Johnathan Blum
"Roots"
Born and raised in the whitewater mecca of Eugene, Oregon, Jonathan has been playing on rivers since his early days. He had his first rowing experience at age three in his father’s lap and started guiding in Oregon at age 16 on the McKenzie River. Since then, Jonathan has been guiding rafts, teaching kayaking and instructing professional river rescue all over the US and the world. Jonathan has a passion for travel and has kayaked in more than 20 different countries! Jonathan makes a point of a yearly adventure to some new country or exotic location. Jonathan returned to school in 2009 to become a Registered Nurse and now works in Critical Care when he isn’t on the river.
Jonathan discovered First Descents while working at Wet Planet Whitewater near Hood River, OR. He helped as a volunteer on a course and was hooked! Since then, he has been an instructor on at least five FD programs, volunteers for many others and started reviewing medical cases in 2015. His future goals include working more FD programs, going to the FD Ball and being the medical staff person on a FD Surf Trip!