Northwest Outdoor Adventures gets into whitewater rafting

Northwest Outdoor Adventures gets into whitewater rafting

After four summers booking and guiding whitewater rafting trips for area rafting companies, Sara Myer decided to get into her own water action.

This rafting season, the owner of Northwest Outdoor Adventures will continue to book whitewater rafting excursions, but with her own company, Adventure Raft Co.

Once rafting season hits in April, Myer may be out on the water seven days a week.

Myer said her goal is to keep the rafting side of business small. She can guide up to 15 people with two boats, but can handle up to three boats with two other guides.

The addition to Myer's 4-year-old business allows her to continue to focus on the summer season. Two years ago, Myer eliminated winter itineraries due to highway closures from winter conditions and avalanche control.

"I was middle man for the client and vendor," said Myer. "The cancellations and problems with weather were more of a burden on me than I wanted. I was spreading myself too thin."

Now Myer works from April through October, beginning and ending with the rafting season. Myer said she will continue to book recreational summer trips. In the winter, Myer catches up on office work and regains her energy to run the rivers.

"It is an amazing job and a lot of fun," said Myer, "but it's also lugging 1,000 pounds down the river every day, controlling all situations safely, and being a people person. It takes a lot of energy."