Meet Nolan Verga | River Guide

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nolan Verga and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nolan, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?

“Multa novit vulpes, verum echinus unum magnum” -Archilochus (“A fox knows many things, but a hedgehog knows one big thing.”)

For those that don’t know the story; the idea very simply is that a fox can do many things and is very tricky. The hedgehog on the other hand only knows one trick. However, that one trick keeps the hedgehog safe and it always knows what to do in times of trouble. Roll up into a ball.

Find your hedgehog. It can be anything, but find what you do best and double down on that. It can be an idea or something you always do, or a mindset that you approach everything with. But whatever it is, find your one great trick and triple, double, quadruple down on it.

What should our readers know about your business?

Well, ARTA is a non-profit river outfitter. We run river trips of 1 to 12 days in length on 14 different rivers in five western states

 We run the classic rivers of the west: Middle Fork Salmon, Main Salmon, Rogue, Yampa, Green Lodore & Tuolumne to name a few. ARTA was founded in 1963 and I’ve been lucky enough to work for them since 2005. What sets us apart is that we run a more relaxed and intimate family style of trip. Non-profit and friendly is our mantra.

Although I wasn’t around during our founding, I am extremely honored and proud to be a part of the next generation of guides. Striving to protect and in turn show these magical places in America to our clients. Hoping all the way that the magic rubs off on them a little,and they experience just how special these places are. And that protecting and honoring these rivers is worth it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

We would start with downtown Columbia, which is a historic gold rush town now a California State Park. It’s a beautiful western town with stage coach rides, little shops, a candy store and a delicious pizza parlor/bar. Everyone wears period piece so that makes the experience just a little more fun.

Then we would head up the 108 corridor and search out some great little fly-fishing spots. Ending at some amazing swimming holes and waterfalls.

Then of course, the big event would be a multi day river trip on the Tuolumne River: class 4 whitewater, camping, fresh cooked meals, and a little cocktail under the stars next to a campfire. Mix that all together for a one of a kind Sierra Nevada mountain experience.

Before leaving the area a meal at the Standard Pour Restaurant in Sonora is worth a visit. Delicious.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
In this moment my shoutout has to go to the just retired General Manager of ARTA – Steve Welch. He is a great friend and a great mentor.

Website: https://www.arta.org

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