AzRA Guide Profile-Bec Kates

Meet Bec Kates

We are excited to introduce you to our wonderful guide Bec Kates (pronouns: They/Them/Their’s). They are a great guide and bring a lot of joy, knowledge, and stokeness to every river trip they are on. Enjoy learning more about Bec and see you down stream.

Where were you born? Tell us a little about yourself?    

I was born and raised outside of San Francisco, California.     

What’s your history with AzRA?   

I came down the Canyon as an assistant for AzRA in 2019 and then started to guide in 2020.  

When did you start guiding? How did you find your way to AzRA?

I started guiding on the Arkansas River in Colorado, guiding day trips. Then, I bounced around the American West, trying to find a company and river that was best for me. This included Desolation and Gray Canyons on the Green River, Cataract Canyon, the San Juan River, and the Rogue River in southern Oregon. All these rivers hold their own unique magic, but I was

looking for the longest trips possible to guide. I started working for Grand Canyon Youth (GCY) in 2017, and the majority of fellow GCY guides were also AzRA guides. After pestering them with roughly a million questions about Grand Canyon guiding and AzRA, I felt inspired to pursue a commercial Grand Canyon career (that inspiration has only gotten more passionate!). 

What types of trips do you guide?    

I drive motor boats, row rafts and dories, and captain paddle boats. The only thing I don’t do (yet) is kayak guiding. 

What are your favorite rapids? Why?     

I have always been fond of 24 1/2 Mile Rapid. 

What are your favorite hikes? Why?   

I love a peaceful Redwall Cavern stroll. It’s normally shady and always a great view. 

Any other interesting facts about yourself you would like guests to know?    

I love the plants of the Colorado River through Grand Canyon! In order to thrive on a river trip in the Grand Canyon, especially in the heat of the summer, we would be smart to tap into their knowledge.   

What do you do when not guiding at AzRA?  

I like practicing creativity. Whether that’s through art or movement.  

Do you have hobbies, or things you like to do?  

I enjoy hiking and playing board games, except for Catan.  

What do you love about the Canyon and guiding?    

I love guiding in Grand Canyon. The Canyon and these trips aren’t designed to be comfortable. You sleep on the ground, the days can be windy as all heck, walking through sand for two weeks makes you sore, being doused by rapids all day can be freezing, and you can never actually bathe all the sand off your body. But all of a sudden (only if you’re willing to try), you transcend and become comfortable with the uncomfortable. You’re physically and mentally stronger than you realize. Walking through the desert to an oasis will always be more rewarding than driving up to it. Being unplugged from your phone for the first time in who-knows-how-long makes you stare longer and notice more. When was the last time you had to rely on and be in community with a group of strangers in your adult life? To practice all of that for two weeks is the life-changing experience people describe.
And it is such a privilege and deeply rewarding to facilitate.   

Do you have a favorite Grand Canyon story you’d like to share? 

One time a Swallow Tail butterfly landed on me!!!!!      

Any advice you would give guests that are planning a trip with us? 

Be open to practice being comfortable with the uncomfortable.