instincts through sharing and caring is what allows that “family river tribe” to thrive. Welcome to the the family! Enjoy!!