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Our Guides
Our guide staff are the people that make the difference. These 45+ individuals are mature (average age 39 years), have been river guiding for an average of 7 years (some have been with us for 20+ years), and have a grown-up work ethic. They are competent, fun-loving individuals that elevate a good trip into a great one!
Our guides are successful in their own careers and have chosen to guide with Centennial for the pure joy of working with people and being outdoors on the water. They come from careers such as geologists, teachers, professional photographers, information system engineers, pilots, veterinarians, psychologists, entrepreneurs, etc. All have completed First Aid and CPR training. Many also hold Wilderness First Responder, Swift Water Rescue, and American Canoe Association certification. Safety is our primary concern and our guides are very experienced; all of our Head Guides have logged over 500 river miles and many have logged over 1500 miles.
“We can’t say enough abouth the incredible care and guidance we received from the guides. They are absolutely amazing.” Tim and Suzy Degar, Franktown, CO
MEET YOUR GUIDES (scroll down)
Name: Charlie Simmons
Day Job: Construction Contractor
Years with Centennial: 5
Favorite River: They're all great!
Interesting fact: I own a unicycle and actually ride it on mountain trails.
Name: Tracy Maxwell
Day Job: Nonprofit Executive/Author
Years with Centennial: 10
Favorite River: Green and Gunnison
Interesting fact: I have a super healthy diet and have lost 40 pounds as a result.
Name: John Curchin
Day Job: Astronomy/Geology instructor
at Red Rocks Community College
Years with Centennial: 3
Favorite River: The one I'm currently paddling
Interesting fact: Have swum over 20,000 miles in the pool.
Name: Greg Skomp
Day Job: Executive Director
Years with Centennial: 3
Favorite River: The next one
Interesting fact: Triathlete
Name: Jake Gunter
Day Job: Student at University of Denver
Years with Centennial: 3
Favorite River: Green
Interesting fact: Can speak Mandarin Chinese
Name: Julie Gumper
Day Job: Co-Owner of Centennial Canoe
Years with Centennial: 12
Favorite River: The one with the warmest water
Interesting fact: Does healing energy work on the side.
Name: Marty Genereux
Day Job: Co-Owner of Centennial Canoe
Years at Centennial: 16
Favorite Rivers: Dolores & Upper Colorado
Interesting fact: Knows how to Tango
Name: Randy Hertzman
Day Job: Software developer/wilderness medicine instructor
Years with Centennial: 16
Favorite river: I could tell you, but then I'd have to splash you...
Interesting fact: In 3rd grade, won 1st place in the running-backwards race.
Name: Erin Swank
Day Job: Theatrical Stage Manager/Website Coordinator
Years with Centennial: 7
Favorite Rivers: Dolores & Gunnison
Interesting fact: Favorite past co-workers include three camels and a donkey.
Name: Mike Wymore
Day Job: Theatrical Stagehand
Years with Centennial: 13
Favorite River: San Juan
Interesting fact: Traveled around the country with the Broadway Production of Lion King.
Name: Ward Sear
Day Job: CEO RiverDancer Enterprises
Years with Centennial: 21
Favorite Rivers: Dolores, Green, Chama, San Juan, Gunnison
Interesting fact: During 22 years has taught dance and social skills to over 66,000 young people all over the country.
Name: Ginger Oviatt
Day Job: Program Coordinator for non-profit / EMT / firefighter
Years with Centennial: 4
Favorite River: I love them all!
Interesting fact: I recently passed my hazmat ops test on the first try!
Name: Patti Banks
Day Job: Snowmaker/Snowsports Instructor/Gardener
Years with Centennial: New girl on the block.
Favorite River: The one that I am on.
Interesting fact: We have a home in Connecticut that has been in the family since 1778.
Name: Erica MacCreaigh
Day Job: Full time graduate student at Iliff School of Theology
Years w/Centennial: 6
Favorite river: Wherever the air temp is over 90 degrees
Interesting fact: I literally wrote the book on how to manage jail and prison libraries.
Name: Conor Simbeck
Day Job: Elementary Special Ed Teacher
Years with Centennial: 4
Favorite Rivers: Gunnison
Interesting fact: My favorite board game is Chess.
Name: Pam Fortner
Day job: Fine Artist
Years with Centennial: 8 (I think-it's so fun that it's all been a blur)
Favorite river: Do I have to choose?
Interesting fact: Actually enjoys climbing frozen waterfalls.
Name: Mike Cousins
Day Job: Semi-Retired Veterinarian
Years with Centennial: 3
Favorite River: All of 'em
Interesting fact: Has performed surgery on more animals than Noah had on his Ark!
Name: Pam Fitz
Day Job: Financial Management Software Sales
Favorite River: Gunnison
Years with Centennial: 12
Interesting fact: Have paddled on 4 of 7 continents...so far.
Name: Bob Dickerson
Day job: Geologist
Years with Centennial: 17
Favorite River: The Colorado, the San Rafael.
Interesting Fact: Started canoeing in the Marine Corp in 1970.
Name: Katherine A. Mason (Kat)
Day Job: VP of JDW Social Education Programs
Years with Centennial: 4
Favorite River: Colorado, Green & Dolores
Interesting fact: Experiences include travel to over 27 countries.
Name: Jared Riggs
Day Job: Restaurant Consultant
Years at Centennial: Brand Spankin' New
Favorite River: Gunnison
Interesting fact: Can recall hundreds of jokes and riddles.
Name: Greg McCrimmon
Day job: Photographer/Adventurer/Member of Alpine Rescue Team
Years with Centennial: 3
Favorite River: Dolores and Green
Interesting fact: Named "America's Next Ultimate Outdoor Explorer" by Backpacker Magazine.
Name: Dwayne Wood
Day job: Details pending
Years with Centennial:
Favorite river:
Interesting fact: