Our Travel Specialists

Peter Grubb & Betsy Bowen

Founders

Having discovered whitewater raft guiding on the East Coast while attending college, Peter moved to Idaho in 1979 and founded ROW as a company focused on wilderness rafting trips.  His exposure to the earth's communities through travel, coupled with attendance at St. John's College in Annapolis, Maryland where he studied the "Great Books," mythology, and western civilization, led he and Betsy to Turkey in 1984 where they launched ROW's first international trip.  ROW has since branched out to over 25 countries throughout the world and Peter usually does the initial research and new tour development.  Peter has a passion for nature, travel, reading and learning and believes strongly in the positive power of travel and the ways it can improve the lives of everyone touched.  He speaks French, basic Spanish, plays the guitar and is still very involved in the company, wearing a number of hats and guiding in the field as time allows.  He has served on a number of Boards, including the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association,  Idaho Rivers United, the Spokane Center for Justice, and the America Outdoors Association. 

Co-owner of ROW, Betsy Bowen was a professional ceramicist prior to her immersion in ROW, and has always been an anchor in the sometimes turbulent seas of business.  A favorite among guides, Betsy led many of ROW's early rafting trips as well as yachting tours to Greece, Croatia and Turkey.  Once her daughter Mariah and son Jonah were born in the early 1990's she transitioned to the challenging world of motherhood, imparting to her children her passions of skiing, art, creativity and giving to others. She has been sanctioned as the "Director of Other Stuff" because of her wide variety of talents including project management, plumbing, wiring and logistical expertise. Her artistic eye is evidenced throughout ROW as well.  Nowadays she is less involved in the day-to-day doings of ROW, but remains a vital part of our team.

Juggling the demands of the ROW Family of Companies (ROW Adventures, Adventure Unbound, Sea Kayak Adventures) keeps life vibrant and Betsy and Peter are both a wealth of knowledge, experience, and most importantly, care and support for the entire team.

Michelle Darnell

Director of Marketing

Michelle has found her home at ROW Adventures as our Director of Marketing.  Graduating from Whitworth University with a Bachelor’s in Secondary Education and Kinesiology, Michelle forewent her dreams of teaching in lieu of opportunities in the outdoor recreation industry.  For the past 16 years Michelle has focused her time and energy into roles that support outdoor recreation and travel.  As a proud mom of two, Michelle has a renewed passion for this work; hoping to inspire the next generation to love, nurture, enjoy, and beocme stewards of our natural resources and outdoor spaces. 

Michelle and her Family love new adventures, whether it’s exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest or discovering a new International destination, they’re happy when the scenery is new and unexpected. A few favorites are Acadia National Park, Turks and Caicos Islands, and Quebec City.   Michelle is a doting mom, an avid sports fan, loves to cycle, and doesn’t take herself too seriously! If you run into her, she’s likely to have a smile on her face, a coffee in her hand and a few good books ready to go on her kindle app. 

Tom Scarborough

Area Manager

Guide since 2003: WA, OR, ID. Joined ROW in 2007. Tom has a unique skill set. He is able to recite Dr. Seuss’ poem “The Lorax” from memory, brew a mean pint of beer, drive a bus, milk a cow, cook a tasty Dutch oven lasagna, and write a Microsoft Access database. On top of all that, Tom is a great guide and a wealth of information about the Pacific Northwest and the Rocky Mountains. He currently manages ROW’s Rogue River operation where he sings guests to sleep with the smooth sounds of the 70s and his signature number “Waltzing with Bears”. Originally from New York, Tom has a B.S. in Natural Resource Management from Cornell University and an extensive work history ranging from a YMCA summer camp director, to transportation director for a Washington ski area, and finally a river guide. Tom also has a passion for all things bacon, tinkering and pop music.

Guiding Destinations: Rogue River, Owyhee River, Grande Ronde River

Candy Bening

Sales Manager

Raised in Santa Cruz, California. WW Rafting guide since 1989: CA, ID, MT. Moved to Idaho in 1993; and joined ROW in 1994.

After spending 10 yrs in the high-tech industry, Candy made a life-altering change and became both a rafting guide and ski patroller. In her over 25 years with ROW, she has worked in the field guiding, evaluating, managing, and traveling with ROW thus gaining first-hand knowledge of all the ID, MT & OR rivers and many of the Int’l vacation experiences including the Galapagos Islands. 

Her friendly, outgoing personality, as well as her expertise, has made her succeed in the office overseeing sales, and assisting guests by offering suggestions and solutions to ensure each person/family has the best time ever! Candy, along with her husband and two girls, are avid white water rafting enthusiasts. Together they have joined ROW on rivers all over the West.

Destination Specialties: USA Rivers

Favorite Trip: "There is no better place than the river canyon you are in"

Ryan Baier

River Guide

A blacksmith by trade, Ryan recently returned to the river to pursue his passion for guiding, which was first ignited in 2008 on the Colorado River. He’s always had a love for the outdoors, with his most vivid childhood memories involving cliff jumping at Westwater Canyon and chasing goats through Lodore Canyon. Ryan loves discovering new landscapes and new rivers, whether it’s in the United States or in one of the 30+ countries he’s visited. Highlights of his global wanderings include standing on the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in a snowstorm, walking the legendary Inca Trail, and watching a stampede of wildebeest on the Serengeti plains. He loves good food, good friends, and good stories, and tries to squeeze as much out of life as possible. Ryan's recent endeavors include finishing an Immersive Software Engineering Course and working as a Software Developer, along with Blacksmithing and running his home farm! When he’s not rafting, or working, Ryan’s busy shoeing horses, hiking with his dog “Rooster”, and pursuing his search for the world’s best ramen. (If you see Ryan on the river, please give him a cup of coffee!) :) 

Aashna Shah

River Guide

Originally from Salt Lake City, Aashna grew up with granite peaks and desert rivers in her backyard. After attending the University of Utah for mathmatics, she found herself river guiding on the South Fork of the American River in California. This past winter she explored much of Europe through Spain and Italy rock climbing the world class limestone. You can expect to find Aashna on the river wearing a fun party shirt and glitter to share. Oh, and unlike many other river guides, she can probably help you with your math homework too!

Rylee Muir

Content Coordinator

Growing up in Utah, Rylee was always drawn to the outdoors. After studying at the University of Utah, she headed west to Washington, where the rivers, rainforests, and coastline quickly made the Pacific Northwest feel like home. She took up whitewater kayaking and rafting as a year-round passion, finding just as much joy paddling in the rain as on the rare sunny days.

With a background in marketing and a deep connection to the river, Rylee found the perfect fit at ROW, where she brings adventures to life through storytelling. When she’s not behind the screen you’ll find her paddling Washington’s rivers, backpacking, traveling, or spending time with friends and family.

Jason Kruger

Adventure Consultant

Born and raised in Coeur d' Alene Idaho, Jason has always had a great appreciation of getting outdoors.  He attended college at the University of Idaho earning a Bachelors's degree in physical education, health, and outdoor program leadership.  Jason is passionate about sharing nature with others and enjoys seeing their reactions to new experiences.

Jason enjoys the four seasons that the North-West has to offer and the changing scenery and outdoor opportunities presented with each of the seasons. When not in the office, your likely to find Jason; on the water, wilderness backpacking, hiking, biking, snow skiing, or riding on motorcycles and ATVs.  

As our resident comedian, you're likely to find Jason telling jokes to co-workers or fellow guests on a trip. If you're lucky enough to get on the river with him, you're sure to laugh a lot! 

Destination Specialties: USA Rivers

Favorite Trip: "That is like asking my favorite beer or ice cream!"

Mariah Crawford

River Guide

Born in a yurt and living without electricity until the age of 8, Mariah has always had a close relationship with the outdoors. Her first rafting experience was during a camping trip in the Cascades with her dad. Later she signed up for guide training after a week-long adventure on the Deschutes River where her guide couldn’t stop talking about how great his job was! She’s adventured through Costa Rica, Mexico, Belize, and Chile and recently graduated from Western Washington University with a B.S. in Marine Biology.  Mariah says that she loves the diversity of the rivers she gets to run and is particularly nostalgic about a day she spent exploring the natural waterslides of the White River. On days off, you’re still likely to find Mariah beside a river - hiking, reading a book, or showing off her guitar skills. 

Guiding Destinations: Rogue River, Deschutes River

DJ Means

Ride Our World Bike Guide

Coming soon...

Dani Banks

Adventure Consultant

Born and raised in Washington, Dani has always felt most at home under an open sky. Whether she’s floating whitewater or carving fresh powder, her love for the outdoors runs deep.

After earning her B.A. in Outdoor Recreation Leadership from Eastern Washington University, Dani found her perfect fit with ROW, where she now gets to blend her passion for wild places with her commitment to protecting them. Helping others discover the magic of the natural world isn’t just part of the job, it’s part of who she is.

When she's off the clock, you'll likely find Dani with a book in one hand and a strong cup of espresso in the other. Or maybe she's off splitboarding with her dad, getting lost on a backpacking trail, or expertly avoiding that one house project that’s been on her to-do list for far too long. (But hey, if “going on adventures” isn’t a good excuse, we don’t know what is.)

Connie Kennedy

Area Manager

Guide since 1985: ID. Joined ROW in 2012. Connie is one of the true veterans of Idaho Whitewater. Born and raised in Nebraska, Connie came to Idaho for a river trip in 1976. A few years, a few more Main Salmon trips and one life-changing National Geographic television special later, she and her husband packed up, left Omaha and moved to Idaho to begin life as river guides. She has now guided every season since 1985, and after hundreds of multi-day trips down the Snake and Salmon rivers has accumulated an astounding number of river miles and a legendary knowledge of Hells Canyon. As a long-time resident of the local canyons, Connie has a lifetime of stories to enrich your trip. Connie lives year round in Riggins, Idaho (“Idaho’s Whitewater Capital”) with her horses, cats, and husband Mike.

Guiding Destinations: Snake River, Salmon River Canyons

Featured in Visit Idaho: Connie was recently profiled as the “Queen of the Snake River” in a feature story celebrating her 40 years of guiding. Read the Full Article

Kim Cunningham

River Guide

Growing up in Eastern Oregon and living in Idaho as an adult has given Kim a deep appreciation for all things outdoors.  Kim first got involved in boating in 2017 when some Idaho friends introduced her to Montana’s Yaak River. She’s since guided throughout Idaho and Montana and loves the varied scenery, stunning views and rugged terrain.  In the off-season she is a middle school choir teacher and has a background as a saxophonist with a Bachelor's Degree in Music.  In her free time she loves to shred the ski slopes, go rock climbing, or spend time on the river!

Guiding Destinations: Middle Fork of the Salmon, Idaho Rivers

Amelia Yach

River Guide

Coming soon...

Nate Egan

River Guide

Nate grew up exploring the outdoors in Southern California and the Inland Northwest. He’s passionate about the outdoors and spends his free time rock climbing, mountain biking, snowboarding, and exploring backcountry trails. Whether he's rebuilding cars or tackling a new peak, Nate brings thoughtful presence and a knack for problem-solving to every challenge.

He first discovered whitewater rafting on a family trip to Telluride, Colorado, and has been hooked on river life ever since. For Nate, guiding is about more than just the rapids—it’s about creating unforgettable experiences, connecting with people from all walks of life, and soaking up the beauty of wild places.

Tyler Hesler

River Guide

Originally from Plainfield, Indiana, Tyler holds an Associate’s Degree in Environmental Studies and has been guiding guests along Colorado’s magnificent rivers since 2018. In the winter months, he’s an avid skier and describes one of his most treasured childhood memories as skiing from 10 am to 2 am with his best friend on Indiana’s perfect slopes. While it was skiing that inspired his move to Colorado when he was 18, Tyler quickly developed a love for being on the water. When he’s not river guiding, you’ll find Tyler climbing in the Maroon Bells, juggling, playing guitar, and traveling around in his van. 

Maria Rosa

Caribbean Program Manager

María Rosa was born and raised in Havana, Cuba and for many she is as Cuban as it gets. She started guiding as a part time job during her last year of college. After graduating, she worked as a teacher in the university of Havana and continued guiding part-time until eventually she decided to do it full time. She loves teaching and she found guiding equally rewarding. She met her husband while guiding on a kayak trip and from that moment on she joined our adventure family. She has worked for Row since 2016 from Cuba and now from Portland, Oregon where she has lived for the past 2 years with her husband and her 4 Cuban fur babies.

Mia Perez

Operations Manager

Originally from Fresno, CA, Mia fell in love with the outdoors during a nine-day backpacking trip in high school—her first time ever sleeping under the stars. That experience set her on a path of outdoor leadership, eventually returning to lead a 13-day women’s youth backpacking trip for the same organization. In 2018, she learned to guide rivers privately with her cousin, a long-time guide, and soon after began leading trips for her university’s outdoor program. She later guided commercially on the South Fork of the American River before joining the ROW team.

Mia holds a B.S. in Biological Sciences from Sacramento State and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Outdoor Recreation Economy at the University of Colorado Boulder, along with certificates in Public Land Management and Inclusivity & Belonging in the Outdoors. Now part of ROW’s operations team, she brings a love of puzzles, planning, and people to the behind-the-scenes magic. When she’s not on the river or at her desk, you’ll likely find her baking, puzzling, or on the hunt for the best new coffee shop in town. 

Ivana Grzetic

Dubrovnik City Guide

Ivana was born and raised in Dubrovnik in a "crazy about the sea" family of scuba divers and sea kayakers. She is a graduate of ACMT (American College of Management and Technology) in Dubrovnik. As Miss Universe Croatia 1998 and a fashion model, Ivana traveled all over the world, including Hawaii, California, Hong Kong, China, South Korea and Europe. She now looks forward to sharing her knowledge and love of the Dubrovnik region and the sea with our guests.

Pang Boches

River Guide

Ask Pang (pronounced “Pong”) what the most amazing thing he’s ever experienced is and his answer is simple: nature. Originally from Boston, pang calls the west home. After graduating high school back east he took a leap of faith and moved out to Sandpoint where he discovered his love for the outdoors. Currently based out of Durango Co, he’s working towards a BA in Adventure Education at Fort Lewis College with minors in Resort Management and Avalanche Studies. Pang is becoming a well-rounded guide who’d eventually like to specialize in working with at risk adolescents. Pang loves skiing, mountain biking, and playing soccer.  When he’s not on the river, Pang is furthering his career and pursuing service work, which has included traveling to Tucson, New Orleans, and Nicaragua.

Diego Vega Romero

Baja & British Columbia Kayak Naturalist Guide

A native of La Paz, Baja Sur, Diego spent a school year in the US while in high school and thus has a great understanding of both English and American culture. In addition to being a talented sea kayaker, Diego loves to play basketball and is on a team when back home in La Paz. Other hobbies include drawing, travel and eating. He attended the University of Guadalajara to study Biology with an emphasis in Entomology and then the University of LaPaz where he went on to earn a Masters Degree in arid land ecology, most fitting for the Baja peninsula. Diego joined the Sea Kayak Adventures team in 2017 and is passionate about sharing the natural history of Baja, both in the water and on land, with our guests. In addition to guiding sea kayaking tours, Diego works in Cabo Pulmo National Park as a snorkeling guide, a skill he also enjoys sharing on our trips. As of 2023 Diego started guiding in British Columbia applying his sea kayaking skills and ecology knowledge to a new area up north. With a great sense of humor, friendly personality, and unmeasurable depth of knowledge in marine life and the natural world, Diego is a favorite among our guests.

Peter Jacobson

River Guide

Originally from Redondo Beach, California, Peter grew up immersed in ocean life—racing outrigger canoes, paddle boarding, and soaking up long beach days with family and friends. He first discovered whitewater during his time at Southern Oregon University through the Outdoor Program, where he helped lead camping trips and got his first taste of river guiding. After graduating with a degree in Computer Science, Peter took a leap and guided his first overnight trip on the Lower Klamath in 2022 and he’s been hooked ever since.

Peter has guided in both Oregon and Idaho, drawn to the incredible natural beauty, rich history, and sense of community the rivers offer. A licensed pilot and lifelong learner, he brings curiosity, creativity, and a knack for storytelling to every trip (ask him about his elevator lecture at guide school). Off the river, he’s either snowboarding, mountain biking, or helping build the Ashland Fringe Festival into a nonprofit supporting underrepresented artists. And at the end of the day, you can find him sharing laughs with friends or hanging with his cat, Snips.

Alper Ertubey

Turkey Yacht Guide

Jen Klingensmith

River Guide

Originally from Ithaca, New York, Jen now calls Oregon “home” and loves how many amazing outdoor spaces the state has to explore. She first got into rafting after being invited onto a Rogue River trip in 2010 and said that she immediately purchased her own raft and started learning how to row. Since that day, she’s spent as many days on the river as possible and believes the trip was a catalyst for so many positive changes in her life. Eight years later, she quit her desk job and became a guide, running the same river where her rafting journey began. Jen holds a Bachelor of Science from Cornell University and studied law at the University of Oregon, and describes herself as an “excellent bread baker”. When not on the river, she’s at her small hobby farm where she has chickens and cattle (as well as the occasional sheep, goats, and pigs), as well as 600 dwarfing apple trees for making apple cider. Jen also has two dogs that love being on the river as much as she does!

Amaranta Uribe

Baja Sea Kayaking Guide

Amaranta was born in Guadalajara and raised in the small city of Colima, close to the Pacific.  Growing up in a family with four siblings kept her parents busy and often outdoors.  Adventures to the seashore sparked an early love of the ocean and as a young girl, Amaranta developed a passion for the sea and the animals that make it home. This led her to university studies in biology, and then a move to Playa del Carmen to be on the sea.  All this was perfect preparation for becoming a guide and in 2016 she was introduced to Sea Kayak Adventures by some friends.  She soon was thriving as a guide, enthusiastic about the lifestyle and ability to share her knowledge.  Amaranta guides our kayak tours as well as serving as a naturalist guide at our whale camp in Magdalena Bay.  During the off season she spends time with her family, creates delicacies in her kitchen, practices yoga, climbing and gets out camping whenever she can.

Beck Christoferson

River Guide

Born in Bend, Oregon, Beck has been on the water for as long as he can remember—rowing his own raft by age 12 and falling in love with river life early on. After high school, he solo-traveled through Asia, an experience that sparked his love for exploration and new perspectives.

Now part of the ROW team, Beck is diving into guiding and is working towards his paramedic certification. He loves sharing wild places and always brings a fun, passionate energy to the trip.

When he’s not on the river, Beck’s probably in the mountains or in the woods somewhere. He’s full of random fun facts (ask him about space or mushrooms) and has a soft spot for the Rogue River—his favorite for its wildlife and memories made with his dad.

Matthew Phillipy

River Guide

With a Masters of Science Education under his belt, Spokane-born Matthew Phillipy a.k.a. “Professor” is a science teacher by trade but spends his summers river guiding. Growing up canoeing the moving waters of the Spokane and Pend Oreille Rivers he fell in love with water and nature. One of his favorite memories was winning the Poker Paddle canoe race on the Pend Oreille River with his dad when he was 12 years old. After many years of teaching science and spending his summers working as a Ranger at Mount Rainier and Olympic National Parks Matthew got hooked on rafting following a bachelor’s party on the Salmon River and considers it an honor and duty to share his love of nature, culture and stewardship with others. When he’s not leading middle schoolers into the wild on another one of his epic field trips or navigating the rivers of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, Matthew can be found skiing, biking, hiking, camping, canoeing and rafting with his son Oliver and his puppy Willow. 

Ante Batarelo

Croatia Guide

Born & raised in Sydney, Australia to Croatian parents, Ante went to Croatia in 1991 for a '1 year student exchange program' and ended up permanently settling in Split with his wife & 5 children. A History & English graduate, part time university lecturer and loads of other ventures are compiled into over 20 years of active tour guiding for Ante. He loves traveling and going to off the beaten track places and in his free time & hiking in Croatia & neighboring countries. He believes that finding the balance for each guest is one of the most important things in hosting a successful tour along with adding personal touches and incorporating good wining & dining for a truly unique experience.

Jonas Jacobs

River Guide

Jonas got into guiding during his freshman year at Utah State University—when he and his best friend decided working the river all summer was the perfect plan. Turns out, it was. Since then he’s guided in Moab and Colorado’s Royal Gorge, and now he’s stoked to bring his energy and experience to the rivers of Idaho and Montana. Both places he's dreamed of guiding.

He once built out his car in two days and lived in it for five months, so he’s no stranger to dirtbag efficiency. Jonas loves sushi, exploring new places, and fears golf courses (he’s allergic to grass). Jonas is currently studying Outdoor Product Design. He’s known for his creativity, people skills, and love for connecting with guests—especially when he can mix in a little art or storytelling. One of his most unforgettable moments? Watching a solar eclipse from the desert while climbing Utah’s Castleton Tower. When he’s not on the river, you’ll probably find him rock climbing, tackling craft projects, or listening to his favorite book, Dune.

Emily Wray

Operations and Office Admin

Emily was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, but discovered her love of rafting and outdoors on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. After that trip it became her passion to find out how to be on the river and outdoors as much as possible. This led her to be a summer camp counselor in the Ozarks of Southern Missouri on the Black River for three summers. Emily continued her rafting and outdoor education at the University of Idaho and their Outdoor Program. She graduated with a B.S. in Recreation Management and a Minor in Outdoor Recreation Leadership with the intention of helping others get outside no matter their experience level or ability. 

Emily loves to do anything outdoors with her husband and dog. Along with her love of outdoor pursuits, Emily loves crafting and gardening. You will usually find scratch pieces of paper lying around with sketches of her next ten projects. No matter where you find Emily, she’s bound to have a smile on her face.