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

  Hometown:

  Jim Thorpe, PA

  Hey everyone! I’m the guide manager at Pocono Whitewater and have guided here for the eight years prior to taking on this role.  Whitewater is my passion and I love seeing so many people experience it on the Lehigh river.  One of my favorite parts of this “job”  is seeing all the happy people coming back to the rafting center after an exciting day on the Lehigh.  On my days off I try to kayak as many of the local creeks as possible and love working with a guide staff that shares my interest!  Here at Pocono Whitewater we realize our guides are on the front line of providing a good experience to our guests, and we take a lot of pride in the quality of our staff.
• 

  Larry

  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 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.
• 

  Nate

  I can’t get enough of the river. It does not matter when, where or weather, I’m game. I love interacting with the guests and making their trips unforgettable. I have been guiding for 6 years now, and at the end of the season I can’t wait to start the next one. In 2011 I was guide of the year. When I’m not on the river I’m spending time with my incredible family.
• 

  Tony

  I’m a 21 year old Senior at Mansfield University, PA studying Outdoor Recreation(far left in picture). I get itchy and start to twitch when I spend too much time inside. I’m never having more fun than when I’m sitting on a giant balloon speeding toward a really big rock. I’m constantly being shaken awake by our beautiful planet, and want to work to instill that feeling in everyone I meet.
• 

  Bilsky

  I am currently a Ph.D. student at Lehigh University studying Mechanical Engineering. My passion is helping others experience the outdoors both in the summer and winter. When kayak season ends you’ll find me working college ski races on the weekends along with free skiing and racing the rest of the week.  I started working at Pocono Whitewater in 2007.

  Hometown: Dresher, PA
• 

  Marko

  Rain? Flash flood? Hurricane warning? When I hear these things I know I will be getting wet, and I will be on the river sooner or later. My name is Marko. Originally from Lake Ronkonkoma, NY went to college in Utica, NY. I have been visiting the Poconos since I was 8 months old. I started with Pocono Whitewater in the spring of 2008. I do this job because I love the river and the crazy people I run across on it. I enjoy traveling, good beer, hanging out with fun people, sitting on rocks in the middle of the river or in the middle of the woods, and short walks to put-in or along the banks or the river.
• 

  Steve

  Hometown- Pottsville PA

  I’ve been on the water more years than I’d like to remember, but the good folks at Pocono WW have been paying me for it since 2009. Nothing washes away the stress of life quite like the river. Being a high school teacher gets me plenty of time to go out all summer. But fall isn’t the end of the season, only when the river is completely frozen. Anything short of that we call “dry-suit weather”. My favorite people to be on the river with are my wife and kids – particularly right after a hurricane.