Have you ever had a friend say "you totally have to meet this person, they are awesome"? That’s what led me to my guide for today, Jane Koopman.

If you’ve been with Guides Gone Wild since the beginning, or even if you’ve picked up on us recently, you probably listened to my interview with superstar Alicia Heyburn from Teens To Trails. Once Alicia was fairly certain I wasn't a total wacko, she told me I HAD to talk to 'Jane from Maine': epic whitewater kayaker, NOLS instructor, world traveler, and overall amazing person.

Jane Koopman grew up in Northern California, but really developed her passion for the outdoors and whitewater in Maine after a pivotal experience here when she was in high school. She's chased whitewater adventures across the country and around the world, and when she's not dropping over waterfalls for fun, she's a whitewater kayak instructor for NOLS, teaching others how to manage risk while feeding their stoke.

We talk about it all, plus the new business adventure she’s undertaken since relocating back to the west coast. And you might even be treated to a few guest appearances by her pup Campbell...

You can connect with Jane through the website for her company, In Partnership Dog Training, and on Instagram. You can also check out Jane’s ambassador profile on the Jackson Adventures site.

And a few more links from our conversation:

• Chewonki Semester School Program
• Bowdoin College Outing Club
• Grand Canyon river expedition
• NOLS River Instructor course
• Pucón, Chile
• Futaleufú River
• Teens to Trails
• All Creatures Great and Small
• Teton Valley, Idaho
• The Academy for Dog Trainers / Jean Donaldson
• Power to Be (Vancouver/Victoria)
• Penobscot - West Branch
• ½ Liter (16 oz) ‘Baby’ Nalgene

And most importantly, what is a quigloo?

Finally, special thanks to our sponsor, Evans Notch Lodge - your basecamp for adventure in the White Mountains!

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