Our Adirondack Guides & Staff

Guided trips in the Adirondacks require one major, rock-solid participant: the Guide!
Here's the lowdown on our elite force of quality outdoor guides...

Pete Burns a.k.a. Lord Beaver
The man, the myth, the legend! Our founder, fearless leader, and patron saint of Adirondack Guides everywhere; Pete is the guy who keeps it together, organizes it, plans it, schemes, dreams, and makes it happen; and most of all, pays for it! Pete grew up along the Hudson River, and he's managed to work on it for thirty years, thus avoiding the pitfalls of a real job. He's the guy that makes Beaver Brook Outfitters the great place it is!
Diana Burns a.k.a. "Momma Beave"
Hey you don't think Pete could have done this on his own? Diana lives the dream every day! Oh yea, she is pretty good in a kayak and not too bad on a pair of skis either. She looks forward to the franchise deal someday. Any interest?
Bone
No last name needed. Bone is one of the owners here at Beaver Brook, takes care of many of the rafting duties and plays a mean guitar to boot. If you are out on an overnight trip make sure you put in a request.
Lori Benton
Okay, do you want to SING? A day on the river with Lori is both exciting and entertaining. She has a great voice, loves the theatre and loves to share her enthusiasm for it! Her paddle will get you through the big stuff and her voice will enthrall you through the calm waters. She is also one of the most experienced rafting guides on the Hudson today, having guided and run several rivers out west as well as here.
Rick Villaneuve
Since retiring as the Lift-fixin' master electrician for Gore Mountain, Rick now spends a lot of time guiding for Beaver Brook Outfitters. Rick has been casting fly rods since he could lift one and knows where the fish are and how to fool 'em. He is also one of the longest-running whitewater guides on the Hudson River.
Cassandra- daughter of Lord & Momma Beave

Starting her 7th "Official" year here at Beaver Brook Cassandra has done every job here other than guiding fishermen. So if you are on the Hudson, Sac, Caving,  renting a Kayak or skis you just may have Cassandra as your guide. Love the shades & the guns!
Pete Hunkins
Pete (a.k.a. Repete, to avoid confusing us...) is our flyfishing instruction guru, fishing guide, and Beaver Brook Storekeeper spring through fall. When snow flies, he's off to the trails of Van Hoevenberg Cross Country Ski Center in the High Peaks region. As you can see, he isn't afraid of 'hands-on' work. Be careful Pete or it'll be 'hands-IN' work!
Autumn

Bone's wife, school librarian, great mom and a heck of a whitewater guide. What else is there?

Buzzsaw

We truly don't know how he got his name, but whatever the occasion he is always dressed for success. One of our most requested guides, Buzz's crew always has a great time.
Jessica Nevins
Jess manages our Sacandaga river operation. When the "Sac" is busy she is like the guy on the old Ed Sullivan show keeping all those spinning plates going. We don't think she has ever let one fall.
Linc

Linc showed up on our doorstep a couple of years ago and we straight up adopted him quick. Quick with a smile we don't think he has a bad mood in him. He's a pretty good Raft Guide and he also has game on the basketball court. A little time at 'Ole Miss helped there.  Here he is with Mom & Dad and a couple of family friends on his birthday!
Ken Walker
Ken works at Beaver Brook year round, mostly keeping an eye on the store, but also as a fishing, rafting, and canoeing guide. Tournament bass fishing is his summertime love, but once the weather turns cold, he tunes his skis and gets ready for SNOW
Gerry Brown
Boarding Gerry's boat makes you a Gerry's Kid, and you'll be thrilled to be one. No one would believe such a laid-back looking guy could be so wild inside or such a strong hand with a guide stick. Gerry will get you through the Big Stuff and have you hooting for more! Oh by the way he has been at this for over 25 years.
Marnie Feldman
Marnie has been with us for a several seasons. An accomplished kayaker and Peace Corp veteran Marnie brings a ton of whitewater and life experience to the "Beave". She is also a pretty good soccer goalie. We have no idea what's going on here, why don't you ask her?
Frank Shaw
Frank is a full time teacher and an all-time outdoor fanatic. In the winter he's on skis tearing down the slopes or on snowshoes hunting. The spring thaw sees him paddling down big whitewater runs in his kayak and as a raft guide. As the water level falls and temperatures rise, the fishing bug bites and he's off to catch - or help his clients catch - the perfect brookie. Pretty soon autumn is approaching and it's back to his 'real' job again.
Jake Seipel
Jake is one of our whitewater guides in the summer and is one of the guys that keep Snowbasin's terrain park in working order all winter long.  Jake's easy going manner and excellent river skills make him a fan favorite. Oh yea, he also plays a mean bass guitar!
Gary Flanagan

Gary has been guiding rafts on the Hudson & other rivers for nearly 30 years. They say as one ages they tend to step out of their comfort zone.  Don't ask how he got those beads!
Jim "Fingers" Swedberg
Jim is our river photographer. He is the guy that takes all of those great whitewater photos for our guests to add to their "fun stuff I've done" collection. So if you see a guy playing the banjo, no worries here it's just Jim.
 

 

 Cindy Homer
The paperwork was piling up; the phones ringing, the email Inbox stuffed full...what were we gonna do? The hue and cry went out for someone who could wrestle the mess back into order and voila! Cindy provides the know-how, the cool calm collectedness to straighten it all out. A big sigh of relief from the gang every time she takes over the hotseat here at the Beave.
Hank Rose
What can one say about Hank that hasn't already been said? A perennial favorite with his rafting fans, Hank comes out of hiding to guide the big spring water, pamper an overnight crew, and to help out on the busiest days throughout the summer. With Hank at the helm, there's never a dull moment!