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 at Zoo Town. In my regular job, I am a middle school band teacher!

What are some similarities between teaching and guiding?

In addition to making sure everyone is safe and has a good time, the guide is a teacher.  We make every attempt to help customers learn about whitewater and our amazing river and its surrounding area.  Teaching, just like guiding, is all about building personal relationships. All our guides agree, when we end a good trip, we feel like we have made some new friends.

Piece of gear you cannot live without?

I could not live without my synthetic nano-puff jacket (that I wear every day during the winter, spring, and fall), or my Duckworth light wool socks (that I anytime I am not wearing dress shoes or sandals).

Do you have any superstitions or lucky charms?

I do not have any lucky charms. As for superstitions, I have a pretty standard routine that I follow each day that could be considered a superstition.

Special Talent?

I can play every single concert band instrument.

What do you like most about guiding?

I enjoy all the new people I get to meet, including customers and other guides. I have been lucky to take some really interesting people down the river and the crews I have worked with at Zoo Town have been awesome!