From the Waters of the Rio Fuy to the World…
My name is Yisseth, though everyone on the river knows me as Yiyi. I'm 29 years old and proudly from Neltume, a small village on the banks of the amazing Rio Fuy in southern Chile. I consider myself a daughter of the Fuy River—for me, the best river in the world and of course my home river! That connection with the river has shaped my destiny.
A Passion for an Active Life
Since I was little, I've had a restless spirit. That energy is what drives me to practice not only kayaking but also climbing, skiing, and trail running. For me, life on the move isn't a hobby, it's a necessity. My free time is a perfect balance between the adrenaline rush of kayaking the amazing rivers that we have here in and around Pucon and the beauty of motherhood, proving that both worlds can coexist.
Training the Guides of the Future
When I'm not paddling for myself, I'm sharing my knowledge. I currently teach at the University of La Frontera in Pucón and the San Sebastián University in Santiago focusing on training new guides for whitewater both kayaking and rafting. I firmly believe that adventure tourism is a transformative tool especially when out in the blue space of a river. I love to see my students gain not only whitewater river skills but also life skills that they can take with them on the journey and careers. It is amazing to see these young adults mature into professional whitewater guides showing not only Chileans but also tourists from all over South America and other countries throughout the wold leading and guiding people down some of the most beautiful rivers on the planet.
Rafting
When I get the chance I enjoy rafting in a competitive environment and compete as a Rafting R4 athlete, a sport that has allowed me to represent my country at home and overseas in South American countries.
Finally, I also help out throughout the Chilean season for Kayak School Arlberg and help David lead trips down the waterfalls such as the classic Upper Palguin in Pucon. I love sharing the Chilean rivers with the guests from Kayak School Arlberg and I have seen how much more relaxed they seem to get when I style the line. However, it is not just me styling it, I really enjoy coaching the guests so that they too can nail that boof, drop or big waterfall.
At the moment I am writing this blog surrounded by nature while navigating the water os the River Toltén. Starting in the Lake Villarrica we are heading out towards the Pacific Ocean! It is these moments, that I can reaffirm my love for what I do and for the memories that the river provides me for a lifetime.
Hopefully I will see you one day in Chile on a river, you will easily recognise me… I have the biggest smile on the river!!!
Find out more about Kayak School Arlberg HERE
