A century of river guiding on the McKenzie River with Jonnie Helfrich | Ep 16

👀 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/📝 SummaryIn 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.🎬 Chapters00:00 Welcome to the McKenzie River02:59 McKenzie River Fishing03:51 Economic Impact of the River and a boat ramp PSA 09:01 Whitewater Canoeing10:59 The Beauty of Getting on the River12:08 Entertaining Guides and Expert Guides16:32 The 10 Year Guiding Challenge19:16 Multi-Day Trip Challenges22:04 The Helfrich Guiding Legacy25:54 The River Legacy and Raising a Family on the River30:39 Wildfires and Rafting31:40 Seasonality Challenges 34:08 Teachers as Raft Guides38:25 Jonnie's Sawyer Paddle40:45 River Rescue Story42:17 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=PLHJyjGqzjhytKCJMLNBIJclimojUFMdxhSee you on the water! 🌊