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

Hi Ash, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
The most important lesson I’ve learned being in the Outdoor Industry and especially as a guide is to not listen to others’ opinions of you. Opinions and thoughts of other people seem to constantly be swirling no matter how good or bad you’re doing, so just keep going and who cares what they think?

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In college, I began my career as an outdoor professional by first guiding on a zipline and then doing guided hikes at a state park. After a year I decided that I wanted to take my try at being a river guide. This was by far one of my most difficult challenges. Now, guiding a raft and reading the river can be learned. Skills can be perfected. Everyone starts as a rookie. It’s physically demanding, but nothing I couldn’t handle. The challenge was in navigating my guide life after I realized people genuinely did not like that I was on the river–and that was due to me being a plus-size femme, at the end of the day. I out-performed my fellow rookies and was still looked down upon. In my first year of guiding I had flipped once, while my peers were creating carnage constantly. There were some double standards that kept happening and a lot of hypocrisy. I couldn’t get back in my boat without a strap to help me get in and that was criticized to the fullest extent, landing me off the river.
Back then, my managers pulled me into their office and said to me, “Some people are just a better fit for the office.” and, “I know a good diet and workout plan.”
Since then, I have worked hard on honing my skills and enjoying my time on the river as a guide and privately. I have managed an outfitter in Utah and I am currently seasonally working on the New and Gauley rivers in West Virginia. After 3 Grand Canyon expeditions and almost 10,000 river miles under my belt, I no longer feel the constant need to prove myself.
There were folks to did believe in me and those that supported me constantly. I certainly am thankful for them. I don’t think I would’ve been able to continue to live a life that brings me joy if it wasn’t for them.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Honestly, I don’t know what city you want me to say because I’m often living in the middle of the woods in the middle of nowhere. But I guess if I were to tell you where to go in Fayetteville, WV, I’d tell you to go to the Lost Paddle to get some delicious Chicken & Waffles and a fat beer.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Karen Lovan, Alec Bills, Anna Manning, Olivia Sons, Dick & Meghan, and The Unlikely Hikers.

Website: www.ashleysadventure.com

Instagram: Ashleysadventure

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-manning-396365175/

Other: Tiktok: Ashleysadventure_

Image Credits
(image with the red rocks and the boat hitting a wave standing straight up): Brandon McCarther (Image of oar boat hitting a wave from the side, I’m wearing a blue hoodie): Amanda Cook (Image of an oar boat from behind, far away, in a big rapid): Annalee Decker

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