Mariah Hibarger
Professional River Guide
Where did you grow up?
Arkansas and Missouri
Where do you call home now?
Fayetteville, West Virginia and Flagstaff, Arizona
Year started at OARS?
2013
What’s the best part of your job?
Living completely outside in a beautiful place. And the people I get to work with and meet.
Tell us about your favorite rapid, hike or camp and what makes it special
Buffalo River: Spring Bluff camp, my home river.
Río Mendoza: Ombligo del Diablo Rapid
Arkansas River: Sunshine Rapid
Desolation Canyon of the Green: Wire Fence Rapid
Kaituna River: Tutia Falls because bailing over a 21 foot waterfall is always special.
Wairoa River: Roller Coaster Rapid
Rangitaiki River: Jeff’s Joy Rapid
Clear Creek: Outer Limits Rapid
Gauley River: Tumble Home Rapid
New River: Double Z Rapid
Grand Canyon: Crystal and Lava Rapids because they keep me honest; Deer Creek and Thunder River Hikes because they take my breath away.
Futaleufú: El Toro Rapid flowing into Mundaka Rapid because they’ve got my number.
Cataract Canyon: Rapid 29 and the Doll House Hike
Westwater: Skull Rapid
Yampa: Warm Springs Rapid
Do you have a lucky charm or special river tradition?
Good luck charm: The Māori greenstone carving my brother Río gave me when I was 16. It contains a Spiral Koru (represents inner peace and new beginnings) and a depiction of a Taniwha (Māori mythological being that lives in deep pools in rivers, dark caves, or in the sea, especially in places with dangerous currents or deceptive breakers).
River tradition: I try to do headstands. Headstands on my boat, headstands on a cool rock, headstands on a kitchen box. Getting upside down is good for the body, and I always consider safety first 🙂
What can you not live without on a trip?
My river log.
Fun fact, special talent or favorite guiding memory
Talents: I can spin my arms in opposite directions, move one eyeball at a time, and balance a pea in the air.
Fact: When I’m not on the river, I’m a writer, reiki master and a yoga teacher.
Mariah welcomes you to visit her website Yoga By Water