Chuck has more than 40 years of kayaking experience and has been an instructor (Red Cross) and professional guide for 22 years. That says it all. He has paddled on rivers all over the world, and loves introducing new people to the sport.

Jim has been paddling for almost 40 years and spends a good deal of time leading wilderness canoe trips in northern Canada. He started paddling whitewater kayaks 8 years ago and tries to spend most weekends out on the river. Mostly Jim just loves being outdoors and on the river.

Judi has been paddling whitewater for more than 30 years now. She began in the old long fiberglass river boats that you paddled on the weekend then took home to patch and repair for the next weekend. When not in her Whitewater boat, you can find her in her shredder (a high performance 2 person inflatable) or in her sea kayak paddling with the whales of Alaska or off the coast of Spitsbergen in the high arctic.

Ritch has been boating for 28 years. He likes the big water, as well as tight and technical creeks. In his spare time, you can find him building a Grand Canyon dory boat so he can fly fish while riding the waves.

Sherie has been on the river for 23 years and has a long and colorful history of teaching people not just how to kayak, but how to have fun and be safe kayaking. A skilled kayak instructor for the American Red Cross since 1991, Sherie, is Chief Instructor for Cleveland Kayak.

Ted has been paddling whitewater kayaks since 1984, began instructing for the Red Cross in 1991, and became a Red Cross Instructor Trainer in 2006.

Susan has ben paddling for 16 years. She perfected kayak instruction volunteering for the Red Cross for several years, and is also an accomplished raft guide. Going on a river trip with Susan is always lots of fun.

Cathy has been paddling for 14 years having learned with the Red Cross and then becoming an instructor for them. She considers herself living proof that anyone can learn to kayak! Her laughter can be heard echoing throughout the river valley.

Tim has been paddling for 11 or so years, is a MKC (Madawaska Kanu Centre) graduate, as well as a Kayak Instructor Trainer. To his credit he has challenged the 226 miles of the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon.

Michael has been kakaying for 10 years and likes paddling Class IV rivers in several states. He also kayaked the Grand Canyon in 2006. Michael has been providing individual coaching in rolling for the last few years with several success stories to his credit.

Holly first took kayak lessons with the Red Cross at 39 and has been paddling for 9 years since. She has been assistant to Red Cross instructors for 4 years and loves the outdoors.

Pat has been paddling for 9 years; progressing from canoe to rec kayak to whitewater, he is now addicted to whitewater Class III-IV. He loves to paddle the local N.E. Ohio streams as well as travel to kayak in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, and is annually involved in the Keelhauler's Rescue Rodeo.

Bill has been paddling for 7 years and instructing with the Red Cross for 2. He enjoys getting out on the river whenever he can.

Eric has been a kayaker for 5 years and has found his niche in playboating, executing a loop this past summer. He has SFRT (Swiftwater/Flood Rescue Technician) Level 3 which is taught by Rescue Canada and International Rescue Instructors Authority. He was also Team Captain of winning Rescue Rodeo Team 2007.

Gordon has been a kayaker for 5 years and teaching for 4! He learned to kayak in the frigid waters of Maine, and then progressed to instructing. He loves to watch people learn! In 2007 he got the kayak instructor's dream and spent 7 weeks straight on the Penobscot River instructing kids ages 13-15 who had never been in kayaks before.

Joe has been paddling for 5 years along with son Eric, keeping right up along side. When Eric progressed to class IV-V water, well of course Dad had to follow. Joe has taught at a number of Rivers Clinics.

Larry began paddling open canoes when he was old enough to hold a paddle, and has paddled whatever has come to hand over the years, from sit-on-tops to sea kayaks. Four years ago he picked up a used whitewater kayak and hasn’t looked back. He and Judi met at a kayak party after a new-years day paddle. And as they say, the rest is history. In the winter Larry is constantly perfecting his rolling and playboating in the pool.

Jamie has only been paddling a kayak for a few years, but she spent an impressive 181 days on 17 rivers in her first year! Jamie has become a regular at the Keelhaulers Rescue Rodeo/Safety Clinic. She has helped out as an instructor and was also on the winning Rodeo team her first year.

John - With countless years on the river and with the Keelhaulers, John is our website consultant and all-round advisor.