On a rafting trip designated specifically for gay men or for lesbians, will our senior guide and swamper (assistant) also be gay?
Like any other “driver”, such as an airline pilot, boat captain or bus driver, our raft guides are selected for their dedication to the safety and enjoyment of their passengers. In the case of the Grand Canyon, their ability to plan and cook nutritious and interesting meals outdoors for a week is important as well. Based on these criteria, we ask for the most qualified guide available, whether or not they are gay. The swamper is an assistant who works closely with the senior guide, and the tradition in the Canyon is that the guide selects his or her own swamper. After all, they must live intimately together for a week at a time, and work closely as a team in both guiding the raft and preparing the campsite and meals. The swamper may be a guide in training, a good friend of the guide, a spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend. In any case, we have always found both the guide and swamper to be welcoming of our gay groups and a joy to travel with.
