Alyssa Schaffer
Professional River Guide
Nickname
Curly
Where did you grow up?
Angels Camp, CA
Where do you call home now?
Angels Camp, CA
Year started at OARS?
2018
What’s the best part of your job?
Seeing people’s excited faces when they go through their first rapid.
Tell us about your favorite rapid, hike or camp and what makes it special.
My favorite rapid would have to be China on the Rogue because it was the first Class III rapid I rowed myself.
Do you have a lucky charm or special river tradition?
You’ll almost always see me wearing a Grand Canyon Dories hat on the river with “George Wendt, A Good Man” stitched on the back of it. I never go on a river trip without it.
What can you not live without on a trip?
My river journal.
Fun fact, special talent or favorite guiding memory.
I’m fairly good at the river game “butt darts,” which was introduced to me by Carly Boyden my first year of guiding. This is also one of the few games that could still be played during COVID.
About me…
Currently enrolled and soon to be graduate from CSU Stanislaus with a BA in English.