Guide Staff for Appalachian Wildwaters

Guides

Jason has been a raft guide for Appalachian Wildwaters for 2 years. Born in Dayton, OH but spent most of his childhood in Southern California, Jason currently lives in Avon Lake, Ohio. He would like to be a full time raft guide but because the dental plan sucks, he works in the pharmaceutical business during the week. Jason hold's a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and is currently working on finishing his MBA. His interest include: Adventure Racing, climbing and scuba diving.

Jason's favorite river story: Rescuing Mason at Mason's Branch (the dog in the picture) from getting run over by the bus driver! Ask Wayne O about it!

Hometown: Richwood, WV

Years with Appalachian Wildwaters: 15

Position: Trip Leader

Over the years Eric Cowell has become one of the most respected leaders at Appalachian Wildwaters. He has overseen our overnight program, conducted guide training and managed the guide and river staff. Eric holds a B.A. from West Virginia University in Natural Resource Management.

Wayne Baker was born in Siesta Key, Sarasota, Fl. He has been a trip leader with Appalachian Wildwaters for 20 years, he became a guide for the adventure and the gorgeous rivers. Wayne's special skills and interests include outdoor living and cooking. In the winter you'll find him working as a carpenter and snow boarding.

Ben Edson works as a videoboater and guide for AW. He took this job to "Pick up girls!" Ben has a B.A. degree in Outdoor Education. His interests include: photography, kayaking and travel. In the winter he travels and sells Christmas trees. Check out his personal website: www.downstreamphoto.com

Chad, or Neo, has been a raft guide for Appalachian Wildwaters for 7 years. Born in Houston, TX, Chad enjoys the outdoors. Currently he has an Associates Degree in Computer Info Technology and a Bachelors Degree in Technology Management. During the winter, Neo enjoys snowboarding, school and working, though not necessarily in that order. His interests include: rock climbing, camping and playing LAN games.

Neo's favorite river trip: Being on the Lower Gauley River at 13' - 14' ! Why you ask? He said it was biggest he has ever seen it and he can't wait to do it again!!

"Sloth" (Seth Marder) has been a Trip Leader for for Appalachian Wildwaters for 8 years. Seth currently resides in Ohio after getting a Bachelors Degree in International Studies from Ohio State University. In the winter, you'll find him working his real job.

"Skippy" was born in MA, and has been a trip leader with Appalachian Wildwaters for 14 years. Mike Shanley has a B.S. Degree from Concord College in Travel Industry Management. He currently spends his time between WV and Singapore. In the winter, he spends his time traveling. Special skills and interests include: cooking, kite surfing, golf and skiing. He became a guide because he likes the edreneline rush and he likes people. Favorite River Story starts with "No S*#t There I was..."

Phil Wilhide joined Appalachian Wildwaters in 1988, he has been a River Manager, Trip Leader and Guide at the New and Gauley outpost and on the Nolichucky River. Phil loves whitewater and guiding is a way he could get paid to enjoy it. His special skills and interest include playing his guitar. In the winter he waits for spring, currently writing a book about whitewater and his experiences on the river.