Sherry Grathler
Whitewater Rafting Guide
Los Rios River Runners
Taos, NM US
“A lot of my philosophies in life are around water: you have to go with the flow, but you have to act at the right time.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationSherry Grathler
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
Always thought that she would become a lawyer.
She started going down that path, but when she talked to other attorneys, she realized that most of them didn't actually like their jobs.
Seeing so many people get stuck stuck in careers they resented made her realize she had to get away from the corporate world.
She'd heard good things about Taos, New Mexico, so she decided that'd be a good spot to visit and get back in touch with nature.
After she went back home, she saved up all her money and six months later, she moved back to Taos.
Found a group of people who were making a living working outdoors; decided to try working on the river and quickly realized she could totally handle it.
Says her seasonal work schedule doesn't always "fit" in mainstream society, which leads to questions like, "When are you going to get a real job?"
But she says she'll stay in this job until she feels stagnant; says the meaning of life is actively searching for meaning, engaging, and always having fun.
Education
High School
Career
Whitewater Rafting Guide
I am a whitewater raft guide who aims to connect the guests in my boat to the beauty of the Rio Grande River.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Action Sports
Environment & Nature
Being Physically Active
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for everyone
Life is a lot like rafting. Go with the flow, but take action at the right moments so you don't crash.
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Society in General:
"You need stability in your life. When are you going to get a real job? "
Challenges I Overcame
Financial
Interviewed By
It's a Journey--Not a Destination
In Palm Springs, the road-trippers interview Adam Steltzner, a NASA engineer with an unlikely life path who directed the landing of the Curiosity rover on Mars. Later, in Taos, New Mexico, the team discusses going with the flow of life with Sherry Grathler, a river guide who backed out of a career in law to pursue the outdoors.
