Meet The Guides

• 

  AJ

  Hometown:

  Langhorn, PA

  Years Guiding:

  4

  I am a UPenn graduate and EMT on my way to medical school, when I’m not on the river I like to play baseball, go surfing, or eat cheese steaks. I am an extreme competitor and I hold the Guide Olympics world records for both homeruns and stitches in a kickball game.
• 

  Ed

  Hometown:

  Jim Thorpe

  Years Guiding:

  29

  Whether out on the river working, or just enjoying a day in the sun, I am always smiling and always having fun! I won most pleasant guide 22 years in a row, and am second most knowledgeable to Rich. As long as I have some river dogs with onions, and some good ice tea I am happy as can be!
• 

  Amy

  Hometown:

  Bethlehem, PA

  Years Guiding:

  13

  Pocono Whitewater has become my family over the last 13 years. I began guiding with my dad when I was 7 and have continued ever since. I am currently a student at Lock Haven University, majoring in Parks & Recreation, and the outdoors is a very important part of my life. I am always down to go hiking, climbing, or just hanging around the campfire with friends. I live for adventures and exploring the world!
• 

  Sam

  Hometown:

  Mantzville, PA

  Years Guiding:

  7

  I have been guiding with Pocono whitewater for seven years and kayaking has always been something I love. I am currently a student at Kutztown University. When I am not out working or playing on the river I am usually playing guitar, rock climbing, or finding another adventure to take.
• 

  Nick L

  Hometown:

  Montrose, PA

  Years Guiding:

  5

  I am a recent graduate of Wilkes University where I studied in mathematics. Kayaking is my passion and I am always learning new tricks, or boating new rivers and creeks. I was honored to receive the Guide of the Year award last year, and I look forward to many more great seasons to come!
• 

  Kayla

  Hometown:

  Allentown, PA

  Years Guiding:

  4

  I am a recent graduate from Kutztown University with bachelors in elementary education and a minor in Spanish. I’ve also worked as a class four-river guide in Costa Rica. Along with kayaking and rafting, I love rock climbing, snowboarding and ultimate Frisbee, Life is sweet, and I hope to make the very best of it. Pura vida.
• 

  Dustin

  Hometown:

  Emmaus, PA

  Years Guiding:

  6

  I love water! Whether on the river working, at the beach surfing, or pursuing my semi- professional skim boarding career. I have always enjoyed what I do, and I strongly believe that you should always live life on the edge.
• 

  Tiff

  Hometown:

  Kinsman, OH

  Years Guiding:

  4

  I am currently a student at Lehigh Carbon Community College studying in environmental science. I started guiding 4 years ago with my dad and have continued ever since. I love being on the river, and interacting with the guests. When I’m not working I’m usually out at demolition derbies, watching races, or hanging out with my friends and family.
• 

  Andy

  Title:

  Training Manager

  Hometown:

  Jim Thorpe, PA

  I recently graduated from Massey Palmerston North University in New Zealand. My family has owned and operated Pocono Whitewater all of my life, and I am glad that I could return home to apply my education and knowledge to the company. I am always out kayaking, rock climbing, slack lining, or just hanging out with friends. I always live each day to the fullest!
• 

  Chris

  Title:

  Guide Manager

  Hometown:

  Westfield, NJ

  Years Guiding:

  6

  I have been the guide manager at Pocono Whitewater for 5 years. When I’m not running the show at the rafting center, I am running and operating Park 1260 my all season terrain park for skiing and snowboarding. In my off-season I love skiing and traveling out west to bigger mountains.
• 

  Biggie

  Hometown:

  Jim Thorpe

  Years Guiding:

  26

  Working as a guide at Pocono Whitewater has been a huge part of my life. I am always looking forward to enjoying a day on the river with my fellow staff, and teaching new guides the ways of the river. At home I have 3 loving dogs to keep me busy and there is never a dull moment in my life. I love guiding on the Lehigh River and spending my days out there in the sun with good friends and good company!
• 

  Larry

  Title:

  River Manager

  Hometown:

  Douglas, GA

  Years Guiding:

  15

  I have been a whitewater professional for 15 years running rivers in Colorado, Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, West Va. And now Pennsylvania.  I started as a photographer in a hard boat but have not been in one since 2000, I have mainly guided on class IV and V rivers in a raft with guest, and run over kayakers.  I am an Eagle Scout and my first job out of college was a District Executive with the Boy Scouts of America.  After that I became a ski bum in Colorado and found whitewater another adrenaline release.   The most rewarding part of my life brought me to Pocono Whitewater, My lovely Wife and two daughters proving you can grow up without growing old.
• 

  Joe L

  Hometown:

  Montrose, PA

  Years Guiding:

  5

  Kayaking is a way of life for me. I have paddled over 3 thousand miles as a commercial guide, 1,200 of which I have trip lead. I am certified in swift water rescue and Wilderness first responder as well. I have been awarded most improved kayaker, runner up for best trip leader and best safety briefing and 2-time runner up for best kayaker. I am the brother of NickL and Kate and like many other guiding families running water is normal dinner table conversation.
• 

  Rich

  Years Guiding:

  25

  I have boated at least 28 whitewater streams in 10 states and 2 Canadian provinces. I am a former student of whitewater economics and whitewater philosophy at the Lehigh Whitewater University, and a former computer analyst.