Ashley Wise on Outdoor Leadership, NOLS, and Packrafting Adventures

Introducing "Safety First with Danger Tate" — Episode 1: Ashley Wise on Outdoor Leadership, NOLS, and Packrafting Adventures

Welcome to the very first episode of Safety First with Danger Tate! This brand-new series kicks off with an incredible guest — Ashley(Ash) Wise, the director for NOLS Alaska and a seasoned adventurer with over two decades of experience in outdoor leadership.

In this episode, you’ll follow Ashley’s journey from college outdoor programs in Arizona to guiding whitewater expeditions with NOLS around the world. His experience as a whitewater instructor, leader, and educator provides a fascinating look into the evolution of outdoor education.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Ashley’s path to becoming a NOLS instructor — From student trips on the Salt River to teaching multi-week backcountry courses.
• The art of leadership in the wild — How NOLS empowers students to plan, lead, and learn in real-world conditions.
• Packrafting 101 — Discover how NOLS is introducing game-changing packrafting courses in 2025 (and why packrafts are a total upgrade from canoes!).
• Wildlife safety tips — Hear stories from the field about bear encounters in Alaska and what it takes to stay calm under pressure.

With personal anecdotes, life lessons, and a behind-the-scenes look at NOLS, this episode is a must-listen for adventurers, guides, and anyone dreaming of a backcountry adventure.

Hit play, grab a cup of coffee, and get ready to be inspired by stories of leadership, teamwork, and growth in the great outdoors. Adventure is calling — are you ready to answer?

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• River Hardware

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