Guided Rafting Tours Through the Grand Canyon

Erika Andersson

Growing up in Alaska and working with my family in the commercial fishing industry pre-disposed me to a passion for boating and a love of water. I came to Grand Canyon in 2003 with no intention of staying, six years and over 60 river trips later I have no intention of ever leaving. I currently reside in Flagstaff, although winter work as an insurance adjuster often takes me away to other areas in the country; and my love of travel often takes me to other areas of the world. My passion for Grand Canyon has led me to become very involved in the river community; I sit on the board for Grand Canyon River Guides, guide for Grand Canyon Youth, and volunteer for the Whale Foundation. When I am not working in the canyon or traveling I spend my time skiing and running other rivers, following the water from the mountains to the sea.

Elkanah Babcock

After a run through GC in 1994 I was hooked. In 2001 I was accepted at ARR and feel lucky to have had the opportunity to be a guide. Grand Canyon provides an unparalleled first hand nature experience. The opportunity to reflect and consider the inner self in such a place can provide much solace and inner strength. There are few places where a person can find such grandeur and serenity. It is a joy to spend time with interesting adventurous people in a natural wonder of the world. The white water is pretty darn fun as well.

Bianca Bauch

I remember sitting on the school bus with my pack lunch on my lap looking out onto the vastness of Grand Canyon from the South Rim. I barrelled down the Bright Angel trail at nine years old and I'm not sure I ever came out! It has been a blessing to grow up in this amazing landscape of pines, mountains, canyons and rivers. Grand Canyon in particular has shaped my life into the most rewarding, positive, and uplifting experience. I always feel humbled and excited to bring people into Grand Canyon and share in their journey. This summer will be my 6th year guiding in Grand Canyon; lets go boating!

Riley Burch

My parents took me on my first river trip when I was 3 years old and I have never looked back. They took me on a Grand Canyon trip when I was ten and I have returned every summer since. I have spent my life traveling: Florida, New York, Hawaii, Alaska, Belize, and Tahiti. These are all places I love but the Colorado Plateau is my home. I have red silt in my blood. In the winter I go to school, ski and explore other parts of the world.

Chris Cannon

I am excited to be entering my twentieth season as a guide in the Grand Canyon. I can't think of anything, outside of my own family, that has brought me more joy over the years than the opportunity to spend time guiding on the Colorado River. I've had the pleasure of meeting so many great people, and making lasting relationships with many of the passengers, and crew, who have been associated with A.R.R. I did my first Grand Canyon trip in 1989, and could not have envisioned that twenty years later, I would still be slipping on my flip-flops with as much excitement as I did on my first trip! My son once said, "Dad, When I grow up, I want to be a river guide." I told him, "Sorry son, but you can't do both." When I'm not on the river, I can be found teaching U.S. history and coaching high-school boys basketball, both of which also provide me with great personal satisfaction.

Marty Borges

Hello river runners. My name is Marty Borges. I am a trip leader for ARR and I look forward to the opportunity to share a Grand Canyon River adventure with you. There are a few things you may want to know about me before we launch on our journey together. First, I love the Canyon. I love boating in it, climbing it, hiking it, talking about it, living it, and sharing it. I have done so for the past 28 years. Second, I love playing in the outdoors. I am a telemark skier, ice and rock climber, road and mountain biker, kayaker and avid backpacker. In the off season I am the director of an alternative High School program in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. We use the outdoors as a medium to help teach academics, teamwork, leadership skills and the value of putting forth an honest effort. Third, I am truly amazed that I have been able to accomplish all of this by the age of 26. And finally, you need to know that I love to tell stories. Happy Boating.

Erica Fareio

I did my first Grand Canyon River Trip in 1997. I became a guide for ARR in the season of 2000. I absolutely love Grand Canyon. I feel truly blessed to be able to spend so much time in such an amazing place with so many wonderful people. The canyon has given me an incredible strength, inspiration, and perspective that guides me through all aspects of my life. This seasonal life style has also enabled me the time to pursue my other passions as an artist, a musician and explorer of other beautiful places. My home/art studio is in Tucson. If you would like to view my Grand Canyon inspired paintings, please visit my web site: www.ericafareio.com. See you down stream!

Kyle George

I started at Arizona River Runners in 2001 and will probably keep coming back every summer until my doctor, wife or accountant tells me I finally have to grow up. Hooked on moving water since the age of four, I have participated in river trips around the world including first descent expeditions to Tibet and Western China. My "real job" as a photographer takes me to all sorts of interesting places with interesting people. Published in numerous editorial, news and advertising venues, a selection of my photos can be viewed online at kylegeorgephotography.com. When not on the go I enjoy quality time at home in Flagstaff, Az with my wife and young daughter Ava.

Kenneth Gouff

I moved to the Grand Canyon in 1995 and have since lived all over the canyon. I've done stints at South Rim, North Rim and the bottom of the canyon at Phantom Ranch. I have spent the past 5 years guiding all over this amazing place - day hiking, multi-day backpacking, doing driven interpretive rim tours, and of course river trips. I have walked over 1000 miles inside the canyon (maybe more - who's counting?) and have been on 25 river trips. I absolutely love the canyon and I love showing people my home and watching it change them.

Brian Hansen

I have been a boatman in Grand Canyon for Arizona River Runners since 1981. I have gained extensive knowledge during these years and consider it the greatest of privileges to share this with our clients.

Amber Meyer

The Grand Canyon and the Colorado River have allowed me to experience the awe and wonder of our natural world in ways that we too often forget. I am lucky and grateful to visit this amazing place. Equally important and inspiring are the characters I have met along the way. The Arizona River Runners team and the adventurous people with whom we share these trips have made my experiences in the canyon so fun and my life so fulfilling. My passion for adventure and beauty have led me around the world and back to my home in Flagstaff, where I ski everyday until the snow melts. I am also actively involved with numerous charities.

Christina Parker (a.k.a. "Parker")

It is the greatest honor to call the Canyon home and be able to earn a living there. I have the best view in the world from my ”office window”. I feel grounded and complete when I am on the river. The Grand Canyon is where my creative energy is recharged. I get to see all walks of life on these trips. We all become a family right away. We all experience the trip of a life time together. To help people though this process is a true privilege. During the winter months I work in my jewelry studio (Eternal Wave) in Tucson, Arizona and teach skiing in Telluride, Colorado. I am also actively involved with numerous charities.

Bill Sims

In the spring of 1990 I joined on with the Arizona River Runners team. I feel so very lucky and privileged to have spent so many days in the Grand Canyon on river trips. Above all else, the river companions are the most special part of these trips. Adventure, excitement and laughter are always best when it is part of a shared experience. I live in Flagstaff, Arizona with my wife Liane and our two daughters Cora and Ruby.

Jon Stoner

I have had the privilege of guiding river trips in the Grand Canyon for the past 28 years. Even today, each trip brings a sense of exploration, adventure, excitement and renewal. The simple yet rewarding pleasures of hiking up side canyons, listening to the river, sleeping under starlit nights and experiencing the magic of the ever changing light on canyon walls provides me with an indescribable sense of peace.

There is something to be said for the value of quiet places, surrounding oneself with the intrinsic riches of nature and getting back to the basics. I truly enjoy leaving behind all the clutter and personal demands of the so-called real world (life above the rim) and spending quality time on the river.

Ani Stube

After my first trip down the Grand Canyon in 2003, I decided there are few places on earth I would rather spend a lifetime learning about and exploring. I feel privileged to work for Arizona River Runners and spend time in such an amazing place. Growing up in Montana fishing, boating, and camping helped me realize the importance of wilderness experiences in people's lives, and I am glad to have the vast expanse of Grand Canyon to share these adventures with whoever wants to join in on the excitement. I look forward to seeing you on the river.

Tim Whitney

I made my first trip into Grand Canyon in 1973 as a helper for my brother Bob on a river trip with the now extinct Ft. Lee Company. I was hooked on day 1 and have been ever since.