Reflections from Mexico Expedition

By Nick Troutman

Well, this was my first trip to Mexico, so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Though, if I would have had any expectations, this trip would have exceeded all of them.

Lets start off with the understanding that I have not really spent that much time in a creek boat, well actually I can count the number of times on both hands. So for me to end the trip with completing the first ever descent of the Alseseca from Alta Tonga to the Tomata Bridge, as well as many first descents, and actually running the World famous Tomata Falls, was all a pretty big deal for me.

Over all it was a great trip, and I personally have learnt tons, about safety, group strength, running waterfalls, technical whitewater, importance of scouting and portaging, and most importantly what not to eat in Mexico.

I was very fortunate to have met up with the “No Big Names’ Crew. Ben Stookesberry is "The Man" when it comes to expedition boating. He knows everything that you need to know, and is always equipped for the unknown. He was extremely knowledgeable with ever aspect of the expedition, on what to pack for your overnighters, to how to repel a 200+ foot cliff, to technique on running big and technical water, as well as just being understanding and supportive the whole trip. The expedition would not have gone as smooth without Ben. I am excited to paddle with Ben again, whether it is flat-water, or class 6 first descents.

Then there was Eric Seymor, another very experienced expedition boater, who also helped out a lot on the trip, with knowing what to expect as well as coming up with a different Nick-name for me every day. Though I did half to beat him up while mud wrestling. He also wasn’t afraid to choose to walk (mainly to take pictures) which made it easy for anyone who didn’t want to run that specific drop. (Though he did suck it up and run the pooper, thanks Eric but you didn’t sell the line, but thanks for testing the Mega Rocker bulkhead)

Next was Phil “The Man” Boyer. Phil was the oldest in the group (until EJ arrived), and was like a father figure to all of us, mostly to me. He is a Grand Canyon Raft Guide, and no beginner when it comes to running class 5+ white water. He helped out a lot on the over-nighters, always having something for us to do. He especially kept me busy. He also made sure that we all stayed on time, and kept us from making foolish decisions. He earned himself many nick-names mostly Poppa Phil, or Chuck.

Also was one of my best friends Rafael Ortiz. Rafa helped with this trip possibly more than anyone, being that he lived in Mexico and had a lot of contacts. We slept at his house, and ate his food, used his vehicles, etc. Thanks a ton Rafa you were a huge help, and I am looking forward to our next adventure. Rafa and I were the two “Hovens” which means youngsters. We also happen to be the ones who were most willing to huck some drops, I think that was because we were the least experienced and therefore just wanted to “huck our meat.” Thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Ortiz for always helping us, and letting us stay at your house.

You can’t forget good old “State of Jefferson.’ His real name is Darin McQuoid, but we never called him that. He is a good ol’ boy from Northern Cali. He is a great creek-boater and towards the end of the trip just started hucking everything. This was I think his first trip out of the states, and I think he truly loved the Mexico trip.

Half way through the trip we brought in some new recruits; EJ, Heather Herback, and Jesse Coombs, as well as a writer and photographer from Men’s Journal.

Eric Jackson was a great addition to the team, being that he is a very experienced kayaker. He always made sure that we were doing things the safest way possible (which wasn’t always super safe.) He helped me a lot with choosing lines and also made sure that I emailed my girlfriend every once and a while.

Heather Herback was the only woman on the trip, but that never slowed her down at all. Heather did everything just like the boys; including running Tomata falls, the biggest drop of the trip. Heather was a really fun person to hang out with, and was the only one in the van that liked listening to my music. I’m excited for my next trip with her.

You can’t forget Jesse Coombs. He was almost not able to come on the trip because of a previous injury. Myself as well as the rest of the group were all devastated with this news, but our spirits rose high again with the news that he would join us for the last couple weeks. Sadly his first day on the water he lost his paddle and dislocated his shoulder trying a hand roll. This was hard on the whole group, being that Jesse was such high energy and excitement, we knew it would be him that would be rallying the troops through the hard time. We all had to step up and fill his shoes.

There were also Thare “the dance floor slayer”, our writer, and Lucas Gilman our Photographer. These two were a bundle of laughs, always able to crack a smile. Thare was actually able to run some of the stuff with us, which was awesome being that he has never been creeking before. And Lucas was always looking for that perfect shot, he was willing to climb out onto trees overhanging cliffs, and repelling down waterfalls. And trust me he definitely got some great shots. There were a great help to the team, especially when there did our shuttle, and came and picked us up at night hiking back from the river.

Last but certainly not least was Israel or “Issy” our amazing shuttle driver. He made this expedition possible in many ways, helping with getting us a local Topo map, and finding all of our put-in’s and take-out’s. He was also able to talk our way out of any problems with the locals, and he knew like every person in Mexico. He would always be there to pick us up at night, even after waiting 5+ hours for us. He also would come and pick us up at 5 in the morning everyday, and was never late.

That was our team, and the expedition was only possible with the teamwork of everyone. As individuals the trip would have failed, but as a team we were unstoppable (except when the water got too high and it was too dangerous to go into the canyons). We were a great team I would put my life in the hands of any of these great paddlers again. Team Jackson Kayak is lucky to have all these Extreme paddlers on their team. These are the athletes leading the industry by showing that you aren’t pushing the limits of the sport if you fallow limits.

P.S. Thanks everyone for keeping me alive.

Nick