“You know Elcid, and they tie him to the horse in the very last scene? They’re just going to tie me into a raft and shoot me down the river.” – Patricia “Patso” Stow

In 1979, Patrica “Patso” Stow joined the (mostly-male) crew of guides on California’s Stanislaus River. Her life—and the northern California boating community—would never be the same.

From guiding on the Tuolumne to meeting her husband Tim, learning to kayak alongside her teenaged sons at age 58 to tackling the SF American with her “posse,” Patso is a force of nature as fierce and nurturing as the rivers that continue to shape her life.

Don’t miss the Digital Premier of “Patso: A River Life” – A portrait of California community legend, proud river mama and (retired) river guide Patricia Stow.

Live on YouTube Mother’s Day 2026

***

Directed by Greg Cairns | Featuring Patso Stow | With support from NRS & Jack’s Plastic Welding