Shaping Modern Expedition Rafting with Bart Henderson

Bart Henderson, a retired international river guide, shares his experiences growing up in Utah and being part of the early river rafting industry. He describes how the town of Vernal and the Green River were central to the development of companies like Hatch River Expeditions, which pioneered commercial rafting. Bart's early exposure to the river guiding business sparked his lifelong passion for adventure and exploration, leading him to guide expeditions in diverse ecosystems around the world, from Alaska to Ethiopia.

Experience the thrills and challenges of navigating remote waterways, from battling powerful winds to managing wildlife encounters, as Bart shares insights from decades of guiding experience across diverse ecosystems. His story culminates in the successful establishment of Chilkat Guides, proving that adventure tourism can breathe new life into local economies.

Join us for this fascinating journey through the history of river rafting and discover how one man's passion for adventure helped chart new courses in global expedition tourism.

Listen now to hear firsthand accounts of these remarkable river adventures that shaped modern expedition rafting.

Show notes:

00:07:46 - From River Kid to Boatman

00:10:33 - Pioneering International River Guiding

00:13:08 - Exploring the Gaba River: A Risky Adventure

00:15:09 - Harrowing Rescue Mission on the Alsek River

00:19:21 - Navigating the Alsek River: Challenges and Logistics

00:21:33 - Guiding on Whitewater Rivers: Challenges and Rewards

00:24:46 - Navigating the Unique Challenges of Glacial River Guiding

00:27:36 - Mastering the Portagee Stroke: Efficient Rowing Techniques

00:29:47 - Navigating Braided Rivers and Dangerous Channels

00:33:45 - Navigating Treacherous River Channels

00:36:45 - Pioneering River Guiding Across the Globe

00:38:27 - Advice for Aspiring River Guides: Have Fun, Take Care of Your Body, and Plan for the Future!

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• This episode was recorded on location in collaboration with Xplorer Maps. We want to extend boatloads of gratitude to Xplorer Maps for their generous support of this podcast and international outreach programs paired with conservation projects.
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