River Guides

Co-founder and owner of Zoo Town Surfers, Jason prefers to spend most of his days on the water.  Personally involved in all aspects of company operations has always been a top priority.  Jason graduated from the University of Montana with a degree in Recreation Resource Management in 2001.  Learning how to kayak was a life changing experience and since then, Jason has been pursuing whitewater locally and worldwide for the past 7 years.   You’re more likely to see Jason on the water than in an office.

Favorite River:  White Nile

Activities: Kayaking, spending time with friends, working, walking the dogs, and stand-up paddleboarding       

Favorite Quote:  "Excellence is born of preparation, dedication, focus, and tenacity. Compromise on any of these and you become average" John Chatterton

Growing up in Cody, Wyoming, Erin is no stranger to the outdoors.  Erin has been going on river trips with her dad since she was just a pup.  With a social work degree and a knack for neatness, this girl is the glue that holds this company together.  Say hi to her next time you call the ZTS phone line.

Favorite River: The Snake River

Activities:  Hiking, reading, making salsa, rafting, and scrapbooking

Favorite Quote:   "Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it." A River Runs Through It

Will is a veteran guide who knows how to get things done, on and off the river.  This past winter, he was hanging out in Antarctica watching critters and traveled around New Zealand.  Will worked on the Gallatin River last summer and we are lucky to have him back.

Favorite River:  Early Spring Lochsa

Activities:  Boating, skiing, critter watching

Quote:  "Believe me, my young friend there is nothing- absolutely nothing- half so much worth doing as simply messing around in boats." - the Water Rat from Wind in the Willows

Oriana worked for ZTS as a kayak instructor and raft guide.   Oriana has a positive attitude and is always smiling, on and off the river.  She also helped start many of our women’s programs.  Oriana is now focused on nursing school and travelling.   We could only hope that someday she will make a guest appearance for us!

Favorite River:  Nam Wa River, Thailand

Quote:  "There is nothing better in the summertime than being on the river."

Activities:  Freelance Journalist, Global Adventurer, Powderhound, Nursing Student

Sander Tollefson

Sander's a local boy who participated in our youth kayak club back in the day and is now a ZTS guide.  If you looking for a guide that's cool, calm, and relaxed, this is the guy for you.  He's also pretty darn good at taking photos

Favorite River:  Alberton Gorge of the Clark Fork above 35,000 CFS

Quote:  "Fast, hard, and down the middle" Unknown, "Rule number 5:  You can't get hurt in the air"  Warren Miller

Activities:  Kayaking, Skiiing, Rock Climbing, Taking Photos

Nate Garcia

Favorite River:  Little White Salmon

Quote:  "Never regret what you did, because its exactly what you wanted" Unknown

Activities:  Kayaking, skiing, and couching