Do you already have experience in the outdoors but want to dial in your skills and set yourself apart from others in the industry? Gray gives the perfect overview as to why he did the program and how the Adventure Guide Program has helped him in his career. Read on to learn all about Gray, Alaska and working as an Adventure Guide & Expedition Leader.
Where are you working now and what role are you in?
I am working in Southeast Alaska which includes America’s largest national forest (The Tongass) and Glacier Bay National Park. I work as an expedition guide onboard The Safari Endeavour, small vessel cruise ship (80 guests) offering week long trips exploring the wild South East Alaskan coast. This is my third season onboard and have worked my way up from expedition guide to lead expedition guide to expedition leader which means I manage an expedition team of up to 10 guides, all off-vessel excursions, and itinerary scheduling and logistics.
What does a day in the life of being an Adventure Guide & Expedition Leader look like?
Each day brings a new adventure in which I guide expeditions such as shore walks, off trail hiking (bushwhacking), sea kayaking, and zodiac tours. Every day I must ensure that I am prepared by interpreting weather, tides, and guest ability levels. I ensure that I have and know how to operate safety equipment such as bear spray, medical kit, and kayak rescue gear. Before each expedition I brief my guests on safety procedures (especially bears), appropriate clothing, trip logistics, and what wildlife we may or may not see.
While on expeditions I am actively looking for wildlife, providing detailed interpretation of flora/fauna/history, and ensuring my group is safe and having a great time! This is pure wilderness, there are no trails or cell phone signal and the terrain is anything but tame.
Examples of epic things I get to see every trip is but not limited too: tidewater glaciers, bears, humpback whales, orca, pinnipeds (harbour seals and sea lions), old growth forest, salmon streams, and my favourite critter the sunflower sea star! Expeditions are designed to be small and immersive with a max client to guide ratio of 1:12. In the evenings I can be found providing on board presentations on SE Alaska topics such as glaciology and pinnipeds.
What is a highlight of being an Adventure Guide & Expedition Leader?
I am able to combine my passions for the outdoors and people. I get to serve as a window into one of the last true wilderness’s in America. I get to create an authentic experience and pride myself on providing chances for guests build connections and find things in common with the natural world around them. I have a direct impact on vacations such as an epic kayak tour alongside a glacier, providing mind blowing facts (did you know that the barnacle has the largest penis in ratio to its size of the whole animal kingdom?!) or surprising my group with a bottle of wine with a beautiful view.
How did the Adventure Guide Program in New Zealand prepare you for this role?
I was in a unique position of not starting from square one at the beginning of the Adventure Guide Program. I had 2 years guiding experience and felt confident with much of the soft skills that come with the adventure guide role. That being said, even as an experienced guide there were new and useful skills to learn within the bush section such as off trail navigation and river crossings. I have been able to directly apply these skills into my day to day work. Nothing impresses a client more than using a map and compass and affirming where you are!
Why did you decide to do the Adventure Guide Program?
The climbing portion! It is my dream to be an alpine mountain guide. The Adventure Guide Program offered me an opportunity to immerse myself in the sport of rock climbing and build a solid foundation of knowledge from which to grow. The course provided me with a safe space to learn and make mistakes. Our instructors Jeff and Cualann were absolute class and so very patient!
In just 6 weeks with the New Zealand Adventure Guide Program, I was able to gain an impressive climbing logbook, which opened up new opportunities for me back in the United States. Just a few weeks ago I completed my Alpine Skills Course with the AMGA (American Mountain Guides Association) making me an Apprentice Alpine Guide and one step closer to achieving my goal/passion! All the hard work with knots, building anchors, and belay systems that I put in with my instructors was directly applicable to my professional grade AMGA certification back in the United States.
What advice would you give to those thinking about doing the Adventure Guide Program?
Whether you are completely new to the industry or a guide like me with multiple years experience, there is much to gain. Joining this program is a serious commitment; so you have to want to be there, and you only get out as much as you put in. I would also recommend taking a look at the timing of the program. While it takes place in the New Zealand summer, most of the employment opportunities that you would be qualified for won't start until the next season. So I completed the program on a regular 3 month tourist visa and now I still have the opportunity to come back and use my working holiday visa in the future and I also have my NZOIA Bush Leader & NZOIA Rock Leader Qualifications to set my resume apart!
