We are proud at Dvorak Expeditions to have hired and trained a team of highly experienced, personable (to say nothing of fun) guides in the rafting and kayaking industry. We hand pick our guide trainees and have honed a training program teaching them the important skills of leadership, first aid and CPR, whitewater and swift water rescue and group dynamics. Our guides are highly versatile and multitalented individuals who are fully responsible for water safety, food preparation, vehicle maintenance, trip logistical planning and troubleshooting. They are local “experts” about the geography, environment and natural resources of the land and rivers we operate in.

As anyone who has taken a rafting, fishing or kayaking trip knows…the guide makes the trip.

Here are a few of the terrific individuals we are proud to have as part of Dvorak Expeditions:

Anicka Dvorak (V.P./Rafting & Fishing Guide)

Anicka grew up in this crazy boating environment, doing her first trip at 6 weeks old! She has done almost every job possible at Dvorak Expeditions; from scrubbing toilets to being Head Guide. She continued her outdoor education by receiving a B.A. in Environmental Studies from the University of Colorado. Currently she is enjoying traveling, boating, skiing, fishing, and being even more involved in the family business by being given an “official” title this winter.

Matt Dvorak (Rafting/Fishing Guide)

Matt also grew up with BDKRE as his home and is as versatile as his older sister. He is an avid skier and only tolerates the summer because it brings whitewater! Excelling at whatever sport he attempts; Matt skis, fly fishes, mountain bikes, and rafts with a confident ease that makes it look easy. He may be a bit quiet at first but he’s got some great stories once you get him talking!
 

Kevin Smith (Rafting/Fishing Guide)

Kevin started hanging out at Dvorak Expeditions at age 16 when he came as a Teenage Whitewater Skills Camp participant. Then he was a member of the “Swim Team”. Now he is one of our most adept guides with paddling, rowing, fly fishing and bow staff skills, (because girls only want boyfriends with great skills!). Always ready with a story or a joke, a trip with Kevin is never dull.

 

Ivan Hibarger (Rafting/Kayak Guide)

Ivan is from a long line of raft guides. Both his older brother and sister have passed through the Dvorak door. However, he is definitely an individual. Ivan tends to spend most of his summer in a kayak, either instructing one of our seminars or challenging himself wherever there is water, big waves, and bigger drops.

Mark Schmanski (Raft Guide/Parkdale Center Manager)

Mark spends his time at our Parkdale River Center running trips, keeping the place tidy, and generally organizing chaos. A Kiwi who spends the winter running trips in New Zealand he has plenty of experience to handle whatever is thrown at him.

Sarah Hammond (White Water Rafting Guide)

Sarah is originally an East Coast girl who has found a home here in the mountains. She has embraced the lifestyle, the rivers, the mountains, the skiing, etc.; although she does enjoy heading back out to West Virginia for the Gauley season. She’s a fantastic guide who always has tons of energy and a smile.

Samantha Lane (White Water Rafting Guide)

Born and raised in Washington, DC, Samantha came to Colorado in 2003 to visit friends, and never left! Although she grew up swimming in the ocean, she quickly fell in love with the river. Currently studying at Fort Lewis College in Durango to be an elementary school teacher, Sami spends her summers in the Arkansas Valley guiding. Known as "Mom" around the base, Sami likes to take care of everyone around her, and to make sure that her customers have an amazing river experience.
 

Dan Wylie (White Water Raft Guide)

Talk about your jack-of-all-trades, Dan can do it all! Build new shelves for the kitchen, set up a garden, re-roof the Parkdale house, guide Class IV whitewater, entertain kids, cook an amazing meal… You name it and Dan can and will do it. And then at the end of a long day he retires to his tree house abode, of which we are all a bit jealous!

Join our guides on a Dvorak Expeditions outdoor adventure and let them share their whitewater experience with you!