Guide Interview: Nancy

This interview is part of a series of interviews in which we help you get to know these amazing and passionate people who help to make RITS what it is. To view more, check out the Guide Interviews page.

Nancy has been with Rafting at the Smokies for about ten years, off and on. She always comes back, because this is her home.

What do you do when you’re not rafting?
I go to school and work in Knoxville. I’m going to school for Computer Science and Information Technology.

What’s the best part of your job?
I love that my office is the middle of the river. I love taking people down that have never gone. I like getting and seeing little kids get excited about it.

Why should people choose to take a trip here, since it’s not traditional?
It’s exciting. It is getting more popular with tourists. It’s a little more on the wild side and you’ll talk about it for years.

What sets Rafting in the Smokies apart from other companies?
They are very family-oriented. Mark and Brenda, the owners, treat me and the guys like family. I was here the first year they bought it and I watched them grow along with the company.

What is your philosophy on life? What do you live by?
Enjoy life and help others by showing them what you love.

How is it being a female raft guide?
I don’t think being a female guide is any different than a male guide. I think some guests are excited or nervous to get a female guide. Because we are smaller, we learn to finesse the water rather than just muscle through it. We definitely are outnumbered. If you enjoy being outdoors like me, you would find this perfect.

Why would a guest choose to come here?
I can share what I love with them. We have a lot of repeat guests. It’s a very fun environment, and people see that and want to come back.

Anything to know for first-timers?
One of the things I tell my guests if they are nervous is that I’ve been bringing my son here since he was five. Just think of it like a moving swimming pool.

What’s a fun fact about yourself?
I’m a weirdo!

Have you been rafting with Rafting in the Smokies before? We’d love to see you again and help you make new and exciting memories. Bring your friends too! You can book now for rafting, zipline canopy tours, or the high elements rope course.