Maine White Water Rafting Guide: Emily Yearwood
Name: Emily Yearwood
Hometown: Caratunk/Skowhegan
Age of First Rafting Trip: Officially? 8 🙂
Year you started guiding at Northern Outdoors: 2006
What type of guiding do you do?
Whitewater Rafting
What do you enjoy most about working at Northern Outdoors?
The people- staff and guests- and being able to share the river with them. The camaraderie that comes from running a river together is really special. We, as a staff, depend on each other in a big way. We know we have each other’s backs, and we trust each other. We really are a family. And each day that we get to run the river with guests, new and old, we get to embark on this brand new journey. Each day you are forming a bond with the people around you based on your experience with each other and with the river. It’s an amazing, beautiful, humbling, and powerful place.
What is your favorite river to guide, and your favorite rapid on that river?
I know it’s cliche- but I can’t pick just one. On the Kennebec, I love the alleyway as you approach Whitewasher. Super fun, big, rollercoaster waves. I love Big Poplar on the Dead River at high water for the same reason, along with the unknown rogue waves that come to greet you. And for the Penobscot, the whitewater playground that is Nesowadnehunk Falls. You can’t help but smile as you paddle away from that spot.
What’s your classic Northern Outdoors memory?
Every memory we decide to talk about in mid-winter with the NO family. Those are always the best, or at least we think they are after some beverages.
Where do you adventure when you are not working?
On the water or in the woods with my husband, Zach, and our two boys.
What do you do in the off-season when you’re not guiding for Northern Outdoors?
I’m one of the lucky year-rounders – I get to go on outdoor adventures, and then post about it all on Northern’s social media!
Tell us about any certifications, special talents, guide awards.
Level I and II Whitewater Guides License/ Advanced Emergency Response/Guest Award/Kennebec Guide of the Year Award.
What rivers have you run outside of Maine?
Colorado (CO), Black and Hudson (NY), Gauley (WV), and Rangitikei (NZ)
Which Kennebec River Brewery beer is your top choice after a day on the river?
Northbound Pale, or the Big Mama Blueberry with BIG blueberries floating on top!
Get to know more of our awesome rafting, hiking and fishing guides: Meet Our Guides
8 Responses
Been getting no response to e-mails concerning this summer, can someone help with us planning a trip to your place this summer?
Hey Frank- sorry for delay and communication issues! I’ve checked in with the office and Brandi said she has emailed you at the listed email address and called you (tried to leave message but it says your inbox is full). Shoot Brandi an email at bbarnett@northernoutdoors, or give us a call at (207) 663-4466!
Best in the business! I’ve been twice with Mohegan Sun employee trips. We had such a great time did the Kennebec twice along with Dead River and camping out on the lake and lobster bake. Was amazing and can’t wait to visit again. Log cabins are fantastic!
Thanks so much for the kind words Christopher! Hope you and your team can make it back for a visit soon 🙂
Hi Are there any beer distributors in New Jersey. Have not been able to get up there in over a year and was wondering if there is a way to buy some of your great beer. Thanks.
Unfortunately not at this time 🙁 We don’t actually distribute our beer anywhere- but maybe someday! I know it’s a trek but…put rafting & KRB beer drinking on your list for this summer! 😀
Emily,
Congratulations! Perhaps Graham, Colin, Mike and the dads will see you for a Dead River trip in the fall. Warning: two kids are manageable; three kids are not just one more than two.
Best,
Doug
Hi Doug! Yes, I’m looking forward to some fall river trips for sure and would be so very excited to see your crew back! And HA! Love that advice. The 2:3 ratio just sounds unsafe — I think we’ll stick to 1:1 😀 Stay well!