Our Staff
The Lord has blessed ACO with a truly incredible staff over the years, some of whom are in the photo above. The people that have chosen to be part of this organization all enjoy the same common bond of wanting to share the rivers we paddle with you, our guests. They range in age from their late teens to being “seasoned citizens” and come from all walks of life. They are some of the most caring, dedicated, and professional raft guides you’ll ever paddle with. All together, our guides have nearly 500 years of river running experience! We are very proud of each and every one and wanted to give you this opportunity to meet them before your next trip with us.
Select a guide here to jump to their bio:
What drew you into becoming a raft guide?
I started whitewater rafting when I was 10, and have been addicted ever since.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Meeting new people, and spending time on the water.
Most memorable outdoor experience?
The first time my dad took me hunting.
Hidden gem in Western NY to recommend to others?
Oak Orchard Creek.
Duties
- raft guide
Year Hired
2019
What drew you into becoming a raft guide?
I love being outside—it was as simple as that. Wandering through the trails and woods at Letchworth is enchanting on its own, but getting down in the valley and looking at the gorge from the bottom up is magical. We have the best views in the park!
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The excitement the gorge brings to our guests is a huge highlight for me. We meet people from all over the world, and we get to share a common passion on the water. It's pure bliss to see children and adults fall in love with nature, and with the beauty of Western New York. It's also exciting to watch people step out of their comfort zones and try something new. There is a whole world out there waiting to be explored!
Most memorable outdoor experience?
We live in a playground! I can't say one experience was more epic than another because they have all been so amazing. My first time caving is pretty high up on the list, and then there are many incredible kayaking, climbing, hiking, mountain biking, rafting and skiing experiences that will stay with me forever. I love being outdoors, and I am grateful to live in an area where so much adventure is accessible.
Hidden gem in Western NY to recommend to others?
There are so many hidden gems in Western New York—from lakes, hiking/biking trails, state lands, rivers, and parks, we have the opportunity for adventure all year around. I would recommend Hemlock Lake for a beautiful and relaxing day in your kayak, or Rock City for a fun day of exploring!
Duties
- raft guide
Year Hired
2018
What drew you into becoming a raft guide?
Invitation by guides, since I had river experience years before I accepted the invitation.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Sharing with customers a safe, great time.
Most memorable outdoor experience?
Besides rafting, skiing in Colorado.
Hidden gem in Western NY to recommend to others?
Zoar Valley. Some old-growth trees and home of one of the largest wild grape vines in the USA.
Duties
- raft guide
Year Hired
2011
What drew you into becoming a raft guide?
It gives me the opportunity to be outdoors and interact with people looking for moving water fun on the Genesee River.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Talking with guests about where they're from, where they're heading and sharing secret places in Letchworth.
Most memorable outdoor experience?
Hiking in the Canadian Rockies and then soaking in hot springs post-hike. By the end of the trip we specifically targeted peaks with trailhead hot springs 🚣!
Hidden gem in Western NY to recommend to others?
Take a tour of the 101-foot tall hidden waterfall at Fall Brook Falls with Trail Otter
Duties
- raft guide
- BSA accredited merit badge counselor
Year Hired
2023
What drew you into becoming a raft guide?
I came as a guest and fell in love with it.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The whitewater on the river and the family atmosphere within ACO.
Most memorable outdoor experience?
I took a road trip to S. Dakota and tent-camped all the way out and back. I saw so many beautiful things as I traveled.
Hidden gem in Western NY to recommend to others?
Webster Park - there are lots of great hiking trails and the sunsets are beautiful.
Duties
- trip leader
- ACA certified SRT instructor
Year Hired
2005
Note
Sadly, following a courageous battle with cancer, Chuck passed away in the fall of 2016. He will be missed by many however his legacy will live on forever in the hearts of all whose lives he touched over the years.
What drew you into becoming a raft guide?
The adventure, being outdoors & interacting with people.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The endless variety of people I meet and experiences to enjoy.
Most memorable outdoor experience?
I had an out-of-boat experience (i.e. - a flipped raft) while on the Lower New in WV., which led to a great deal of celebrating life!
Hidden gem in Western NY to recommend to others?
The bike paths through Clarence, Newstead, and Akron are very scenic and pleasant.
Duties
- trip leader
- safety boater
Year Hired
2006
Note
Dan passed away unexpectedly of a heart attack in early August of 2018. He was one of the elder statesmen in the rafting world, having worked as a guide initially for ARO, and then ACO & ZVC since the late 1970's. His friendship and mentorship to so many of us will be remembered always.
What drew you into becoming a raft guide?
I enjoyed being outdoors on the water as much as possible and to be paid for it was an added bonus.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Introducing others to experiencing the joy of paddling and showing them the beauty of the local waterways.
Most memorable outdoor experience?
Canoe camping down the west branch of the Susquehanna River with some close friends.
Hidden gem in Western NY to recommend to others?
The cross country ski trails at Allegany State Park, they are incredibly serene.
Duties
- trip leader
Year Hired
1987
What drew you into becoming a raft guide?
I needed some extra cash, wanted more time outdoors and love being in, on, or around the water. The solution seemed obvious.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The scenery - no matter what the day brings I need only look around to realize how lucky I am.
Most memorable outdoor experience?
I once co-led a group of at-risk boys on a 30 day canoe trip down the Suwanee River. We paddled from the very start in Georgia, through Florida and into the Gulf of Mexico. The trip in of itself was amazing, but the way the whole experience transformed the boys in such a positive way is what really made it memorable.
Hidden gem in Western NY to recommend to others?
Conklin's Gully in Naples, NY. 'Although you can take the path along the edge of the gully to see the cascades, I prefer walking in the stream and climbing up the waterfalls because it makes me feel like a kid again.'
Duties
- trip leader
- site manager
- lead team-building facilitator
Year Hired
2005
What drew you into becoming a raft guide?
I've always enjoyed being in the outdoors especially around streams and rivers. Having been a guest in 2009, when I was given the opportunity to change careers, Raft Guiding with Adventure Calls Outfitters was the first thing that popped into my head.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love seeing the smiles on our guest's faces and hearing the laughter (and screams!) as we go down the river.
Most memorable outdoor experience?
1) Riding horses and fly fishing with my wife in the Rocky Mountains of Montana. 2) Kayaking fishing offshore Cape Cod with whales surfacing close by.
Hidden gem in Western NY to recommend to others?
Kayaking Canadice Lake at dawn, the water like a mirror, not another soul in sight.
Duties
- raft guide
- NYSDEC licensed fishing guide
Year Hired
2015
What drew you into becoming a raft guide?
The uniqueness of the job.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Interacting with so many different people and how beautiful the rivers are.
Most memorable outdoor experience?
Hiking in the ADK and rafting on the Salmon River in Pulaski, NY.
Hidden gem in Western NY to recommend to others?
Letchworth State Park
Duties
- raft guide
Year Hired
2023
What drew you into becoming a raft guide?
I really enjoyed rafting and was looking for a part-time job at the time.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Showing people a fun, safe time on the river!
Most memorable outdoor experience?
Rescuing a raft that was stuck in the hole at 'Grand Finale' Rapids on Cattaraugus Creek.
Hidden gem in Western NY to recommend to others?
Hi Tor Wildlife Management Area, specifically Conklin's and Clark's Gulleys.
Duties
- trip leader
- safety boater
- paddle Instructor
- bus driver
- ACA certified paddle instructor
- ACA certified SRT instructor
Year Hired
1999
What drew you into becoming a raft guide?
I came on a trip as a guest while visiting Letchworth State Park and instantly fell in love how beautiful the park is and how awesome the guides are.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love meeting new people and sharing what I love with them. I also love working with such knowledgeable and friendly people.
Most memorable outdoor experience?
Swimming in the Caribbean Sea with the ancient Mayan City of Tulum in the background.
Hidden gem in Western NY to recommend to others?
Griffis Sculpture Park - E. Otto, NY
Duties
- trip leader
- site manager
Year Hired
2011
What drew you into becoming a raft guide?
My fraternity brother, ACO Trip Leader Brian Swart, asked me to go on a raft trip on the Indian / Hudson and I've been hooked on whitewater paddling ever since.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love interacting with the guests, watching & listening to them having as much fun going down the river as I am.
Most memorable outdoor experience?
I would have to say the rock-climbing trip I took on the island of Crete. We spent the day climbing and camped out on the cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Duties
- raft guide
Year Hired
2023
What drew you into becoming a raft guide?
I enjoy being outdoors, love paddling and helping others.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy paddling the river and enjoy the people I work with.
Most memorable outdoor experience?
A weekend of tent camping at Sugar Creek Glen Campground with my dad and brother.
Hidden gem in Western NY to recommend to others?
Sugar Creek Glen in Dansville, NY
Duties
- raft guide
Year Hired
2023
What drew you into becoming a raft guide?
I knew I wanted a summer job that would keep me outside and active. I have been around water since I was little having grown up on Lake Ontario. I started whitewater rafting in college and thought there would be no better way to spend my summer.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The chance to go rafting and enjoy the summer weather.
Most memorable outdoor experience?
Rafting the New River in West Virginia for my brother in-law's bachelor party
Hidden gem in Western NY to recommend to others?
Allegheny Reservoir. My favorite wakeboarding spot.
Duties
- raft guide
Year Hired
2014
What drew you into becoming a raft guide?
I rafted with ACO as a guest several times over the years and every trip was great; from the guides, the experience and the fun everyone had. On one particular trip one of the guides told me that I should join the staff and the rest is history. I "work" as often as I can. For me it's not a job, it's a hobby I get to do and I hope it stays that way.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I'm able to be on the river doing what I love with others. Nature is my church, so it doesn't matter if I'm on a trail on top of a mountain or in a raft on the river, I love being outdoors surrounded by what God has given us to enjoy and to share that blessing with others.
Most memorable outdoor experience?
Growing up, spending time with my grandad as he taught me about what plants we can eat, use in tea, good for bug bites, etc. I wish I’d had more time with him.
Hidden gem in Western NY to recommend to others?
Seven Falls. A set of waterfalls near my childhood home that I walked to often. Every season of the year. I'd go and spend hours there.
Duties
- raft guide
Year Hired
2023
What drew you into becoming a raft guide?
I've always loved outdoor recreation. Having worked in multiple national parks I found this to be the best local opportunity to show the beauty of nature.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love getting to know my guests each trip, the smiles never get old to me and the trip always feels like it's my first run.
Most memorable outdoor experience?
My first full climb to the summit in Yosemite, Mt Hoffman, was beyond spectacular. One of the highest peaks in the center of the valley, you could see the whole state of California!
Hidden gem in Western NY to recommend to others?
Moss Lake in Houghton! It's extraordinarily diverse in its biology, there's tons of carnivorous plants and neat critters too.
Duties
- raft guide
Year Hired
2023
What drew you into becoming a raft guide?
I reluctantly went river rafting when I was 15. Fell in love with it and wanted to be a guide from then on.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Helping people fall in love with the river and sharing the experience with them.
Most memorable outdoor experience?
Rafting the Grand Canyon
Hidden gem in Western NY to recommend to others?
Canoeing the Canisteo River in the southern tier.
Duties
- raft guide
Year Hired
2021
Note
We are sad to report that John passed away in January of 2023 due to a rare but very aggressive form of cancer. He remained resolute in his Faith to the very end and leaves behind a legacy that reflects his Christ-like unconditional love for each and every person he came in contact with throughout his life.
What drew you into becoming a raft guide?
A few years back, my family and I took a trip down the river with Adventure Calls Outfitters and I became instantly hooked to the experience. Being a teacher, I thought that becoming a raft guide would be an awesome summer gig. Turns out I was right on with that thought.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
My answer is twofold. First, the people. The people I work with and the customers I provide a service for. Secondly, the challenge of consistently having great runs down the river and always striving to satisfy the customers.
Most memorable outdoor experience?
I once road my bicycle from Seattle to Denver via the Pacific Coast and across some desert lands.
Hidden gem in Western NY to recommend to others?
Genesee County Park in East Bethany, New York. Great hiking trails and serenity.
Duties
- raft guide
Year Hired
2017
What drew you into becoming a raft guide?
I started as a guest on a trip in Letchworth a few years ago. Several trips on all three rivers and countless conversations with guides later, I realized I wanted to be a part of this awesome family.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The people and being out in nature.
Most memorable outdoor experience?
Two week canoe trip through the boundry waters between Minnesota and Canada.
Hidden gem in Western NY to recommend to others?
Lockport Nature Trail
Duties
- trip leader
- BSA accredited merit badge counselor
- NYSDEC licensed fishing guide
Year Hired
2016
What drew you into becoming a raft guide?
I was looking for a summer job that was outdoors and exciting since I had been inside and on computers for the majority of the school year. When I found ACO, I was so humbled by the community and their willingness to accept and teach someone with little experience and was honored to be a part of it.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love that every trip is different. You always interact with different guests and guides. I've never had the same experience twice.
Most memorable outdoor experience?
My most memorable outdoor experiences are the kayaking my family did in Glacier National Park and the hike through The Narrows we did in Zion National Park.
Hidden gem in Western NY to recommend to others?
Letchworth State Park! It's full of hiking and rafting and history and the waterfalls are a must-see. I'm so lucky to have grown up 20 minutes down the road.
Duties
- raft guide
Year Hired
2021
What drew you into becoming a raft guide?
I was friends w/ Jim Redline and he asked me to help him out when he started Zoar Valley Canoe & Raft.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Being on the water and the challenge of running every single trip down the river as safely as possible.
Most memorable outdoor experience?
A canoe trip on the Bloodvein River in Manitoba, CA. It is an absolutely beautiful river.
Hidden gem in Western NY to recommend to others?
Deerlick Nature Preserve - it's an incredible hiking area along the South branch of the Cattaraugus Creek.
Duties
- trip leader
- guide mentor
- safety boater
Year Hired
1983
What drew you into becoming a raft guide?
I started white water kayaking in 1991 and have always enjoyed time on the river. During my trips in Letchworth I've had positive interactions with the Adventure Calls team and I felt it would be a great group to join.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Meeting such a diverse variety of guests from all over the country and world. It's been a great way to share a view of Letchworth many people never have a chance to see.
Most memorable outdoor experience?
Best paddling experience: I spent a weekend at Zoar Outdoor in Deerfield MA camping and kayaking the Deerfield river. I shared the trip with my two oldest sons and two great friends. It was fantastic. My annual camping trips to Cranberry Lake with my dad and my three sons have been the highlight of my year for over three decades.
Hidden gem in Western NY to recommend to others?
The network of biking trails that exist on old reclaimed railroad beds in our area. From the Greenway to the Lehigh Valley Trail, they are all great areas to hike and bike.
Duties
- raft guide
Year Hired
2022
What drew you into becoming a raft guide?
The fun and adventure, plus it is way better than a summer part-time job mowing grass.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Taking people down the river that never ever thought they'd be able to do it.
Most memorable outdoor experience?
Seeing the fog over the gorge at Letchworth State Park in the early morning. It is such an inspiring sight.
Hidden gem in Western NY to recommend to others?
The South end of Letchworth State Park. It's amazing how many people, especially from the Rochester area, never venture past the North end of the park.
Duties
- trip leader
- site manager
- team-building facilitator
Year Hired
2008
What drew you into becoming a raft guide?
I organized a raft trip of ski bum friends w/ a Canadian River Outfitter and fell in love with the sport. Years later I wanted to go again and found ACO on the internet, saw they were hiring, and decided to take a shot at being a guide.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Hands down, the adrenaline rush. I'm an adrenaline junkie, just ask my friends.
Most memorable outdoor experience?
Umm.....can I pick two? 1.) Backpacking with my sister and one of my dogs in Allegheny National Forest. The weekend was totally amazing, can't wait to go again. 2.) Skiing in the Swiss Alps. An unbelievable experience. Ask me about either one and I'll talk your ear off.
Hidden gem in Western NY to recommend to others?
Eternal Flame Falls - Chestnut Ridge County Park in Orchard Park, NY
Duties
- trip leader
- safety boater
Year Hired
2009
What drew you into becoming a raft guide?
I rafted as a guest twice with ACO in 2021 and had a great time, the staff made me feel like family. Following those interactions, I thought frequently about how cool of a job that would be and felt as if I needed to experience what it is like to be a guide myself so I applied to join the staff in 2023 and was hired that spring.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Going down the river with people is so analogous to life...the ability for a boat full of people to work in harmony together in the flow of the water...but simply the people and the water and nature.
Most memorable outdoor experience?
The Niagara Falls Jetboat is high on the list, but really the Cave of the Winds and Maid of the Mist tours in Niagara Falls are powerfully moving.
Hidden gem in Western NY to recommend to others?
Hunter's Creek in East Aurora is a wonderful place close to me with a lot of terrain and there really is not a lot of people there most times. It is great for a short hike or a long excursion.
Duties
- raft guide
Year Hired
2023
What drew you into becoming a raft guide?
I started hanging with friends at a rafting company and found out I could go rafting all the time.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The people I meet, spending time outside, and of course, paddling the river.
Most memorable outdoor experience?
Time spent with my girls; sailing, hunting, river running.
Hidden gem in Western NY to recommend to others?
Sailing on Lake Erie, the city of Buffalo is beautiful from the lake.
Duties
- bus driver
- raft guide
Year Hired
2002
What drew you into becoming a raft guide?
Being on the river feels like home. I don't think I've ever had a bad day at Letchworth.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Getting to know a place well enough to notice even the small changes. Working with people who believe in playing. Guiding people who are out of their comfort zone and then seeing the experience click for them in a positive way.
Most memorable outdoor experience?
Floating on an underground river in a glowworm cave.
Hidden gem in Western NY to recommend to others?
Moss Lake & Hanging Bog.
Duties
- trip leader
Year Hired
2023
What drew you into becoming a raft guide?
I love being outdoors and enjoy sharing the outdoor experience with other people. Where else can you get paid to run whitewater, get a workout and have fun with new and interesting people every trip?
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Whether fishing, kayaking or running whitewater, I find a certain cathartic quality to being present on rivers and streams. I also love that I have a fresh audience for my jokes with every run down the river.
Most memorable outdoor experience?
Hiking the Great Range Traverse in the Adirondack High Peaks as a day hike.
Hidden gem in Western NY to recommend to others?
My favorite place in WNY is Chestnut Ridge Park and the Eternal Flame. A close second is Little Rock City in Little Valley, NY.
Duties
- raft guide
Year Hired
2018
What drew you into becoming a raft guide?
I love being outdoors and working with people.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I most enjoy our time on the water and talking with all the guests.
Most memorable outdoor experience?
Camping and hiking trips with my sister.
Hidden gem in Western NY to recommend to others?
Fall Brook Falls is a fun and beautiful hike right near SUNY Geneseo.
Duties
- trip leader
- BSA accredited merit badge counselor
Year Hired
2021
What drew you into becoming a raft guide?
I've always loved being outdoors, so when I saw the opportunity in the Girl Scout program guide, I had to take my scouts. It was my first year as a leader and I had 4 cadettes. We did the rafting and camping weekend program. I instantly fell in love with the romance of Letchworth and the excitement of white water. I knew I had to become a guide. I came back every year as a guest after that. It took me almost 4 years to work up the nerve to apply, but I'm so glad I did, it's One of the best decisions of my life.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Being a raft guide allows me to share my love and knowledge of the outdoors and geology with lots of new people. I truly love Letchworth for all its wonders and beauty. No two trips down the river are ever the same. Plus, It never feels like work, which makes it the best job I'll ever have!
Hidden gem in Western NY to recommend to others?
One of my favorite spots to go is the Homestead bridge in Tonawanda. I can drive, walk or ride my bike there, and launch or rent a kayak rain or shine. From there I can take a leisure paddle up Tonawanda Creek to the Dog Park Island, or down the Erie Canal to do a little history tour, and if I'm really motivated I can even paddle out to Niawanda Park on the Niagara River. Or I can just sit on the bridge and watch the bustling Gateway Harbor. There's always something going on. Weekly concerts, art and food festivals and even fishing tournaments.
Duties
- raft guide
Year Hired
2016
What drew you into becoming a raft guide?
Working outdoors running whitewater
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Meeting new people and making new friends
Duties
- trip leader
Year Hired
2014
What drew you into working for ACO?
I love driving bus and was given the opportunity to do so.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The camaraderie among the staff and working at Letchworth State Park.
Hidden gem in Western NY to recommend to others?
Panama Rocks, it's a great place to explore.
Duties
- bus driver
Year Hired
2015
What drew you into becoming a raft guide?
Additional time to be with my wife!
What do you enjoy most about your job?
People having a memorable time.
Most memorable outdoor experience?
Going out to Zion, Bryce and upper Grand Canyon.
Hidden gem in Western NY to recommend to others?
Durand Eastman Park
Duties
- raft guide
Year Hired
2018
What drew you into becoming a raft guide?
I loved rafting as a guest and decided to take the next step.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The camaraderie amongst the staff and showing the guests a great time on the river.
Most memorable outdoor experience?
I have two. 1.) Hiking up the back side of Halfdome in Yosemite National Park. 2.) Participating in the 'Face of America' Memorial Bike Ride in 2002 from Ground Zero to the Pentagon. That humbling event will stay with me the rest of my life.
Hidden gem in Western NY to recommend to others?
Zoar Valley. It is an incredible place.
Duties
- trip leader
- safety boater
Year Hired
2003
Note
Sam passed away unexpectedly in April of 2022 in a tragic rafting accident on the Hudson River. He lived every day to its fullest and his incredibly positive attitude impacted every life he touched.
What drew you into becoming a raft guide?
The opportunity! I had been rafting with Adventure Calls for over ten years as a customer, and I jumped on the chance to be a part of the team.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Every trip is different, and every day is different on the river, not only do I get to see the beauty that is Letchworth park, but I also get to enjoy the wildlife that calls this place home.
Most memorable outdoor experience?
I could never pick just one out of the multitude of wilderness outings I have been on, every experience has its own epic place in my memory, but I have recently discovered caving, and I'm excited for a completely new form of outdoor exploration and adventure.
Hidden gem in Western NY to recommend to others?
Carlton Hill multiple use area....a great place for anything from trail runs to mountain biking, to horseback riding and hunting, a truly beautiful place that I am grateful to have so near.
Duties
- raft guide
Year Hired
2018
What drew you into becoming a raft guide?
Friendly shuttles for private boaters 😁🛶
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Challenge of ever-changing crew, craft and conditions
Most memorable outdoor experience?
Racing the ADK 90 miler with my daughter
Hidden gem in Western NY to recommend to others?
South Sandy Creek from rt 2 to Lk Ontario, reward is beautiful isolated beaches!
Duties
- raft guide
- BSA accredited merit badge counselor
Year Hired
2022
What drew you into becoming a raft guide?
I love adventures in the outdoors.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Sharing the rafting experience with others.
Most memorable outdoor experience?
Rafting on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon.
Hidden gem in Western NY to recommend to others?
The gorges at Letchworth State Park, Watkins Glen State Park, and Chautauqua State Forest.
Duties
- trip leader
Year Hired
2008
What drew you into becoming a raft guide?
As a kid I would go kayaking with my dad and two older brothers at Letchworth State Park. I've had a longtime love for water sports and thought being a raft guide would be a fun summer job.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I really enjoy seeing a first-time rafter who is scared at the start of the trip and by the end of the trip they are going on and on about how they want to come back again. It is really cool to see people overcome their fears.
Most memorable outdoor experience?
On one of my first trips, I was guiding four girl scouts around 10 years old. Some of them were nervous at the beginning of the trip. By the end they were all singing songs together and having a great time.
Hidden gem in Western NY to recommend to others?
The hiking / biking trails found along Hemlock and Canadian lakes. They offer a great view of the undeveloped, pristine lakes.
Duties
- raft guide
Year Hired
2023
What drew you into becoming a raft guide?
Wanting to be on the water / in the wilderness.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Taking people outdoors and teaching them about what we find as we're going down the river.
Hidden gem in Western NY to recommend to others?
The Buffalo River - paddling along it in a canoe or kayak is the best way to see things you wouldn't otherwise. The views of the grain elevators are incredible.
Duties
- trip leader
- safety boater
- team-building facilitator
- BSA accredited merit badge counselor
- ACA certified srt instructor
Year Hired
2006
What drew you into becoming a raft guide?
My love of Letchworth State Park & the Genesee River.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Watching people enjoy nature and seeing the smiles on their faces, especially the children.
Most memorable outdoor experience?
Getting thrown from a raft I was guiding after it hit a rock. I found shortly thereafter the raft was making a strange hissing sound.
Hidden gem in Western NY to recommend to others?
Emery Park in South Wales, NY. It is still very rustic and quite beautiful.
Duties
- raft guide
Year Hired
2010
What drew you into working for ACO?
I've brought school groups down for the past several years, saw what a great time everyone that worked here seemed to be having and decided I wanted to be part of that.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love everything about it. I love being in the park and getting to raft every once in a while. I really enjoy working with a great bunch of people, it's more like a family than just a bunch of employees.
Most memorable outdoor experience?
I really enjoyed traveling to different parts of the country with my mother, especially to Florida.
Hidden gem in Western NY to recommend to others?
I can't say enough about what a great place Letchworth State Park is. I've visited here many times over the years and it's special every single time.
Duties
- bus driver
Year Hired
2019
What drew you into becoming a raft guide?
I've always loved the water and paddling so I had to jump at the opportunity to guide.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Being surrounded by the outdoors and interacting with people from all walks of life.
Most memorable outdoor experience?
Hiking with a friend in Missouri and getting trapped by a flash flood. Needless to say we had to do some swift water stream crossing to get out.
Hidden gem in Western NY to recommend to others?
Stony Brook State Park (Dansville, NY)
Duties
- trip leader
- bus driver
- BSA accredited merit badge counselor
- ACA accredited srt instructor
- NYSDEC licensed fishing guide
Year Hired
2015
What drew you into becoming a raft guide?
I enjoy being on the water.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Sharing the outdoor experience with the guests.
Most memorable outdoor experience?
There's too many to choose just one.
Hidden gem in Western NY to recommend to others?
My backyard in the rolling hills of Wyoming County!
Duties
- trip leader
- site manager
- team-building facilitator
Year Hired
2001