Introducing... The Mad River Staff
Professional. Passionate. Skilled. And sometimes... a little crazy.
Here at Mad River, our job is to keep you safe while showing you a great time on the Snake River. All of our guides undergo rigorous training before handling their own boat on the river. This includes a week-long, intensive guide school, out of which we hand-pick only the best guides, a minimum of twenty shadows with an experienced guide and a three day whitewater rescue course that earns each guide an internationally recognized certification as a whitewater rescue technician.
Our guides also hold the required CPR and First Aid certifications. Rest assured, your safety is our number one priority.
Take a moment to meet the Mad River "Family". We work together, we play together and we all share a love of the river. Everyone has a little something special they bring to the table, (some more special than others), but our goal is to show you a good time and share a little bit of our passion for the Snake River with you.
James BrennanRiver Guide Nickname: Stackhouse Hometown: Morristown, NJ Seasons at Mad River: 100 My life in a nutshell: I like to think about things for a while. Most extraordinary river experience: The Grand Canyon Favorite local hike: Teewinot with Lizzie Favorite Jackson-area restaurant: Smith's Favorite quote: "Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death." - Albert Einstein In my free time: hike, run, write music, play music, read, teach myself languages What everyone else says about me: "Man, that guy must work out." |
Brian McDonoughRiver Guide Nickname: Captain Intensity Hometown: Fairfield, CT Seasons at Mad River: A Rookie at heart... My life in a nutshell: Just looking for that special lady to settle down with, start a family and get into a 9-5 desk job somewhere in Middle America. Most extraordinary river experience: Missing the take out in Blue Steel. Favorite local hike: I like long strolls along the river banks as the sun is setting and the water is shimmering. Favorite Jackson-area restaurant: Whatever "she" is fixing. Favorite quote: "For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul."- Judy Garland In my free time: Well, I enjoy having time to knit and scrapbook, but I'll always make time for writing poetry and snuggling. Favorite guest: I like those guests you can really make a connection with, you know? What everyone else says about me: "He's such a sweetheart." |
Chris ZajchowskiRiver Guide Nickname: Z Hometown: Shrewsbury, MA Seasons at Mad River: 1 My life in a nutshell: Graduated from Colby College in 2007 and moved straight to Jackson. Over the past 3 years I've worked in various capacities for Alpinist Magazine, Grand Dynamics International, Teton Science Schools, and The Jackson Hole News and Guide. I'm currently splitting time between completing my Masters in Experiential Education at Minnesota State, Mankato and working on my tan at Mad River. Favorite local hike: Phelps Lake from the Lawrence S. Rockefeller Preserve Visitors Center in Grand Teton National Park Favorite Jackson-area restaurant: Dornan's for the hootenany on Monday nights Favorite quote: "Our bodies are shot with morality. Our legs fear and our arms are time. These chill humors seep through our capillaries, weighting each cell with an icy dab of nonbeing, and that dab grows and swells and sucks the cell dry. That is why physical courage is so important- it fills, as it were, the holes- and why it is so invigorating. The least brave act, chance taken and passage won, makes you feel loud as a child."- Annie Dillard, Pilgrim at Tinker Creek In my free time: Backcountry skiing, mountaineering, exploring, writing, and grilling with friends and family Favorite guest: Bill Clinton What everyone else says about me: "Too bad Chris is taken." |
Morgan McKeanReservationist Nickname: Morg Hometown: Mobile, AL Seasons at Mad River: 1 Most extraordinary river experience: Riding the bull through Lunchcounter. Favorite local hike: Jenny Lake Favorite Jackson-area restaurant: Mountain High Pizza Pie In my free time: hiking, lay in the park and read Favorite guest: Families rafting with kids. What everyone else says about me: "Man, that girl likes to talk." |
Paul JonesRiver Guide Nickname: Maverick Hometown: Logan, UT Seasons at Mad River: 2 My life in a nutshell: Man, I just like to party. Most extraordinary river experience: One day, the bus pulled up at West Table and the entire Swedish Bikini Model team walked off the bus. It turns out they had heard about me and had requested me as a guide. Man, that was a great dream- uh day. That was a great day. Favorite local hike: The 43N to Cutty's route would be my fave. Favorite Jackson-area restaurant: I just like to go wherever the good margaritas are. Favorite quote: "A good friend would bail you out of jail, but your best friend would be the one sitting next to you saying, "D@mn! That was awesome!"" In my free time: I like to wax my mustache and practice flexing my muscles in front of the mirror. Favorite guest: Girls, girls, girls! What everyone else says about me: "That guy needs to slow down." |
Kate BuelerReservationist Hometown: Ivins, UT Seasons at Mad River: 1 My life in a nutshell: Adventure seeker Most extraordinary river experience: Everyday is a new day. Favorite local hike: That would require me hiking at least one. Favorite Jackson-area restaurant: Rendezvous Bistro Favorite quote: "If you drop your keys in hot molten lava, let 'em go, because man they're gone." In my free time: Music. Good food. Fun. Favorite guest: Anyone foreign. What everyone else says about me: "She must be a Bess." |
Dan KenahRiver guide Nickname: Dan...? Hometown: Acton, MA Seasons at Mad River: 1 My life in a nutshell: Grew up in MA, went to BC, came to WY. Most extraordinary river experience: Whitewater canoeing the Soper River on Baffin Island, Canada Favorite local hike: Cache Creek Favorite Jackson-area restaurant: Bubba's Favorite quote: "If your knees aren't green by the end of the day, you have to seriously reconsider your life."- Calvin and Hobbes In my free time: Photography, read Favorite guest: Dustin and Kayla Gamester What everyone else says about me: "That guy has some dashing good looks, wouldn't you say?" |
KC BessRiver Guide, Operations Manager Nickname: Kilo Hometown: Ivins, UT Seasons at Mad River: 9 My life in a nutshell: Cedar City - Ivins - Melbourne - Ivins - Jackson - Logan - Jackson - Gisborne - Jackson (I move around, but I always come back to Jackson.) Most extraordinary river experience: Rowing a boat 21 days on the Grand Canyon. Favorite local hike: Delta Lake Favorite Jackson-area restaurant: "The Store" on the south island of New Zealand Favorite quote: "Earn more or want less." In my free time: I like taking photos, playing with Sophie, camping, hiking, rafting climbing and hanging out with Mary Favorite guest: Anyone interested in the river or nature. What everyone else says about me: "He's one of the OP and is just as good looking as Ian." |
Ryan MertaughRiver Guide Nickname: Murphy Hometown: Traverse City, MI Seasons at Mad River: 4 My life in a nutshell: J'aime des langues etrangeres et des filles qui les parlent. Most extraordinary river experience: Every time I'm sharing the water with friends, it's extraordinary. Favorite local hike: Teewinot - if you consider that a hike. Favorite Jackson-area restaurant: Ryan's "back of the truck" Diner Favorite quote: "There are two things that are more difficult than making an after-dinner speech: climbing a wall that is leaning toward you and kissing a girl who is leaning away from you." In my free time: climbing, kayaking, and tending my goats... oh, and eating lots of cinnamon bread Favorite guest: Anyone who's willing to take me out to dinner. What everyone else says about me: "McLovin!" |
Ben MarchettiRiver Guide Nickname: BooBoo, Marsketchy Hometown: Richmond, VA Seasons at Mad River: 3 My life in a nutshell: My goal in life is to see how many places I can sleep in my hammock. Most extraordinary river experience: This one evening when I was on baggage and therefore the last person in the canyon, I was going through the Champagne rapid and I swear i saw the silhouette of my beloved unicorn! Favorite local hike: I like the hike from the boat ramp to the parking lot. Favorite quote: "Unicorns don't care if you believe in them any more than you care if they believe in you." - Author Unknown In my free time: I'm an active member of the local LARP (live action role play) society. The movie role models really brought our sport into the lime light. When we can't get together I fill that void with Dungeons and Dragons, Guild Wars or any other live computer game. Favorite guest: The quiet ones. What everyone else says about me: "We're not really sure what to think about that guy." |
Beverly ChauffeReservationist Nickname: Bev Hometown: Shreveport, LA Seasons at Mad River: 2 My life in a nutshell: Extremely organized. Most extraordinary river experience: Everyday is exciting when you're here. Favorite local hike: Phelps Lake Favorite Jackson-area restaurant: Snake River Grille Favorite quote: "The most important thing is to enjoy your life- to be happy- that's all that matters."- Audrey Hepburn In my free time: Run, clean, shop Favorite guest: The ones who are prompt. What everyone else says about me: "She doesn't sound like she's from around here, does she?" |
Graham BuelerShuttle Driver Nickname: Duewy Hometown: St. George, UT Seasons at Mad River: 1 My life in a nutshell: Work. Sleep. Food. Fun. Most extraordinary river experience: The day I jumped in the river after an oar that popped loose - that was epic. Favorite local hike: uh...hiking? What's that? Favorite quote: "Say the words...everything is going to be okaaaay..."- Pulp Fiction In my free time: Longboarding. Music. Favorite guest: Tall people. What everyone else says about me: "Is that guy taller than Joseph?" |
William WalkerRiver Guide Hometown: Shreveport, LA Seasons at Mad River: 1 My life in a nutshell: Awesome. Most extraordinary river experience: A two day trip down the Green River. Favorite local hike: Josie's Ridge Favorite Jackson-area restaurant: Tacomania - wait is that in Jackson? Favorite quote: "Big gulp, huh? Well, see you later." In my free time: Anything outside. Fishing. Hunting. Favorite guest: Dustin Gamester What everyone else says about me: "I don't know, he might be crazy." |
Ellie PifferRiver Guide Nickname: Elle Belle or PiffPiff Hometown: Carbondale, CO Seasons at Mad River: 4 My life in a nutshell: Born and raised in a small town in Colorado. Graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in business. Moved to Alaska, then came to Jackson and haven't left. Most extraordinary river experience: Seeing mature Bald Eagles and Eaglets 20 feet from the boat. Also, running Lunch Counter at 24,000 CFS. Favorite local hike: Cascade or Paintbrush Canyon Favorite Jackson-area restaurant: Bubba's for breakfast, the Couloir and Teton Thai for dinner Favorite quote: "You're welcome, world!" In my free time: wakeboarding, wake surfing, biking Favorite guest: I like anyone who can guess my favorite color. What everyone else says about me: "She seems normal in every way." |
Nate LovitzRiver Guide Nickname: Nate Hometown: Fairfield, Maine Seasons at Mad River: 7 My life in a nutshell: Just living the dream! Most extraordinary river experience: During my sophomore spring break in West Virginia, we paddled one of the classic class 5 runs (the Lower Big Sandy). The run was amazing, but when we got to the take out there was a bunch of fire trucks. Apparently there was a forest fire in the area and we were all recruited on the spot to help fight it. So there we were, still in all our kayaking gear, fighting the fire. Favorite local hike: Phelps Lake and Death Canyon Favorite Jackson-area restaurant: The dinner site at Mad River of course. Favorite quote: "People say I look like Brad Pitt, only taller" - Ian McIver In my free time: Skiing, kayaking, biking... pretty much anything to stay active and be outside with friends Favorite guest: Any young child who gets the whitewater bug. I love the kids who sit in front of the boat the whole time getting soaked by every wave! They remind me a bit of myself! What everyone else says about me: "That guy has the best PFD tan in the world... or the worst, depending on how you look at it." |
Ben CallahanRiver Guide Nickname: BC Hometown: American Fork, UT Seasons at Mad River: 2 My life in a nutshell: I'm just living the high life. Most extraordinary river experience: Every day is extraordinary. Favorite local hike: The Grand Teton Favorite Jackson-area restaurant: Teton Thai or D.O.G. Favorite quote: "If God intended for us to be naked, we would have been born that way." Mark Twain In my free time: What free time? Favorite guest: I like the customers who tell me stories. What everyone else says about me: "That guy has a nice beard." |
Ian McIverRiver Guide Nickname: The White TIger Hometown: Salt Lake City, UT Seasons at Mad River: 6 (holla!) My life in a nutshell: It's a lot like that "Gladiator" movie. Most extraordinary river experience: Desolation Canyon in the fall Favorite local hike: Death Canyon Favorite Jackson-area restaurant: The Cadillac Grille Favorite quote: "Cleverness has never been associated with long delays." - Sun Zsu In my free time: I pretty much just hang out and act cool. Favorite guest: All of them. What everyone else says about me: "He looks like Brad Pitt, only taller." |
Will BryantRiver guide Nickname: Willy B Hometown: Atlanta, GA Seasons at Mad River: 1 My life in a nutshell: Went to college to become a ski bum. Most extraordinary river experience: Watching ospreys dive from 100 feet to catch fish. Favorite local hike: Lake Solitude Favorite Jackson-area restaurant: Teton Thai (have to get a 5) Favorite quote: "Richard, does this suit make me look fat?" "No, your face does." In my free time: Mountain bike, ski, run, watch YouTube Favorite guest: The ones with no river experience and getting to watch their excitement going through rapids and seeing the mountains for the first time. What everyone else says about me: "Will seems to be an upbeat person with a softspot for 1980s power ballads." |
Lizzie WatsonRiver Guide Nickname: Ldubs Hometown: Durham, NC Seasons at Mad River: 4 My life in a nutshell: Living the dream... Most extraordinary river experience: The Grand Canyon trip I took with my family that started my love of the river. Favorite local hike: Death Canyon Favorite Jackson-area restaurant: Nikai Favorite quote: "Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today." - James Dean In my free time: snowboarding, hiking, camping, biking, kayaking, climbing, field hockey, rafting, swimming, reading and just being outside Favorite guest: People that want to participate. What everyone else says about me: "That's a pretty sweet truck that Lizzie has." |
Joseph PinkardRiver Guide Nickname: Joseph Hometown: Lynchburg, VA Seasons at Mad River: 5 My life in a nutshell: outdoor everything, music, traveling Most extraordinary river experience: 24,000 CFS Favorite local hike: Garnet Canyon Favorite Jackson-area restaurant: Teton Thai Favorite quote: "Need less." In my free time: fishing, fishing, fishing Favorite guest: I like all the people that came here from the Big Apple. What everyone else says about me: "Wow, he's tall." |
James RevercombRiver Guide Nickname: Comb Hometown: Roanoke, VA Seasons at Mad River: 4 My life in a nutshell: Family, friends, outdoors Most extraordinary river experience: Favorite hike in Jackson Hole: Grizzly Lake Favorite restaurant: Blue Lion In my free time: Outdoors Favorite customer at Mad River: Social people Favorite local hike: Grizzly Lake Favorite Jackson-area restaurant: The Blue Lion In my free time: I like to be outdoors. Favorite guest: I like social people |
Chris SchurkShuttle Driver Nickname: Schurk a Durk Hometown: St. Louis, MO Seasons at Mad River: 6 My life in a nutshell: I like to drive things. Most extraordinary river experience: Changing a flat tire. Favorite local hike: Amphitheater Lake Favorite Jackson-area restaurant: Cafe Ponza - they're open late, it 's just good! In my free time: Snowboard/Have FUN! Favorite guest: One with a smile on their face. What everyone else says about me: "That guy has gotta be the happiest guy around." |
Gray HamlinRiver Guide Nickname: Virginia Thunder Hometown: Roanoke, VA Seasons at Mad River: 4 My life in a nutshell: I cannot fit in a nutshell. Most extraordinary river experience: Swimming with a grizzly bear at the dinner site. Favorite local hike: I haven't found it yet. Favorite Jackson-area restaurant: D.O.G. Favorite quote: "I don't run big water anymore...but I will." - Brian McDonough In my free time: I am an active and aggressive marble player. Favorite guest: Harrison Ford What everyone else says about me: "We really liked you in "The Hangover"." |
Jade JohnstoneRiver Guide Nickname: JJ Hometown: Great Falls, MT Seasons at Mad River: 2 My life in a nutshell: Born in Montana and I love it! I love being outside. I go to Carroll College and I'm a senior studying nursing and Spanish. I lived in Granada, Spain for a while. I love to travel and I plan on doing the Pan-American Highway. I run college cross country. I'm engaged to the man of my dreams. Most extraordinary river experience: Guide school at Mad River Favorite local hike: I love them all! I like Rodeo Wall after work. Favorite Jackson-area restaurant: Nikai and Cutty's Favorite quote: "Be the change you wish to see in the world." - Gandhi In my free time: live healthy, party with friends, read and run Favorite guest: Families excited about the river! What everyone else says about me: "That girl has a great sense of humor." |
