We’ve Been HIbernating
Well not really. But since our second 2025 busy season ended late October, we’ve sought warmth… rock climbing in Arizona and hot springing in Idaho. Now Steve is off to do some paddling and canyoneering in the Grand Canyon🥶, and I start a year-long leadership training program today. Yikes!
And we have a few months of (sort of) down time. I’ll be on the computer 40 hours per week, while Steve builds stuff. Then, come January we’re at it again. Steve’s joining Waldo for our second Patagonia expedition course, which is sold out. And then he heads to La Venta River for our final expedition course in Chiapas, Jan 25-Feb 2 (there are still 3 spots left!).
And then, guess what? Rod Alfonzo is organizing a Mexico Packraft Roundup in Veracruz. Join us in the paddling mecca of Jalcomulco! More info to come…
Other News: The APA’s Be WaterWise Campaign & Lizzy to Join the Board
So I haven’t sent an email in awhile because the past few months I’ve been working toward my Level 4 instructor certification, and I’ve done the logistics for and taught various courses, including an awesome Level 3 Ladies Course and our first LGBTQ+ Expedition Course, funded by the Armida Huerta Adventure Fund.
As well, I helped the American Packrafting Association launch its Be WaterWise campaign. This series of safety videos encourages packrafters to engage more around paddling safety. Check it out here. The 10 videos garnered more than 250,000 views and inspired great conversations!
I’ve actually worked with the APA for three years now, helping rally corporate sponsors and working with the Education and Safety committee. The APA was instrumental in developing the American Canoe Association’s Packraft Instructor Trainer Program. And the APA inspired Steve and I to pursue our own certification and ensure all our instructors also have the highest level certifications.
Why Do We Support the APA? So Many Reasons…
But just as significant for our business, the APA gave Steve and I this incredible community of highly qualified instructors to learn from and share with, such as Luc Mehl, Jule Harle, Deane Parker, Kent Ford, Seon Crockford-Laserer, Dan Thurber and a dozen more. Many of us have paddled or worked together over the years in different capacities. But now, one of the primary ways we collaborate on risk management issues and safety awareness is through the American Packrafting Association.
Because the APA has enriched our relationships and made our business much stronger, I decided this fall to join its board of directors. With this email, I’m inviting y’all to come along on this new journey.
The APA has a ton of cool projects on the horizon. And, as always, its fun community-building RoundUp. Steve attended last year, and both of us will be in Idaho July 15-19, 2026. We’re sponsoring the community breakfast. Stop by and eat some bacon and eggs on us 😉
Our goal with Four Corners Guides has always been simple—to empower people to become adventurers they never imagined they could be, doing things they never imagined they could do. We do this by providing excellent instructional courses, taught by some of the most experienced, safety-focused people in the industry. We also do this by working regularly with other excellent packrafting instructors, businesses and organizations around the world. The APA has been our most important non-profit partner. They are the primary advocate for packrafters and the source of our community. We hope you will join today!
Big hugs to y’all,
Lizzy Scully, CEO
