Our Owner & Instructors

Our instructors have a passion for rescue and the certifications to prove it. Each instructor has passed Rescue 3 International's and/or Sierra Rescue International’s rigorous instructor requirements and had years of experience. They have taken their love of technical rescue and turned it into an opportunity to teach others, like yourself, what it takes to be safe on and off the water.

Professional River Guides - Recreational River Runners - Fire Departments - Dive Rescue Teams - Search and Rescue Teams - State Fish and Game Agencies - United States National Park Service - United States National Forest Service - United States Air Force - United States Coast Guard - United States Special Forces - LA County Life Guards - San Diego County Life Guards - Native American Tribal Governments

We have worked with clients from various groups and agencies, including:

KC Bess

OWNER / LEAD INSTRUCTOR

KC grew up in the wilds of Southern Utah, scrambling on the red rocks and exploring with friends in the desert. As a young adult, he learned to channel that outdoor energy into safer practices, such as sport and trad climbing throughout the western US. Climbing led him to the Teton and Wind River Ranges of Wyoming and opened the door to river running and the world of professional guiding. KC has been working as a guide on the Snake River for 20+ years. During this time he was also a Risk and Operations Manager for a river company. KC has run rivers and led expeditions throughout the western United States, Canada, and New Zealand. Outside of work, KC serves as a member of the Teton County Search and Rescue Team and as a co-owner of Wounded Bear Medicine, giving him valuable skills and experience as a technical rescuer. KC has worked with a variety of groups including Professional Guides, US Forest Service personnel, Fire and Rescue personnel, Search and Rescue Teams, US Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers, US Special Forces, Ocean Life Guards, National Park Rangers, Game and Fish Wardens, Fisheries Biologists, Wilderness Risk Management Conference attendees as well as international rescue personnel. KC is an ACA Level 4 Raft Guide Instructor, International Rafting Federation Class 4/5 Guide and Safety Craft Instructor, ACA Level 5 Swiftwater Rescue Instructor, a Rescue 3 International Instructor Trainer, and Sierra Rescue International Instructor Trainer. He lives with his family in Jackson, WY.

SWIFTWATER RESCUE - RIVER RESCUE - ROPE RESCUE - ICE RESCUE

Independent Contractors

Orion Hatch

INSTRUCTOR

Orion was raised just outside of Boston where he fostered a passion for the waters and hills of New England. At 19, Orion fell in love with the rivers of the west when, on a whim, he became a professional river guide on the Upper Colorado River and Clear Creek. What was meant to be a one summer endeavor ended up changing the trajectory of Orion’s life. Since that first summer on the water, he has been a professional river guide throughout New England, Costa Rica, and, most recently, on the Snake River in Wyoming. Orion is currently the Executive Director of the Snake River Fund where he works to give back to the resource that has given so much to him. He is a rafter, kayaker, packrafter and river surfer. As an instructor, Orion brings his passion for moving water to courses and strives to make material palatable and enjoyable for all students.

RIVER RESCUE

Lynsey Nunes

INSTRUCTOR

Lynsey is an amazing instructor and loves being in the water! She joins us for our women’s specific river rescue courses and helps us keep it spunky on the water!

River Rescue

Taylor Carlin

INSTRUCTOR

Taylor has worked on and run rivers worldwide! He brings his extensive river running background and years of teaching to every class, ensuring each student gets the skills and information needed to work and recreate safely on moving water.

River Rescue

Our team is made up of both local rescue professionals and international instructors. We are supported by an international group of professionals who work to help refine our curriculum and ensure that we offer the most current and cutting edge rescue techniques.

Here are a few of these educated and diverse group of individuals.