Jimmy Hendrick has been guiding river tours down the mighty Colorado River for more than 40 years! Here’s his Grand Canyon Whitewater story, in his own words:

“I got out of the Marines and was wondering which college to attend when I saw a slide show of a dory trip through Grand Canyon. Needless to say, I was impressed, but let it slip by as just another interesting thing on campus that day. Then, one month after the end of my military career, some friends invited me to go to this strange place called Havasu Falls. And there the story began! I loved Havasu Creek so much, I hiked to its intersection with the Colorado River. When I saw her (the Colorado River), well, she grabbed my heart then and there and has never let go … Must admit I like it! I noticed this rig pulling into the mouth of Havasu and, wow, holy smokes, the guide was an old friend of mine! We were both amazed to run into each other there and he gave me his company info.  As soon as I left Havasu, off I went to get myself a job on the river; they hired me on the spot in spring of ’71. I rowed the California rivers, all of them, and some others (Rogue River, Middle Fork of the Salmon, Selway, Main Salmon, Snake … I was even able to hang out with Ed Abbey on the Green!) I started strong and have kept the pace since 1971.  Everyone knows of my affection for rivers, with the wild places that provide life for the most exciting thing to me: wild critters! Because of my love for critters, I also am part owner of a safari/river running/mountain climbing company in Tanzania. There is nothing like being in the Serengeti with the cheetahs! My home, when I am off-river or not in Tanzania, is in Denali, Alaska. I have guided a couple hundred Colorado River trips and more than a hundred trips in Alaska. Life is just getting better each day and I keep exploring and learning!”