Traveling in shoes, not leather boots, and lightweight synthetics, not army fatigues, plus years of specialized training have sped up finishing times for the Western States 100. The course record is held by Jim Walmsley, who finished the race in fourteen hours, nine minutes, and twenty-eight seconds in 2019. Auburn, California’s own Ann Trason won the women’s race fourteen times between 1989 and 2003. More at wser.org
We assume that you’re now ready to quit everything to become a river guide. First, decide where you want to guide. Next, get certified in CPR and earn your Wilderness First Responder cert. Then enroll in a guide school, where you learn hydrology, packing techniques, and even conversational skills. The folks at O.A.R.S. (Outdoor Adventure River Specialists) have a list of schools to check out at oars.com. Fritz Horst guides for Rocky Mountain River Tours in Stanley, Idaho. rafttrips.com
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