From the Classroom to the River: Why My Internship at Wahoo’s Adventures Matters

This summer, I have the opportunity to intern with Wahoo’s Adventures while completing my degree in Recreation Management with a minor in Criminal Justice at Appalachian State University. Like many college students, I’ve spent the past 3 years learning management strategies and leadership skills in the classroom. This internship gives me the chance to see how those lessons come to life in a real outdoor recreation business. Recreation Management is much more than planning fun activities. It’s about creating safe, memorable experiences while managing people, operations, and resources. Every day at Wahoo’s Adventures, I get to see how much work goes into making sure guests have an incredible experience on the river. From customer service and reservations to coordinating staff and ensuring every trip runs smoothly, there are countless moving pieces behind every adventure. Seeing how Wahoo’s balances adventure with preparation has reinforced how important these skills are in the recreation industry.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned so far is that successful recreation businesses are built on people. Every guest arrives looking for a different experience. Some are on the New River for the first time, while others return year after year to enjoy the High Country. Creating an environment where every visitor feels welcome, informed, and excited is just as important as the activities themselves. Wahoo’s Adventures has spent decades building that reputation through knowledgeable staff, quality service, and a commitment to making outdoor recreation accessible for everyone.

This internship has also allowed me to develop professional skills that simply can’t be learned in a classroom. Working alongside Brian and Christina has strengthened my communication, problem-solving, and teamwork abilities. Every day presents new situations that require quick thinking and adaptability, whether helping guests, supporting daily operations, or learning how different departments work together. As I prepare for a career in the recreation industry, this experience is helping me discover what effective leadership looks like in a fast-paced outdoor environment. It’s showing me how recreation professionals create positive experiences while protecting natural resources and ensuring guests leave with lasting memories.

I’m appreciative of Appalachian State for providing opportunities like this and to Wahoo’s Adventures for allowing me to learn from such an experienced team. This internship is more than a graduation requirement —it’s an opportunity to build the knowledge, confidence, and professional experience that will shape my future career in outdoor recreation.

I look forward to continuing to learn throughout the summer and helping create unforgettable adventures for everyone who visits Wahoo’s Adventures.