Jim Crystal

Favorite River: Lower Salmon

I got my start guiding in college when Satre, my high school wrestling coach, helped me get a job as a river guide. What started as a job turned into something I truly love, and I can’t imagine a better way to spend my time than being outdoors, running rapids, and sharing the river with others. One of my favorite parts is the people. The guides I work with often become family, and it’s always great to see repeat customers come back year after year.

I especially enjoy watching people’s confidence grow as they experience the river over several days and take on challenges they may not have thought possible. I love the challenge of running the river, but it’s also the entire experience, from the food and lodge crews to the friendships and memories made along the way. I work with OTT because it brings together so many of the things I love about guiding. It’s about much more than just running a river. It’s about the people, the experience, and being part of something special.

• Hometown: Grants Pass, Oregon
• Favorite rapid or stretch: Mule Creek Canyon and day 1 of the 3-day Rogue trip
• Favorite part of a trip: Being on the water with great people and running rapids in an IK
• Certifications: CPR and AED, Commercial Driver License

When I started with OTT, they welcomed me with open arms to a world I had never seen before! The world of being a river guide has its many benefits and challenges along with it. With OTT, I was boosted with a sense of confidence on the water I had never experienced before. With the tools they provided me for success, it has opened up so many opportunities and the possibility for potential connections I can make with people in a setting nobody can say isn’t a great time. All around in my professional experience so far, you can’t beat some time on the water with good people!

• Hometown: Grants Pass, Oregon
• Favorite rapid or stretch: Nugget Falls and the Green Room
• Favorite part of a trip: The opportunity to get to know people and their life experiences, also the fact that we provide our guests with an experience that some have never seen before!
• Certifications: Wilderness First Responder, CPR and AED