Blog
River inspiration, reviews, stories, advice, camping tips, and about anything else we can think of from the Zoo Town Surfers staff.
ZTS – New Beginnings
One of my favorite memories from ZTS is when me and Scott Doherty hopped in the old, silver World Class Kayak Academy van with some local teenagers from Missoula and travelled north to Canada and all the way up to BC, topping it off with some world class surf at...
HOLIDAY GUIDE-MADE GIFT GUIDE!
If you’ve got outdoors-focused friends & family, and you have no idea what to get them for Christmas or birthdays, and you want to support small businesses & talented guides, here’s the short list of some gift ideas- all guide-made & guide-owned. Happy...
BRAND-NEW KAYAKERS, THIS ONE’S FOR YOU!
This advice column is fairly standard and meant to give any rookie boater some helpful hints or reminders. First you’ll figure out the gear, the on-water safety, and the basic idea of getting yourself downstream. After that comes all the stuff that makes becoming a...
RECIPE FOR YOUR NEXT COLD-WEATHER RIVER TRIP: WHITE CHICKEN CHILI
It’s easy, it’s a hot dish, and anything tastes good after a cold day on the water. (Serves 8-10) Ingredients 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (chopped) 3 cans great northern beans (14.5oz each) 2 cans chicken broth (14oz each) 1 can chopped green chilis...
River Etiquette
Rivers are a privilege. We are lucky enough to share these wild and beautiful places with one another, and treating the river and our fellow boaters with respect is necessary in order to keep these places wild and beautiful. Be knowledgeable about the Leave No Trace...
Packing Right for Taking Kids Rafting
If you are taking your kiddos on their first river trip, packing everything you might need out there can present a major challenge. As someone who is NOT a parent yet, these What-To-Bring lists are very introductory, and come from overhearing LOTS of parents say “Oh,...
Questions you Should/Shouldn’t Ask Every River Guide
River guides love telling stories. We love stories that make us laugh, stories that make us learn, and stories that make us look inward. Exaggerated details, extensive hand gestures, the Dramatic Pause, and a sharp punchline. We love telling good stories and bad ones,...
Guiding as a River Couple
In any workplace, dating your coworker is a bad idea. In guiding, it is also a bad idea. You’ve heard the story, I’m sure. Maybe you’ve lived it. You met them on the river last season, and the magic of summer and nature whisked you away into a sun-drunk love affair....
ZTS Guide Profile – Brit Englund
Name/nickname, where are you from, how long have you been guiding for Zoo Town and what do you do during the offseason? I do not have any nicknames, my name (Brit Englund) is funny enough. I was born and raised in Missoula. This summer will be my third year guiding...
