Camilo Montaño
Professional River Guide
Where did you grow up?
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Where do you call home now?
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Year started at OARS?
2008
What’s the best part of your job?
Being off the grid and away from cell phones on a sweet river in the wilderness. The people I work with who inspire and challenge me to learn, and be a better person on a daily basis. Finally meeting people from all walks of life that I would never have the chance to meet otherwise.
Tell us about your favorite rapid, hike or camp and what makes it special
My favorite rapid is the one in front of me, especially on free flowing rivers such as the Middle Fork and Salmon Rivers because they always have a different feel to them at different water levels.
Do you have a lucky charm or special river tradition?
To always appease the river spirits through my action and words.
What can you not live without on a trip?
An photo or artifact of some kind that remind me daily of my family back home in Albuquerque.
Fun fact, special talent or favorite guiding memory
My very first commercial trip as a river guide on the Rio Grande Race course. I wrapped my boat and swam my crew of six 10 to 12 yr old girls. I felt river guiding might not be the best job for me. This next season (2016) will be my 16th season as a commercial guide.
More with Camilo from the Blog…