Supporting Guides and Outfitters During COVID-19
For many of our Guide and Outfitter partners, this has been a particularly devastating year. COVID-19 has left many of them in a place of uncertainty and stress. These local, small businesses are foundational in the river community, providing thousands of people opportunities for exploration and adventure on some of the most pristine and renowned rivers in the west. As Jacques Cousteau said, “you can’t save what you don’t love, and you can’t love what you don’t know.”
My passion for river conservation was sparked on a guided rafting trip, which is a story that many of us share. A memorable trip or experience changed the way we viewed the natural world and instilled a desire to protect it, and our guides and outfitters help make those moments possible. They have given so much to conservation, the river community, and Idaho, and during this uncertain time, we want to return the favor.
Some of our guide and outfitter partners plan to resume limited operations mid-June in alignment with the statewide plan for reopening. Many will have to forego the start of the guiding season, scale back the entire season, or have had key trips canceled. It is a very challenging time, but there are some ways we can help support our guides and outfitters during COVID-19:
If you have booked a trip, don’t cancel it: If you are not comfortable with moving forward with your trip plans, or your guide is postponing trips for the season, consider asking to reschedule or get a “raincheck” for your trip. Your guide will appreciate your support, and it will give you something to look forward to! If you and your guides are comfortable moving forward with your trip, then enjoy it! It will be a welcome reprieve from sheltering-in-place.
Purchase a gift card: Consider purchasing a gift card for yourself or someone else. Gift cards that can be applied toward a future trip is a great way to support our guides during this time. It also makes a great gift!
If your favorite guide or outfitter has an online store, make a purchase: Purchase a t-shirt, mug, gear - anything. Even small purchases help.
Schedule a trip: With trips (hopefully) resuming in mid-June, it is a great time to book a trip! Check around to find out what parameters guides need to follow for their trips, and book a trip that is a good fit for you.
Stick to the guidelines: Strictly adhere to any guidelines or requirements that your guide puts in place. Remember that restrictions and guidelines in place are necessary for businesses to safely operate.
Continue to recreate responsibly: Stay home if you feel ill. Prepare ahead of time to minimize any time spent in small towns and in contact with locals. Every gas station and grocery stop potentially exposes communities to Covid-19. It is important to follow this even if you do not feel sick. It is possible to be contagious for several days before symptoms develop, or to not develop symptoms at all. Click Here for more guidance on responsible recreation during COVID-19.
We’re all in this together, and soon, we will be back out on the rivers we love. As a community, we can support our guides and outfitters through the uncertainty of this difficult time. Let’s help carry the river community through these uncharted waters!