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 three children.
Jamie
Michelle
JOE
Joe was born and raised in Northern California and has always had a passion for outdoor adventure, including exploring the American River systems. When he isn’t rafting, he spends his free time skiing, rock climbing, kayaking, backpacking, and fishing.
CARL
Carl grew up in Gold Country and has been rafting for over 10 years. He loves rafting with all types of crews and also knows all the great local hiking and fishing spots! Carl remains local in the off season, working and spending time with his family.
ROBERT
Robert is originally from the Bay Area but one day decided to visit the Sierra Nevada’s, and never went back! He has been working on the river over the past 12 years. When his daughters were born he moved them to the river to pursue his passion full time and to allow his girls to grow up in the place he loves most. When he isn’t rafting, you can find him and his girls exploring the amazing river systems of the West Coast.
Noah
Noah grew up in Northern California and has always had a passion for the outdoors. Noah is also a major history buff, and can tell you everything you ever wanted to know about the local history (and more!) on your river rafting excursion with him. When he isn’t rafting, you can find him anywhere in nature, as long as it also includes an adventure and the potential for buried treasure.
Tucker
AARON
JARED
Zack
Zack grew up in the Sierra foothills and that has helped shape his passion for recreation. More than anything, he loves to share that passion with others. During the season and beyond, you can find him kayaking hard to reach creeks, trying to navigate that elusive tunnel, or driving the bus with our guests on the South Fork. During his free time he enjoys long walks with his dog and finding new rivers to explore. Just beware, on any trip with him, the jokes don’t get better as the day goes on.
Vinny
Spencer
Madde