On the couch with rafting guide Richard Andrew Swain

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Richard Andrew 'Swainy' Swain's passion for the river, combined with his indigenous heritage and over 20+ years experience river guiding, it's hard to find a better soul to lead the Snowy River Rafting Adventure, an epic 5 day journey down the remote and pristine NSW river.

Read why Swainy loves rafting the Snowy so much, and why you will too!

What is your name and how long have you been a rafting guide? Richard Andrew Swain, I’ve been rafting for 23 years.

Why did you want to be a whitewater rafting guide? When did you know that it was what you wanted to do? I was just called to it. I was a client on the Zambezi River and I knew after that it was what I wanted to do.

Rafting the iconic Snowy River in New South Wales

What is the best part of rafting on the Snowy River? It just feels like home to me. I was born and bred in the Snowy Mountains and the Snowy River feels like my backyard.

What do you like most about being a guide and working in the outdoors? I could never work inside. I love being out in the bush, always have, always will. I like being able to meet amazing people and give them amazing and memorable experiences.

The magnificent Snowy Falls, the largest waterfall on the River

What’s your most memorable rafting experience along the Snowy River? The first time we ever rafted Beloka Gorge below the Jindabyne Dam wall. There was 4000 Mega Litres of water going through that day. It was an epic.

Why should people choose a river journey for their holiday? A river journey is just like a life journey. Some people go away from it with lifelong memories, others with a huge sense of accomplishment or a change in perspective. I think people get to take something away with them.

Experience one of the most iconic rivers in Australia as you paddle down it

How would you compare rafting the Snowy River to other rivers you’ve rafted along? The Snowy feels less commercial than other rivers, more untouched. I love the remoteness of the trip.

How do you help guests to step out of their comfort zones and really make the most of their time on the river? By making them feel prepared – teaching paddling skills and giving advice, but also by making them feel comfortable - telling jokes and having yarns.

Do you have anything to tell first-time rafters? The river loves a smile, so smile.