Meet Ruth, Ryan & Everett — The People Behind the Paddles

Hi there! We’re Ruth, Ryan, and Everett—the crew behind Idaho Springs Rafting Company and Colorado Rafting Academy.

Between us, we’ve spent a lot of time on Colorado rivers—guiding trips, teaching skills, and building a life around whitewater. What started as a shared love for rafting grew into something bigger: a way to help others experience the river in a way that’s fun, safe, and maybe a little outside their comfort zone.

Ruth brings a calm, capable presence and a way of making people feel comfortable almost instantly. Ryan brings over 30 years of river experience, a deep love for teaching, and a steady stream of bad dad jokes. Everett keeps things interesting, reminds us not to take ourselves too seriously, and is growing up right alongside the river.

At Idaho Springs Rafting Company, we run trips on Clear Creek—fast-moving, splashy, and close to Denver. It’s the kind of water that’s perfect for a half-day adventure, whether it’s your first time in a raft or your tenth. We focus on keeping things well-organized, approachable, and genuinely fun from start to finish.

With Colorado Rafting Academy, we head to the Upper Colorado River, where the pace slows down just enough to focus on learning. We’re especially passionate about teaching families how to raft together—building real skills, confidence, and communication so that getting on the river becomes something you can do as a team. Whether you’re brand new or looking to grow, our goal is to help you feel capable, prepared, and excited to keep going.

A lot of our time is split between Clear Creek and the Upper Colorado—running trips, coaching families, and figuring out how to pass along what we’ve learned over the years without overcomplicating it. Some days are big and splashy, others are slower and more about the small wins, but that mix is exactly why we love it.

At the end of the day, we’re just a family that loves Colorado rafting and believes it’s better when shared.

We’re glad you’re here, and we hope to see you on the water soon.