Our Staff
White Water Kayak Instructors, Nantahala, Ocoee & Cheoah Raft Guides, Fly Fishing Guides, International Guides,
Retail Specialists &
Guest Services Extraordinaire
A hand-picked group of river professionals, we are a team of coaches, guides, leaders and community members. We share a commitment to offering you a “wow” experience when you spend time with us. We take pride in the fact that we do not rest on our reputation, but work as hard to keep your respect and trust as we did to originally earn it.
If you spend time reading through guest reviews, you will see that the number one mention throughout the reviews is our staff.
Spending time with us can be a catharsis to the reality of hectic schedules and lack of quality time in a busy world. You will find spending time with our staff helps change your life pace for the better and helps you develop a love for the being on the river and enjoying life.We look forward to welcoming you back to Endless River Adventures every time you walk through our doors.
We can never say it enough: Our true strength lies in our staff
JULIET JACOBSEN KASTORFF
The Boss Lady / Head Kayak Instructor / Ecuador Guide
Co Founder of Endless River Adventures and leader in the paddling industry since 1991. Inducted into the Southern Appalachian Whitewater Hall of Fame in 2021, Juliet is recognized for her commitment to teaching whitewater kayaking, and her work with young people.
When not running the show on and off the river here in NC and in Ecuador, you will find Juliet working with Need More Outdoors – a nonprofit organization on a mission to empower young people through outdoor adventures and nature-based education in western North Carolina.
JUNIPER
Shop Dog
Juniper is Juliet’s Border Collie. She is a re-homed pup who is getting comfortable in her new life here in the mountains and her new role as shop dog.
CHARLEY
Shop Dog
If there was ever a dog that could fill the hole created when Ken’s Cody Bear departed, it is Charley. He will never be the avid frisbee player Cody was as he is far too busy spreading love.
KEN KASTORFF
Company Co-Founder / Fly Fishing Guru
Ken came to the Nantahala Gorge in 1975 and has been a leader in the industry ever since. He helped develop many of the techniques used in whitewater kayak instruction, including the C-to-C roll. To honor his contributions to the sport, Ken was inducted into the Southern Appalachian Whitewater Hall of Fame in 2021.
In 1993, Ken and his partner Juliet started Endless River Adventures.
He transitioned his gifted teaching approach to fly fishing and is our head fly fishing guide. Referred to as the “Hemingway of the Nantahala,” you can most often find Ken fishing on the river, or playing frisbee with his best friend, Cody the border collie.
SHAWN STILL
Top Jefe
Shawn’s personal relationship with Endless River Adventures began in 1994 when he was employed as a
Nantahala River guide. He continued on as a guest, enjoying rafting and fly fishing. He is committed to seeing Endless River Adventures continue to be the very special company that first brought him here.
When not enjoying time in western North Carolina, Shawn can be found spending time with his three daughters, running his Atlanta company, Olympic Pools, and representing the 48th district of Georgia as State Senator.
DEBBIE HOMICH
Guest Relations Manager
Debbie is a long time member of the Nantahala community and a huge asset to our team. She is the voice of Endless River, and juggles guest relations with accounting and general management. Her business background explains her skills running things at the shop, but we think it is her background in ballet explains her grace on the river.
As far as favorite river – there are too many to count in WNC to say one is her favorite, but as long as she is on the river – either in her canoe, or in a raft, she is happy.
RACHEL QUIGGINS
Retail Guru
When not filling our store with amazing gear, Rachel likes to get away – on the trail, the river, or far away on the slopes or with family. She has hiked the entire Appalachian Trail, which is how she found her way to the Nantahala Gorge.
NEAL ROIS
Nantahala and Ocoee Trip Leader / Canoe Instructor
Neal has been on staff since 2020 but has been guiding for many years. His amazing attitude reflects his love for being on the river and when he’s not working you will find him in his canoe. Neal embodies the positive attitude we all share here at Endless.
BEN GRISWOLD
Kayak Instructor/ International Guide/Nantahala and Ocoee River Head Guide
Ben stepped away from us long enough to serve in the US Air Force. His passion for the river, for kayaking, for living in western North Carolina, all are part of what brought him back to us. If you see a guy out on the river with a huge happy smile, it is most likely Ben.
Michael Taylor Owczykowski
Kayak Instructor/ Nantahala and Ocoee River Head Guide/ former International Guide
After serving his country in the navy, Michael is back on staff as kayak instructor and guide. When not studying to become a paramedic, Michael can be found paddling, running or just enjoying life here in WNC.
MITA COKER
Nantahala & Ocoee Guide / Kayak Instructor
MADELEINE MONNAT
Guest Services Extraordinaire / Junior Instructor/ Nantahala Guide
Madeleine started out as a paddler in the Nantahala Kids Club, which spurred her passion for kayaking. She has gone on to build her skills training at the slalom gates and learning to love the rivers in her backyard, with the Ocoee being her favorite. She graduated with a dual high school degree and college degree from SCC, and now is in the English Program at WCU with a concentration in creative writing and publishing, as well as a minor in Public Rhetoric and Writing. No matter how crazy life might be, she always finds time for the river, hiking and reading.
RYLAND HARRISON
Kayak Instructor / River Guide / Social Media Guru
Ry’s father’s love for whitewater kayaking is what brought her to the river and a trip to paddle in Ecuador with us in 2022 helped that spark become a passion. In 2026, Ryland finished up her Masters in Experiential Outdoor Education at WCU.
If asked about her favorite river, she has a hard time deciding between the Russell Fork, Ocoee and Cascades.
MARY MILLS
Nantahala River Guide, Reservations, Kids Camp Instructor
Mary’s passion for being on the river is almost as great as her generosity at sharing her passion with friends. A teacher by training, she is devoted to helping with any and all kids programs.
Her favorite rivers are the Rio Quijos in Ecuador and the Ocoee River. When she is off the river she is likely hiking her dogs Lina and Rio.
BILL DEMENT
Nantahala River Guide
Bill has been paddling for 21 years and if he’s not on the water, you can find him gardening, fishing, or doing a “wineset” from the deck.
ANNA BRUNO
Nantahala & Ocoee Guide, Kayak Instructor
Anna is a lifetime paddler having grown up in a paddling family in California. While her favorite river is the North Fork of the American and the Lochsa, she is enjoying getting to guide on the wonderful rivers of the Southeast.
ANDREW MONNAT
Nantahala/Ocoee Guide
Graduating from App State with a degree in Digital Media and Broadcasting, Andrew is returning home to the Western NC for the summer to recharge. You will find him sharing his love for the river with folks on both the Nantahala and the Ocoee.
LAUREN MONNAT
Retail and Guest Relations/Nantahala Guide
Growing up in Bryson City, Lauren has spent most of her life kayaking. While attending Jackson County Early College keeps her busy, her favorite activity is kayaking, on the Nantahala, with her brother (apologies to her dad and sister).
AMY NEAL
Retail and Guest Relations
Amy has traveled and lived in eight countries before kayaking brought her to Bryson City, which she now calls home. Amy keeps busy with kayaking, her dog, Tuckasegee Brown, and helping people get out of pain with her business JoyStone MFR.
NATHAN LUCAS
Nantahala, Ocoee & Cheoah Head Guide / Fly Fishing Guide
For Nathan, life is about being in and around the water. The Nolichucky is a favorite destination. Tying flies to get out and fly fish is a great way to spend a day off the river.
KIRK WEIR
Nantahala Raft Guide
A long time member of the paddling community, Kirk joined us when he retired and was ready for his “Second career” as a river guide. His favorite river remains the Rio Pacuare, Costa Rica. Kirk is an avid kayaker and can often be found kayaking the Nantahala River with his wife Debbie.
TODD MCGINNIS
Guest Kayak Instructor
Todd started paddling with his daughter when she was just a wee one…some 20 years ago. Over the years they have shared paddling together throughout the US and South America. Todd has been a competitive wildwater boater, as well as a coach and support staff for the US Freestyle Team. He thoroughly enjoys sharing his love for paddling with boaters looking to improve their skills.
ANDREA PRICE
Nantahala River Guide
When not working here, you will find Andrea traveling, scuba diving or joyfully kayaking on the river with her favorite partner – Keith. Adventure is in her blood, as is a gift for writing, which has made her a valuable member of the Need More Outdoors Board.
KEITH GRIESER
Nantahala River Guide
After many years in the corporate world, Keith committed to making WNC, his happy place, home. It is the community, the hiking, biking and mostly – the kayaking (which he has enjoyed for 24+ years) that called him here. His favorite rivers are the Nantahala and Ocoee, and his favorite person to spend time with is his wife, Andrea and their pup Lucy.
DANNY SKUHROVEC
MacGuyver / River Guide / Logistics Czar
Danny loves his big trucks and tinkering, welding, fabricating, building…. He is our go-to hero when it comes to saving the day. He is an expert river guide, loves his dogs, the Ocoee River, and says you can always find him – “Somewhere fixin’ somethin.”
GARY KYLE
Nantahala Guide / Artistic Consultant
Gary’s love for paddling the Nantahala has inspired him to join us as a guide…so that he can spend more time on the Nantahala. His favorite way to spend time is camping and paddling with his beautiful wife Elizabeth.
CRAIG PARKS - instructor emeritus
Emeritus Kayak Instructor / River Guide / International Guide
Craig is a phenomenal boater and paddling guru, and has been a part of Endless River Adventures since 1996 – earning him the title instructor emeritus. Having spent years guiding on the river of the southeast, the Grand Canyon, Costa Rica and Ecuador, Craig can’t even name his favorite river, there are too many.
When not sharing his years’ of knowledge to help new instructors and guides, Craig keeps himself busy selling real estate, taking photos, and paddling for fun.
ANGEL NUNEZ
For 20+ years in Ecuador, Angel has been the most important member of our team. He is driver and go-to for anything that needs to be done. He is also the manager of the RioQuijos EcoLodge and keeps everything in order year-round.
KIMCHI
Kimchi is our resident dog at our eco lodge in Ecuador. When you visit the Rio Quijos Eco Lodge, Kimchi will likely be one of the first of our staff to greet you.
PHILIP ROBINSON
Philip (or Felipe) is a proud member of both our Ecuadorian and NC Team. Philip has traveled all over the world – hiking, biking , but preferably kayaking. No matter where he goes in the world, his heart is always in Ecuador. He enjoys sharing everything he loves about Ecuador with you: the culture, the exquisite food, the mountains, the jungle, or whatever you want of this beautiful country and of course the majestic rivers. We are proud to have Philip leading our team in Ecuador and bringing his love for the river here to North Carolina.
TARQUINO YANQUEZ
Ecuador Kayak & Raft Guide
One of the original river guides in Ecuador, Tarquino’s wonderful sense of humor and expertise make him a valuable member of our team. For 10+ years, he epitomized the opposite of a raft guide’s winter migration: heading to Canada to guide during the summer, and then returning to his beloved Ecuador for the winter. Now he calls Ecuador home year-round, with a beautiful wife and little boy to keep him grounded.