The Redside Foundation

Recently, we caught up with Jeffe Aronson, a legend in his own right, who cares deeply about the guiding community, who he calls his 'pards'.

We were chatting about the unique challenges guides face and agreed that one of the toughest is the transitions - between crews/places, between seasons, and in and out of guiding. That transition between the amazing feeling feeling of being in the most beautiful places with incredible people and then feeling unmoored, alone, or 'exceptionally unexceptional' when the season is over.

Jeffe asked us to pass along a message: "I would have called the Guide Helpline had I known about it when I retired in 2019. Leaving the Middle Fork and the Grand Canyon, my whole life for 47 years, just about killed me. My heart wept for a long time. I got lucky twice over to have a wonderful wife and dog and off-grid home on a river or I’m pretty sure I’d have checked out. Use this service old pards. It’s a sign of inner strength, is offered with love and respect, and can be accepted likewise."

We're here whenever you need us - you can call or text the Guide Helpline 208-740-1192 any time you need support. Whether its transitions, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, relationships, or anything else, we've got your back.

We're looking forward to connecting with all the Stanley area guides attending the clinics on June 5th.

There is just ONE spot left for the the First Aid and CPR certification course. Its just $42.00 and will happen at Mountain Village from 10 am -12 noon.

If you are working with horses (or want to in the future), you don't want to miss the Backcountry First Aid for Horses clinic with Dr. Shane Baird. He will share valuable skills for dealing with common issues that can become devastating in the backcountry, such as colic, eye issues, and lacerations. You will also learn how to build a horse-specific first aid. It starts at 2 pm at the Redfish Corrals.

Huge thanks to for helping to make this happen!

We will be there to support all the guides going into their summer season, answer any questions about how we support and strengthen the guiding community, and will have some cool merch for sale.

50 years in whitewater deserves more than a quick cheers. 🌊

Join us June 5 at across from Fisherman’s Bridge as we celebrate Carol Gardner and the incredible impact she has had on the river community over the last five decades.

What started as a passion for rivers has helped shape generations of guides, mentorship, and opportunities for women across the whitewater world. That spirit is exactly why WWoW and The Redside Foundation are coming together for this event. 💜

We’re raising support for guide health, women in whitewater, and a stronger global river community through music, food, drinks, giveaways, and one very good excuse to spend an evening with river people.

🎶 Music by &
📍 The Beach across from Fisherman’s Bridge | 24070 County Road 301 Buena Vista, CO 81211, USA
🗓 Friday, June 5
⏰ 5 PM to 8 PM

Suggested donation: $5 at the door
$20 gets you 5 giveaway tickets for local prizes 🎟️
The water may be low in Colorado this year… but our vibes can stay HIGH!

Hey Missoula!

We are thrilled to be part of the Trail, Rivers, and Forests Expo on Wednesday, June 3rd!

Hope to see you there between 5-9 pm at Trailhead River Sports. There are a bunch of great vendors, a scavenger hunt, and more.

Losing a loved one to su***de is a pain like no other, and the grief is often complicated and unique. To the survivors and loved ones carrying this heavy burden: please be patient with your healing and know that it is okay to ask for help. You are not alone on this journey.

If you’re struggling, please know we are here for you. Healing does not erase the loss; it transforms how we carry it. The road for su***de loss survivors can feel dark, but you don’t have to walk it in the shadows. As you navigate complex feelings, there is support available. It's important to keep in mind that your feelings are valid, and there is no timeline for grief. Please be gentle with your heart.

If you need support from us, please reach out to the Guide Helpline: 208-740-1192. If you are in immediate distress, please call or text 988 to reach the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with the Crisis Text Line.

You matter, and help is available.

Image: Jenni Chaffin