Jim Ingram

Born and raised on the east coast, Jim stumbled across Aspen, Colorado on a cross-country bike tour. Jim was the former head guide and manager for Colorado Riff Raft for 9 years. In 2004 he decided it was time to start his own company—AWR. While staying busy running his company, Jim is still enjoying guiding whitewater rafting in the summer and ski patrolling in Aspen in the winter.

Dan Leuschel

A South Carolina native, Dan began following his whitewater dreams with his older brothers at an early age. When he turned 18, he moved to Aspen. Simultaneously, he found everything he’d been looking for—big mountains, great rivers, diverse trails, and lots of other people looking for adventure. Dan is now the head boatman for AWR and heads up the class IV/V operation. He enjoys seeing the world from the deck of a kayak and has done so most recently in New Zealand, Chile, and Ecuador.

Angelica Langford

Angelica Langford grew up in Los Angeles and has made Colorado home for nearly a decade. A dual-degree graduate in Business Administration and Professional Photography—with a Marketing minor—from Colorado Mesa University. Away from the desk, she’s either skiing that first drew her to Aspen or paddling local waters always with a camera close at hand.

Annaliese Ingram

Annaliese is heading into her sophmore year of high school. She has been rafting her whole life and loves being on the river. She plays softball, hockey, and lacrosse. 

Bobby Brown

Bobby “Rio” Brown began guiding rafts in 2021 and has since guided on eight different rivers across the Americas, including rivers in Costa Rica and Argentina. Colorado has been his home base since 2017, where he continues to explore and share his passion for whitewater.

As Aspen Whitewater’s Stoke Manager, Bobby “Rio” believes in the positive impact a day on the river can have. Whether it’s a guest’s first time holding a paddle or they’re a seasoned pro, he loves sharing the excitement, adventure, and connection that make rafting such a memorable experience.

Charles Zablocki

Stranded in the mountains after a failed stand up comedy tour , things were looking grim for Charles. Then he signed up for a guide training course in 2021 and landed the job with aspen whitewater.

Charles found a groove on the river and still gets to practice stand up comedy on the post trip bus rides. Charles favorite quote “ it’s really easy to over tip a raft on the river but it’s nearly impossible to overtip your raft guide”.

Mike Young

For years Mike has been found shedding the slopes and exploring Aspen’s waterways by any means necessary rafts kayaks and his favorite paddle boards. He drives our shuttle and keeps all guests safe, getting them to and from the river. 

Eike Frielinghaus

Marina Thompson

Marina fled the fields of Indiana 6 years ago as a nomad to enjoy the views and activities that the west has to offer. She found herself in Aspen in 2022 and hasn’t found a reason to leave since becoming a raft guide here. In her free time when she’s not guiding, walking dogs or serving tables, you can find her hiking, rafting, biking, paddle boarding, skiing or basking in the sun on the nearest rock outside of her home on wheels. She loves sharing with guests the same experience that keeps her here!       

Maddy Bergdahl

Pace Goldberg

Hey my name is Pace.
I was born and raised in Colorado. I love spending my time in the great outdoors!

Nic Elizarraras

John Wimmer

John is originally from central Indiana. He went to college at Purdue University for Robotics but after graduating realized he had a lot more fun outdoors. This is his 2nd year guiding with AWR, but he’s been on the water all his life.

Charlie Hutchins

Charlie grew up in Cincinnati, OH and moved to Colorado in 2024. Since then, he’s been making the most of mountain life—whether that’s rafting, skiing, mountain biking, hiking, camping, or kayaking.

As a guide, Charlie brings plenty of energy, bad river jokes, and an unwavering commitment to keeping the boat upright (most of the time). When he’s not chasing rapids, he’s usually chasing another outdoor adventure elsewhere in the Colorado backcountry.

Abby Plummer

Abby grew up right here in the valley and she is currently a college student. This is her first year on the river and is loving every second of it!

Tanner Auten

Tanner was born and raised in Missouri. He grew up trail running, cycling, and camping in the Ozarks. After cycling from coast to coast and completing an Appalachian Trail through hike he decided to move to Colorado to pursue his love of outdoor activities further. In his free time he’s out hiking, cycling, and practicing martial arts at the local MMA gym.

Rupert Ingram

Rupert Ingram is from Snowmass Colorado just outside of Aspen. He is 18 years old and going into his senior year of high school. He plays hockey and lacrosse. His hobbies include mountain biking, dirt biking, kayaking and especially RAFTING!!!