Jessica Smith

About me

Just a free, loving spirit trying to navigate my way through life the fun way! 9 years of getting paid to do what I love, and believe me, I am only wealthy in experience, and I’m quite content with that. I have guided Mama Kaweah (second home) in Three Rivers, CA, Royal Gorge on the Arkansas, CO, and the White Salmon in Washington. I enjoy jumping out of planes, spinning fire, flow arts, traveling, backpacking, climbing, van lifeing or car-partmenting, and going down mountains on a plank of wood. Oh yes, and I am a full-time dog mom thriving in a super fancy trailer down by the river. Life is good, man, life is river, enjoy it before you end up downstream.

The Best Part of My Job

I love the human interaction. There is much teaching involved in rafting. To be able to get a group of first timers to work together, feel confident and ready for more at the end of the day really gets me going. It’s always a different challenge, and I get to be a part of a memorable experience!

How I found OARS

I ended up at OARS my second season in August after a wild high-water season on the Kaweah in 2017. That year, I met some of the most epic humans ever. After years of exploring and figuring it out, I found my way back to this amazing company. I’ve worked for lots of companies, but OARS is special. Not only did I learn to row at OARS, but I get the opportunity to see more rivers than anywhere else. In just a short time, I’ve paddled 3 stretches of pristine springtime whitewater. I am beyond grateful, and the opportunities just keep coming! I am given the chance to train on the Merced River in Yosemite! How neat is that? I know there is more to come and I am PUMPED!

My Favorite Spot on the River/Outdoors

My favorite rapid is a no-brainer for me: Lower Slicky on the Kaweah. Perfect granite slide that becomes some of the best surf in CA, in my humble opinion. At certain flows, of course. If you haven’t surfed in a river, politely, with puppy dog eyes, ask your guide if that’s an option! My favorite outdoor spot is the Moke Wilderness by Kirkwood. Round Top Lake is my all-time favorite overnight backpacking destination, with no quota on permits! Follow that with hot springs in Markleeville, and you will be a happy camper.

My Favorite Trip Memory

Wild & Scenic Rogue River! 3 nights in the wilderness AND the trip leader of this group was a hysterical, crazy man I met at OARS! People I had met all over the US, coming together to enjoy Mother Nature. Experience of a lifetime, until I get to the Grand Canyon, of course.

Favorite River Tradition

Before paddling a river I’m nervous about, I dip my hand in the river and put the water on the back of my neck. I introduce myself, show my gratitude, and kindly ask her/him to be gentle. Then I sit there, taking it in until the moment is over.

I Can’t Live Without

My Zinka! No better way to pump up new friends with some sun protective war paint!

My Fun Fact

Aside from jumping out of planes, I am a retired party animal. Squaring it up on the daily and helping others find themselves again. This chapter saved my life, and I get to keep it! But boy oh boy, do I still love a good time!