The moment you mention that you run rivers to someone who obviously has not, the inevitable question is always: "Oh yeah? You run the Colorado?" For those of you who don't know (especially you folks at the USPS), the Colorado is North America's premier river, flowing through Grand Canyon National Park-- it's in my back yard, practically. For a long time when someone asked that question, I'd always say: "There's more rivers than just the Colorado, you know."

And that is true. Two rivers I run regularly are the Green River and the San Juan, both in southern Utah. These are fun rivers. True, the rapids are not Colorado class (only I to III), the peripherals more than make up for it. The food, the sun, the warm water, the side canyons, the indian ruins, the bozo ball-- all fun with a capital "F". River running is not just about the rapids. It's about the river experience. To be cut off from society, deep in a canyon, sleeping at the river's edge, wondering what lies around that turn in the morning--that's what it's about.

The next question people ask is: "Did you go with a group or run it on your own?" I always answer (a bit snootily, I admit): "A private trip. Always a private trip." Then the question about the Colorado River pops up again. But the point is, private trips are the only way to go. If you're hard-working, that is. Loading and unloading the boats for ten days straight is a back-breaking job. Plus the cooking, the shitter detail, making your camp, not to mention rowing a raft all day-- it's rough. Sure, it's easy just to sit back and let a river company cater to your every needs, but that's not adventure. D.I.Y. is the way to go. It's hard, but I love every exhausting minute of it.

And for the record, yes, I have run the Colorado river from Phantom Ranch to Diamond Creek. That included all the serious Class 10 rapids. Crystal, Granite, Lava-- they were all huge. And yes, it was a private trip. My father rowed our raft the whole way and did a superb job. There were no flips, no accidents. The side canyons and other sights were absolutely killer. It was an experience I will never forget. But there are other rivers than the Colorado.

On this website I'll show you a few of my trips-- the boats, the people, the action. It's all good. One of my favorite things to do. I might mention, too, that I usually pilot an inflatable kayak called a Tahiti K79. I like the smaller boats because it makes the smallest rapid seem huge. Swimming them is great, too. So, I'll show you three of the top rivers. Just click on the links below.