Steve Gardner – River Professional

The California Gold Country is my home region in Northern California. This is where I was raised on the banks of the South Fork of the American River, and this is where I began rafting the river at a young age. As soon as I could, I took the training and became a certified professional whitewater river guide. A job like this is a dream for someone like me who me who loves the outdoors and appreciates the pristine environment preserved in the canyons and gorges of this magnificent river valley.

Through the years, I have continually improved my navigation and rafting skills becoming a valuable asset to the companies who hire me to guide their customers. Today, I am affectionately referred to as “the old man” among the young twenty-something river guide community; and yet, they respect my skill, knowledge, and devotion to this work. I am one of the best-known, best-skilled river guides on the South Fork of the American River in El Dorado County, California.

I take great care to get my passengers through treacherous whitewater rapids, rated Class I through Class V, by barking orders and insisting on complete cooperation and obedience when it comes to paddling together, and navigating around rocks and hazards; but I also keep them laughing and help people enjoy their trip while I manage the details with a high level of boatmanship, and 20+ years of river experience and knowledge.

Many return customers ask for me by name and say they regard me as one of the most entertaining guides on the river. Never one to shy away from the spotlight, I often end a river trip around the outdoor camp kitchen reviewing the trip and cracking jokes while the guests wind down after an exciting day of the river.

My trips are booked through local rafting companies in El Dorado County, CA. Contact me for your next river excursion.