Family Owned & Operated
Meet Our Team



DERIC
I’m Deric and I’m the owner and the head guide here at Sierra Whitewater. After 25 years as a daily newspaper editor I was looking for a change of lifestyle that would allow me to do something I loved everyday, so Sierra Whitewater was born. We are extremely proud to be a family owned and operated business since 2008. Our goal is to give guests a completely safe, fun-filled day on the river that they will never forget! If you want a gentle ride and to focus on the scenery, or to nail and surf all the biggest holes, it’s your trip and we just insist that we keep safety, respect for the river and fun in mind.
I have safely guided thousands of guests on fun-filled river trips for many years. I am advanced swiftwater rescue certified and have served as trip leader and head guide countless times. I love meeting people of all ages and backgrounds, being outdoors, laughing, telling jokes and hearing rafters’ stories. In the offseason when I’m not on the river you can find me on the ski slopes. I’m also a ski instructor, a competitive bowler and foosball player.

ACHSA
Achsa has been with Sierra Whitewater since 2008 and grew up in the area boating on the local rivers. She is our General Manager as well as Director of Operations. She is an avid animal lover and spends her winters teaching Special Education as well as volunteering for various non-profits related to animal rehab and rescue.

PAIGE
Paige is a seasoned whitewater rafting guide. She loves the great outdoors. During the off season you’ll find her in the snow. She’s a successful ski racer and back-country skiing expert, winning numerous championships during high school. Paige is our Human Resources Director and Administrative Director. When she isn’t rafting she is advocating for Social Justice alongside her husband and two children.

Jamie

IOWA
As a senior member of the Sierra Whitewater Team, you can find Iowa leading trips on any excursion we offer. When he isn’t working on the river, he travels for rafting around the country, occasionally taking his passion internationally when time permits. He can always be counted on for a fantastic trip focused on adventure, safety, and some great stories including those about his beloved bulldogs.

Noah

STEVE

JOE

CARL

ROBERT

Tucker

AARON

JARED
