Tom Patoff

Where did you grow up?

Northwest, Ohio

Where do you call home now?

Love Creek, California

Year started at OARS?

2005 – Rivers Fiji; 2012 – OARS office

What’s the best part of your job?

Helping guests experience a great trip, sometimes their trip of a lifetime.

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

My favorite river is the North Fork of the Stanislaus. It’s special to me because it’s my “backyard” run and I’ve gotten to know every ripple, eddy and the soul of its flow.

Do you have a lucky charm or special river tradition?

I avoid superstition and accept that every put-in will bring its own unique journey.

What can you not live without on a trip?

A koozie.

Fun fact, special talent or favorite guiding memory.

In 2010 when I was accompanied by Basilio from Rivers Fiji on a tour of the OARS operations and rivers.