Who we are:
We are a family owned and operated guiding service in Haines, Alaska.
Our mission is to provide meaningful and sustainable river trips with expert guides into some of the wildest places in Alaska and beyond.
Andy Hedden
Andy Hedden lives in Haines Alaska with his wife Jessica and their daughter Sophia. Andy has 25 years of guiding experience in Alaska, British Columbia and Yukon Territory and spent many years training river guides and managing river trip operations. He loves skiing, photography and anything that involves water. He is a Wilderness First Responder, holds a private pilots license and is a trained Swift Water Rescue Technician.
Sam Edwards
Sam Edwards is more than just family to us, he‘s also one of our most experienced guides. Sam guides nearly all year long and easily relates to each location with encyclopedic accuracy and genuine enthusiasm. A Tacoma native by birth Sam now divides his time between guiding big rivers in Alaska and driving skiff-loads of tourists and researchers in Antarctica. When he’s not chasing ice Sam spends time with his wife Lindsey and son Orion in Bangkok, Thailand.
Beth Pearson
Beth grew up in a rafting family "back east," learning to row almost as soon as she could walk. Today, she combines her lifelong love of the outdoors with a strong focus on safety and first aid, splitting her time between ski patrolling at Eagle Crest in Juneau and guiding river trips on the Tatshenshini and Alsek Rivers in Haines. Her extensive patrol and first aid experience make her a highly skilled and prepared guide, able to handle any challenges that arise with confidence and care. Known for her infectious positive attitude and ever-present smile, Beth adds a layer of safety, expertise, and joy to every river adventure, ensuring that each trip is not only memorable but also secure.
Jessica Edwards
Jessica is a business owner, mom, and our food pack pro. When she’s not stacking and packing Jess likes to spend time running, lifting weights in the gym, and going on long vacations.
Pauly Borichevsky
Pauly is a skilled and passionate river guide with a deep love for the wild, untamed rivers he navigates. With years of experience on rivers across North America, Pauly brings a unique blend of technical expertise, calm under pressure, and a genuine joy for sharing the river’s magic with others. Whether he‘s guiding in the rugged wilderness of Alaska or leading trips through the Grand Canyon, Pauly’s laid-back attitude and infectious enthusiasm create a relaxed, fun atmosphere for all. A true steward of the rivers he calls home, Pauly’s focus on safety, group cohesion, and environmental responsibility ensures every trip is not only unforgettable but also respectful of the wild spaces we explore. When he’s not on the water, Pauly can be found exploring the mountains and valleys near his home base in Winter Park Colorado and Moab Utah in Haines, always seeking his next adventure.
Christa Sadler
Christa Sadler is an author, educator, Earth scientist, and wilderness guide with a serious addiction to rivers, deserts, mountains, canyons, and chocolate. She received her bachelors in physical anthropology from UC Berkeley and her MS in earth sciences from Northern Arizona University. She has undertaken research in archaeology, geology, ecology, and paleontology across the globe, including searching for dinosaurs in 120-degree heat in Montana and Utah, fighting off dust storms and overly curious camels in the Gobi Desert of Mongolia, and steering clear of annoyed marine iguanas in the Galapagos Islands.
She has worked in Alaska since 1990, and runs rivers in the Arctic, in addition to the Alsek and the Tatshenshini. She loves Alaska; it’s the only place she’s ever been that makes the Grand Canyon seem just a little bit smaller and tamer. She thinks it’s a great privilege to be able to spend time in a place where she is not at the top of the food chain.
Christa has published numerous books and articles about fossils and river running (not at the same time), and is currently working on another book about some of Utah’s amazing dinosaurs. Occasionally, she makes it home to Flagstaff for enough time to do laundry and pack up again.
Rich Chapel
Rich, a retired Fish and Game Biologist turned river guide, brings a unique blend of scientific expertise and outdoor adventure to every river trip. Based in Haines, Alaska, Rich has spent years studying the region‘s wildlife, ecosystems, and fish populations, working to protect the delicate balance of Southeast Alaska’s natural environment. His deep knowledge of the area’s rivers and wilderness makes him an exceptional guide, one who not only navigates the waters with confidence but also shares insights into the ecology and history of the region. Whether he’s leading trips down Chilkat River or offering valuable lessons on local wildlife, Rich’s background in biology adds a layer of depth to every adventure. His passion for conservation and the outdoors shines through in every aspect of his work, creating a meaningful, educational experience for all who venture with him. When he’s not guiding or conducting research, Rich can be found exploring the rugged landscapes of South East Alaska, always looking for the next river to paddle or ecosystem to study.
Jimmy McNevin
Jimmy is an expedition professional with a wealth of experience on some of the world’s most iconic rivers. From class 5 paddle rafts in Nepal to heavy oar rigs in the Grand Canyon and wild adventures on the Alsek, Jimmy is the guy you can always count on. In between river expeditions you will find Jimmy spending time with his wife Kate and crafting fine art river tables at his home in Boise Idaho.
Becky Hedden
Becky Hedden is in charge of expedition equipment & support. Becky is a retired firefighter and holds a current EMT II certification. She loves mountain biking, skiing, and paddle boarding and calls Baja Mexico her second home.
