Crystal Waltman
Day Tours Guide
Guiding since:
2017
At REI since:
2017
Hometown:
Glendale, AZ – a fourth generation Arizonan!
What type of tours do you guide?
Single-day tours
Hobbies:
I played college softball and won a National Championship 1997. I broke my back in 3 places in 2015 and now live with a medal cage, 2 rods, 8 screws, and 3 spacer. I was fused together L3,L4,L5,S1.
I am in Crossfit commercials, back surgery commercials, spray tan instructional videos and yoga ads. I spoke in front of 3,500 women at the International Women’s Convention Feb. 2018 this year. My website is www.crystalwaltman.com with much more information.
What do you love most about guiding?
Hands down, my favorite thing about guiding is the people. Since my family settled here in the 1900’s I am always interested what bring people to the desert. Seeing the Sonoran Desert with someone who is here for the first time is priceless. I am a big believer in “moving meditation” and “walk and talk therapy”, so teaching others techniques of mindfulness while breathing fresh air is how I enjoy spending my days. If not doing it with REI, you still may find me in the desert either with a “mom group” or other “out of towners”.
A memorable moment from your job:
The smiles are the most memorable. Yes, that may sound boring. On a lighter note, hearing REI Guides Denny and Charles work out logistics together is always good for a laugh.