Our Staff

Our team makes the Dream!

Mother Lode River Center whitewater rafting guides on the South Fork American River

Every summer feels like a family reunion as the MaLode whitewater guides return from their off-season adventures to guide on the South Fork American River.

We love sharing stories from travels in Latin America, Asia, New Zealand — and even Antarctica. As curious as they are adventurous, many of our whitewater raft guides and staff have attained or are pursuing advanced degrees in fields ranging from environmental studies and education to neuroscience and nursing.  

Gourmet cooks, artists, educators — just scratch the surface and you’ll find that our professional rafting guides bring a wide range of skills, perspectives, and life experience to every trip. Above all, they share a deep respect for rivers and a commitment to creating safe, meaningful, and memorable rafting experiences.

We’re Hiring!

Do you love people, rivers, and the great outdoors? Consider joining our team of whitewater rafting guides and outdoor professionals.

Consider joining our team!

Mother Lode River Center whitewater rafting guides on the South Fork American River

Meet Your Guides!

Raft guide River running whitewater on the South Fork American River

River

What’s your favorite rapid and what makes it special?My favorite rapid is Satan’s Cesspool because it’s hard to hit just

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Outdoor Education Mother Lode River Center

Aidan Maguire

What’s your favorite rapid and what makes it special?Highway Rapid. It’s only Class II, but it’s long, involved, and always

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Outdoor Education

Joel Levinson

What’s your favorite rapid and what makes it special?My favorite rapid is Third Threat on the South Fork American —

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Greg, a Mother Lode River Center guide and manager, paddling on the South Fork American River.

Greg Hawkins

What’s your favorite rapid and what makes it special?My favorite rapid is Troublemaker on the South Fork of the American

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Alex Kunesh rafting on the South Fork of the American

Alex Kunesh

What’s your favorite rapid or section, and what makes it special?One of my favorite river sections is Mule Creek Canyon

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Rebekah Taylor smiling at Mother Lode River Center

Rebekah Taylor

What’s your favorite rapid and what makes it special?When I’m kayaking, any good wave train is my favorite. There’s nothing

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Randy Diez smiling outdoors in his river gear at Mother Lode River Center.

Randy Diez

What’s your favorite rapid and what makes it special?I have many favorite rapids, and I especially enjoy the ones that

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ake Donley smiling in his river gear at Mother Lode River Center.

Jake Donley

What’s your favorite rapid and what makes it special?My favorite rapid is Hospital Bar! I’m a bit of an adrenaline

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Raft guide Jack Tatum smiling at Mother Lode River Center on the South Fork American River

Jack Tatum

What’s your favorite rapid and what makes it special?Hospital Bar — the wave train is a great ride!! Why do

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Activites at Mother Lode

On The American River

At The Adventure Center

Team Building & River Skills

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