👀 Watch episodes of the Sawyer On-Water Podcast:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHJyjGqzjhytKCJMLNBIJclimojUFMdxh

🔗 Episode Links:

Helfrich McKenzie Rafting: https://www.helfrichmckenzierafting.com/
Sawyer Paddles and Oars: https://paddlesandoars.com/

📝 Summary

In this episode of the Sawyer On-Water podcast, Zac interviews Jonnie Helfrich, a seasoned river guide with 50 years of experience on the McKenzie River. They discuss the river's unique features, its economic impact on the surrounding community, the challenges of guiding, and the importance of engaging with guests. Jonnie shares insights on the generational legacy of river guiding, the art of entertaining guests, and the future of the industry. The conversation highlights the beauty of the McKenzie River and the joy of sharing it with others.

🎬 Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the McKenzie River

02:59 McKenzie River Fishing

03:51 Economic Impact of the River and a boat ramp PSA

09:01 Whitewater Canoeing

10:59 The Beauty of Getting on the River

12:08 Entertaining Guides and Expert Guides

16:32 The 10 Year Guiding Challenge

19:16 Multi-Day Trip Challenges

22:04 The Helfrich Guiding Legacy

25:54 The River Legacy and Raising a Family on the River

30:39 Wildfires and Rafting

31:40 Seasonality Challenges

34:08 Teachers as Raft Guides

38:25 Jonnie's Sawyer Paddle

40:45 River Rescue Story

42:17 See you on the Water!

Sawyer Paddles & Oars. High-quality handcrafted paddles and oars since 1967 🛶

➡️ For paddles and oars, visit our website: https://paddlesandoars.com/➡️ For all your river gear needs, visit our retail store: https://sawyerstation.com/

🎥 Watch more episodes of the Sawyer On-Water Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHJyjGqzjhytKCJMLNBIJclimojUFMdxh

See you on the water! 🌊