Phil Richards
Day Tours Guide
Guiding since:
1983
At REI since:
2012
Hometown:
Mishawaka, IN
What type of tours do you guide?
Single-day Tours, and the occasional Multi-day Tours
Hobbies/Fun Facts:
Anything outdoor sports related – Hang Gliding (flew 1975 to 1991 with a Master Rating), Backpacking/Hiking the Grand Canyon and Supertition Mountains since 1976, Mountain Biking since 2010. On Mary 9, 1976, I flew a “sanctioned” hang gliding test flight into the Grand Canyon.
What do you love most about guiding?
Helping the guest(s) on any type of tour and having an experience that “far” exceeds their expectations.
A memorable moment from your job:
REI – helping guide UK charity groups to Supai and watching their excitement of discovery and emotions on completing the challenge. Personal – Thermaling (rising in a column of hot air) with a hawk for over 20 minutes above Mingus Mountain near Jerome. Stayed together from 7,500 to 15,800 feet.