Whitewater Rafting Guides, River Rafting Estes Park and Northern Colorado, Poudre Guides

Ben Costello - Ben is from Gunnison, CO. He received a degree in Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism from Colorado State University in 2003. This is his 9th year guiding and 3rd year safety boating on the Poudre River for MWD. Ben is MWD’s River Manager and has over 8,000 river miles. His humor and passion for the outdoors brings a different dimension for his guests. In his spare time Ben likes to hike, ski, mountain bike, see live music and hang out with his dog JoJo. He is a Swiftwater Rescue Technician and a Wilderness First Responder. Ben was also named guide of the year in 2002.

Ian Beutler - Ian comes from Texas, Arizona and Spain. This is his 9th year as a professional guide on the Poudre, Arkansas, Colorado and North Platte rivers. While not on the river you can find him mountain biking or playing with his dog, Champ. He has also been acting semi-professionally for 21 years. Ian is also a trained massage therapist and part time bus driver at MWD. He is a Swiftwater Rescue Technician and an EMT.

Jack Reed - Jack is originally from Fort Collins. He studied massage therapy at the Healing Arts Institute and works as a massage therapist in the winters. This is his third year as a Poudre River guide. When not on the river you can find him mountain biking, climbing, hanging out with his friends, listening to music and enjoying life. Jack spends the winter playing guitar in several local bands.

Melissa Matsunaka - Melissa grew up in Loveland, Colorado. She graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in Natural Resource Management. After CSU, she attended the University of Colorado-Boulder for law school. When she's not rafting or thinking about rafting, she's probably enjoying other activities outdoors such as hiking with her dog, walking her dog, skiing, golfing, or mountain biking. This will be her 10th year guiding rafts on the Poudre. She is a Swiftwater Rescue Technician.

Daniela Frum - Daniela is from Northbrook, Illinois. She graduated in 2002 from Colorado State University with a degree in Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism. This is her 6th year as a Poudre River guide. She is a Swiftwater Rescue Technician and a Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician. Daniela also works part time in the office at MWD. In the off-season, she likes to travel while she is not teaching for NOLS Wilderness School of Medicine.

Dr. Josh Thomson - Josh is originally from Hartselle, Alabama. He has recently finished his PhD. in Mathematics from the University of Utah. This is Josh's 5th year as a professional guide on the Poudre, Pigeon, New and Gauley rivers. He enjoys kayaking, bike commuting, yoga, and hanging out with his wife. He has had training in Outdoor Emergency Care and is a WFR and Swiftwater Rescue Technician.

	Stan Wyllie - Stan is originally from Midland, Texas. This is his 8th year as a Poudre River guide and 3rd year as a safety boater at MWD. He is a Swiftwater Rescue Technician. When he is not rafting, you can find him climbing, biking, kayaking and repairing bikes. In the off-season, Stan runs his own business repairing gas fireplaces. You may have seen his red A Degree Above van around town!

	Forrest Carr - Forrest is from Fort Collins, Colorado. This is his third year as a Poudre River Guide. When not on the river he enjoys snowboarding, 4-wheeling, jumping off cliffs, camping, hiking and being outside. He is a Swiftwater Rescue Technician and an EMT.

Nate Beckman - Nate is from Crystal Lake, Illinois. Nate recently earned his Bachelor Degree in Forestry form Colorado State University. He is a National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) graduate. This is his 3rd year guiding commercially on the Poudre River. He is a Swiftwater Rescue Technician. During the winters, Nate enjoys snowboarding and skiing down Cameron Pass and the local ski resorts.

Courtney Shook - Courtney was born and raised in Fort Collins, Colorado. She has a degree in Recreation and Tourism from Colorado State University. This is her 3rd year as a professional guide on the Cache la Poudre River. When not on the river, you can find her playing in the mountains, spending time with friends, listening to live music or traveling. She is a Swiftwater Rescue Technician and an EMT.

Jeramy Jasmann – Jeramy is a Biochemistry Graduate from UC Davis, California. Jeramy has been a Chemistry Teacher for the last 10 years and raft guide in the summers. He has guided rafting and kayaking trips on over 20 different rivers and creeks in California and has further expanded his exposure to even more rivers in Costa Rica, Utah, Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Colorado. In his spare time, Jeramy likes to spend time with his wife and one year old son, Carson. Jeramy has been trained in Swiftwater Rescue.

Matt Troyanek - Matt comes from Duluth, MN and became addicted to rafting in 1995. His diverse passion for helping others to have fun in the outdoors includes training international mountaineering guides and mentoring youth in outdoor ministry. Safety training in Swift Water Rescue and an EMT-B, compliment his Business degree from the University of Wyoming. This is Matt’s 10th year as whitewater guide on the Poudre and North Platte Rivers.

Travis Mitchell - Travis is originally from Colorado. He has five years of combined experience as a professional raft guide and kayak instructor on the Poudre River. Travis has also been a ski and snowboard instructor and is not often far from the Poudre Canyon; whether he is running the river or skiing in the backcountry on Cameron Pass. Travis received his Masters in Education from Colorado State University and currently teaches Middle School here in Fort Collins. He has been trained as a Wilderness First Responder.

	Craig Blackard

	Bryan Holman

Christy Gigliotti – Christy is an art educator in the Poudre School District here in Fort Collins. She teaches a variety of courses including photography, pottery & sculpture, crafts, art, yearbook and outdoor living. Christy is currently finishing her Masters in education and technology. This will be Christy’s 3rd year as a Poudre River guide. Christy also enjoys long river trips, hiking and exploring the back country. Christy is trained in Swiftwater rescue.

Brendan Murphy – Brendan is from Cincinnati, OH and has a degree in business from Miami University. This year will be Brendan’s third year as a commercial raft guide and his second season with MWD. He spends his winters skiing and snowboarding Winter Park. When not on the river, Brendan enjoys biking, motorcycling, climbing, disc golf, and just about any other outdoor pursuit. He is trained in Swiftwater Rescue.

	Trevor Melton – Trevor has lived most of his life in Texas and Colorado. This will be Trevor’s third season as a guide on the Nantahala and Poudre Rivers. When not on a river, you can find Trevor at the nearest soccer field or disc golf course. He also enjoys the Colorado Mountains with a either a trekking pole or a snowboard. Trevor is trained in Swiftwater rescue.

	Mitch Kubistek – Mitch is originally from Arvada, Colorado. He is currently attending CSU working toward a degree in history. This will be his second year guiding for MWD. In his spare time, Mitch enjoys watching sports, camping and anything else outside. Mitch was the MWD rookie of the year in 2008 and is Swiftwater Rescue trained.

	Josh Randall – Josh is originally from Mobile, Alabama. In the off-season, he builds custom homes in the Red Feather Lakes area of Northern Colorado. This will be Josh’s second year as a commercial raft guide with MWD. In his spare time, he enjoys snowboarding, hiking and camping in the backcountry with his dog Casey.

	Carly Cain - Carly is from California and Arizona, this is her second year rafting for MWD. She is currently a student at Colorado State University. When she's not playing on the river you can find her climbing up rocks, practicing yoga, dancing to bluegrass, or hiking around outside. Carly is trained in Swiftwater rescue.

	Sarah MacGregor – Sarah is from Colorado Springs, Colorado. She is currently attending CSU with a major in Recreation and Tourism/ Global Tourism and a minor in Spanish. This will be her second year guiding for MWD on the Poudre River. In her spare time, Sarah enjoys playing volleyball, camping and hiking, Frisbee, snowboarding, and crocheting socks for her cat.

Kevin Gosselin – Kevin is from Fort Collins, CO and is currently pursuing his B.S. from Colorado State University. This will be Kevin’s second year guiding rafts on the Poudre River. During the off-season, Kevin designs and prepares demonstrations for the Little Shop of Physics. When not rafting, Kevin enjoys both riding and racing mountain bikes. Kevin has been trained in Swiftwater Rescue.

	Hailey Garner – Hailey is originally from Texas. She is currently working on a degree in Natural Resource Recreation & Tourism form Colorado State University. This will be her 2nd year as a guide with MWD. In her spare time, Hailey enjoys playing Frisbee and skiing. She has been trained in Swiftwater Rescue.

	Andrew Deming - Andrew is from Fort Collins, Colorado. This is his 2nd year guiding for MWD on the Poudre River. In the off-season he studies history at Fort Lewis College in Durango. In his spare time he enjoys playing videogames and watching movies. Andrew has been trained in Swiftwater Rescue.

Spencer Branson – Spencer grew up in Denver, Colorado. He currently attends Colorado State University; pursuing a degree in Natural Resources Recreation & Tourism. This will be his 2nd year guiding for Mountain Whitewater Descents. His other interests include backcountry snowboarding, mountain biking, hammocks, ultimate Frisbee, ceramics, photography, yoga. Spencer has been trained in Swiftwater Rescue.

	Ray Mees - Ray is from Mahwah, NJ. He is currently working toward degrees in Islamic History and Mechanical Engineering. This will be Ray's 2nd season guiding commercially on the Poudre. When he is not at work you can find him riding his Fixed Gear, rock climbing, skiing and building bicycles. He is also a die-hard Foo Fighters fan. Ray has been trained in Swiftwater Rescue.

Tracey Lipfert – Tracey is from Littleton, Colorado. Tracey went to school at Colorado State University where she received a Bachelor Degree in Sports Medicine and a Masters in Biomedical Sciences. This will be her second season guiding rafts on the Poudre River. When she is not rafting, Tracey enjoys backpacking, skiing, cycling, bird watching and hanging out with her pet rats. Tracey has been trained in Swiftwater Rescue.

Patrick Forster – Patrick is from Fort Collins, CO. He graduated from Colorado State University. He has been a kayak instructor and safety boater since 2002 and a rock climbing guide since 1999. This will be Patrick’s second year at MWD. His other interests include climbing, skiing, mountain biking, history, traveling and sleeping under the stars. Patrick is a Wilderness First Responder, Wilderness First Aid instructor, ACA Kayak instructor and soon to be licensed teacher.

Josh Metten – Josh is from Fort Collins, CO. Josh spends as much time as possible immersed in the outdoors. His passion is recreating on the water; whether it is during winter while he is backcountry skiing or during the summer while he is kayaking. While not on skis or in a kayak, Josh plays Bluegrass Fiddle with Fort Collins' own band, “Blue Grama.” This will be Josh’s second year as a safety kayaker and photographer at MWD.

	Amanda Hoernicke - Amanda is from Hays, Kansas. Next year she will finish up her degree in Consumer and Family Studies at CSU. This is Amanda’s 7th year working in the office. In 2003, she won the Choice City Champion Award from the Convention and Visitors Bureau for her great customer service. When not in the office you can find her playing and winning at darts.

Lindsey Modesitt is from Fort Collins, Colorado. She received her bachelor's degree from Colorado State University in Anatomy and Physiology. Lindsey is an EMT and has worked on several ambulances around Northern Colorado including Weld County, Larimer County, Denver and Boulder. This is her third year as a Poudre River Guide. When not working she enjoys telemark skiing, surfing, kayaking, guitar, and the pitter-patter of little feet. She is a Swiftewater Rescue Technician.

	Ella Peyton Modesitt is from Colorado. She is a member of the Tadfish Rafting Team. She is also a member of the rookie guiding class of 2024. When not at Mountain Whitewater she enjoys dancing, Elmo, river time, teaching her brother various life skills, skiing, goldfish and going "big."

	Chase Porter Modesitt is from Colorado. He is the youngest member of the Mountain Whitewater Family. Chase is a member of the Guppy Rafting Team. When not working Chase enjoys balloons, bread, walking straight, cheerios, and being "so big." If you come rafting in 2026, Chase could be your guide (or kayak instructor).

Brad Modesitt - Brad Modesitt is from Michigan but has lived in Colorado most of his life. This is his 15th year as a professional guide of the Poudre, North Platte, Arkansas, Snake and Salmon Rivers. Privately he has boated on four continents while pursuing his passion of traveling. He has over 15,000 river miles. He has been trained as an Emergency Medical Technician, Outdoor Emergency Care and Canyons River rescue Course. His favorite trip so far has been his canoeing to New Orleans and then bicycling to Chile. Be careful, he may just miss the take-out and have you paddle him to New Orleans too.

Aspen - Aspen is originally from Idaho. She is a Border Collie/Idaho Mountain dog. She has been guiding for six years on several rivers including the Salmon, Salt, Snake, Poudre and Colorado rivers. She is currently in charge of guest services and acts as MWD’s guard. When not on the river she enjoys hiking, climbing mountains, swimming, road trips and winter camping. She supervised construction of two dog kennels for those of you travelling with your pets. We'll take care of ALL of your family. So bring your pooch.