Doug Nechodom

Nickname

Mallory

Where did you grow up?

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Where do you call home now?

Brandon, Florida

Year started at OARS?

2018

What’s the best part of your job?

I work with amazing people from all different backgrounds from over the country. It is a treat to work with people who genuinely enjoy their job and each other’s company as well. It is without a doubt the best job I have ever had.

Tell us about your favorite rapid, hike or camp and what makes it special

My favorite rapid to run in a raft is Moonshine at high water on the Green River. It is the first rapid you come to on the Split Mountain section and during guide school it was my first taste of Utah white water. My favorite rapid to run in a kayak is Gorilla on the Green River in North Carolina because it is rather challenging and a great thrill when it goes well.

Do you have a lucky charm or special river tradition?

I have a compass that I take on all my river trips with me that I keep in my PFD. It went down the Mississippi with me and has seen quite a few river miles.

What can you not live without on a trip?

Gummy Bears

Fun fact, special talent or favorite guiding memory

My favorite memory from guiding is taking a group from a camp of super enthusiastic autism spectrum teenagers on a river trip on the Menominee River on the border of Wisconsin and upper Peninsula Michigan. They were the best paddlers I have ever had. We stuck the line and had a perfect run through Piers Gorge and down Mishicot Falls. Their smiles and high-fives confirmed for me that I was in the right line of work.