Aylan Lee – ROW Adventures

Aylan Lee is a guide for ROW Adventures. He is currently pursuing a Masters in Geography at Portland State University. Prior to working on the Rogue, he guided in Washington on a number day trip rivers. If he’s not on a raft, you’ll either find him in a kayak or messing around with bicycles.

The Interview

What is your connection to the Rogue River?

I am a river guide for ROW Adventures.

How long have you been guiding on the Rogue?

The 2016 river season will be my fourth.

What’s your favorite part of working on the Rogue?

The atmosphere of the place is tremendously special. Watching people encounter it for the first time is always rewarding.

Do you have a favorite spot on the Rogue?

Tucked in an eddy in Mule Creek Canyon, somewhere above the Coffee Pot.

Is there a sense of community for those who work on the Rogue?

Very much so. In general, the guiding community is very supportive. Getting to know the lodge staff and caretakers of the Rogue River Ranch also adds to this sense of community.

Has the Rogue changed who you are?

Probably. It has certainly highlighted to me that, while I want to work in whitewater, it doesn’t need to be gut-wrenchingly hazardous for me to get excited. Overall, the Rogue is about the best work environment I could ask for. I could (potentially) be making more money somewhere else, making longer expeditions, or challenging my whitewater skills, but the Rogue always reminds me to optimize, rather than maximize.

What are the characteristics of the Rogue?

The whitewater can be challenging, but forgiving. The scenery gets other-worldly. I once had a priest describe it as a very Holy Place. I agree, although not in a strictly dogmatic sense.

Anything else you’d like to share?

The more time I spend on the Rogue, the more I care about it and the better it gets.

Jake Wallace – Whitewater Worthy Equipment

Jake Wallace is the owner of Whitewater Worthy Equipment, LLC, located in Central Point, Oregon. He spends as much time as possible on Southern Oregon rivers and floats the Rogue year-round. His business sells whitewater rafting equipment, including frames and other products he manufactures himself at his shop. Learn more about his products at www.whitewaterworthy.com or contact him directly at jake@whitewaterworthy.com

The Interview

What is your connection to the Rogue River?

I am an avid Rogue River Private boater and do trips all year long. We have done up to 12 trips each year in every season and love the variety of conditions that each of the seasons provide.

Tell us about Whitewater Worthy Equipment

We make custom rafting equipment that has been developed to ensure a secure boat while simplifying rigging and maximizing your time between the boat ramps. We have a full industrial sewing shop and specialize in Mesh and PVC Bags for any application.

We also have a full welding shop using MIG, TIG and Plasma machines to fabricate Aluminum and steel products. Our sheet Metal sheer and brake complete our ability to create custom rafting and camping equipment.

NRS, Hyside, Jacks Plastic Welding, and Sawyer oars are a few of the products we offer. Our retail inventory is limited but we can bring in most products in less than one week and frequently in three days.

How long have you been boating in Southern Oregon?

We have lived here for 8 years and enjoying the rivers here for about 12 years.

What’s the best aspect of the Rogue?

The diverse experiences that comes from boating in all four seasons.

Do you have a favorite spot on the Rogue?

I am always happy to be anywhere between the boat ramps. Specifically, I think Kelsey Canyon and Mule Creek Canyon are unique places that exemplify the beauty and experience the Rogue has to offer.

What is the Rogue community like?

There is a small world feeling about the entire rafting world and that is the case here as well.

Has the Rogue changed who you are?

The Rogue and all rivers have pushed both me and my wife, Maryanne, to where we are today. There is not a day that goes by without thinking about an experience that happened on a river trip or the next one to come.

What is the character of the Rogue River?

It has the full spectrum of traits. Calm, exciting, cold, hot, clear, and, muddy depending on the season and water levels.

Online resource for all things Rogue