meet the guides
Ecuador is a challenging country for a kayak guide because there are so many runs to know, and because each run changes significantly with the various water levels we see. To Small World’s guides, though, these challenges make it all the more exciting. In fact, we've found that no place else on earth comes close to having both the variety of runs to paddle and the variety of water levels to paddle them on. Ecuador rocks! Our guides love to paddle both while working and on their days off. We know their enthusiasm will rub off on you—whether it’s Don encouraging you to surf  that big wave, or Larry explaining how to line up perfectly for the next boof. When not guiding, you can usually find us pouring over maps and loading our gear to head out and go exploring. We love finding new rivers in our own backyard, many of which eventually get incorporated into our regular kayaking itineraries. For us, kayaking is not just a job it’s a lifestyle we want to share with you. You’ll find one of Small World’s owners on each of our trips—none of us like being left behind in the office!
(Small World owners Larry, Darcy, and Don after
sweeping the first annual Quijos River down river race.
Don took first in long boat division, Larry took first in
short boat, and Darcy took first in the women's division)
Integral to our guiding philosophy is the concept of running our trips just like we do when paddling privately (OK, maybe a little more luxuriously). The emphasis is on fun, safety and quality experiences both on and off the river. We  believe this is best achieved by a small group of professionals working together with common goals and ideals. Although extremely varied in age, background and specialties, our guides share a common passion - running rivers. Our guides are the key to your trip, and our success and we want you to know a little about the core group. Below they share what they like about Ecuador and the paddling there, and most importantly what they think you need to know to make your trip as successful as possible.
 Chris Tretwold is a native Washingtonian who has been exploring the dark, wet, nooks and crannies of the Pacific Northwest by kayak for more than 9 years now. When the gloomy, rainy days have soaked him to the bone he likes to take trips to Idaho, California, Oregon in the summers, or Ecuador in the winter for some warm, sun-shiny days of boating. He found Ecuador to be a perfect home away from home, with its beautiful warm water, outstanding jungle boating, and warm, hospitable locals.
Favorite thing about Ecuador: "Tequila! and the awesome boofs that you can find on pretty much every run."
Advice for people coming on a SWA trip: "Do whatever it takes to prepare yourself for 7 days of excellent paddling, sweet lodging, and the best food you'll ever eat on a kayaking vacation."
 Hilary Neevel grew up in Eugene, OR, but her paddling career began about 8 years ago while going to college in Bellingham, WA. She still lives in Bellingham now, and does the majority of her boating around the pacific Northwest. Upon going to Ecuador she instantly fell in love with the warm water and the huge variety of rivers, as well as the gorgeous jungle scenery.
Favorite thing about Ecuador: "I love bird watching from the porch of Small World's lodge with a cup of coffee each morning before work."
Advice for people coming on a SWA trip: "If you are traveling with your PFD in your carry on, be sure to take OFF your knife, and take out all carabiners and other hardware to avoid hassles at the airport."
 Steiner Beppu grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah but became a paddler nonetheless! He dabbled in a sit-at-a-desk career for a few years before deciding that he wanted to spend as much time outside as possible. Now he spends his summers in the Grand Canyon of the Colorado guiding trips for Moki Mac, and splits his winters between guiding trips for us in Ecuador and skiing powder at his home ski mountain--Alta.
Favorite thing about Ecuador: "Good food, a relaxing place to live, and the best paddling I've done anywhere! (ok, that's my 3 favorite things about Ecuador, but it's too hard to pick just one)."
Advice for people coming on a SWA trip: "buy a Sport Tube to bring you paddles down in--those things rock!"
Enjoy some shots of our crew in action
 
 
 
(photos from top left: Darcy on the Rio Jondachi, Larry on the Rio Cosanga, Don on the Rio Quijos, Chris Rio Oyacachi, Hilary Rio Oyacachi, Steiner Rio Piatua).
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Years Paddling: 35
# of countries paddled: 10
Started SWA: 17 years ago.
Favorite thing about Ecuador: "It amazes me how nice the locals are to us, they make us feel so welcome."
Advice for people coming on a SWA
trip: "The best tip I can give is to carry your essential paddling gear in you carry on with you. That way, even if the airlines mess up, you'll have your own gear to paddle in."
Larry started paddling in Colorado on the Arkansas River, and his passion for kayaking quickly eclipsed his career as a contractor. He traveled extensively throughout Central and South America (leading kayaking trips in both Honduras and Chile) before finding his home away from home--Ecuador. Now he splits his time between Ecuador in the winters and the Grand Canyon during the summers.
Years Paddling: 23
# of countries paddled: 8
Years guiding for SWA: 14
Favorite thing about Ecuador:
"I love the variety of paddling here in Ecuador. There are so many great runs within a short distance of our river base, that kayaking is very convenient here."
Advice for people coming on a SWA trip: "If you haven't been paddling for a while, get in a pool and polish up your roll. You can work on everything else while on our trips, but you'll have more fun with a bombproof roll."
Don grew up in Idaho and started paddling when his older brothers introduced him to the sport. Ever since then he's spent more time on the river than anywhere else. He has guided kayaking trips in Costa Rica, Honduras, and Norway, but likes Ecuador the best both for it's quality of whitewater and ease of getting to it. When not guiding in Ecuador you can find him either skiing or paddling throughout CO, ID, CA, WA, and BC.
Years Paddling: 12
# of Countries Paddled: 6
Years guiding for SWA: 8
Favorite thing about Ecuador: "The best thing about Ecuador is paddling in a shortie top and still being warm. Close behind that are Lily's vegetarian meals."
Advice for people coming on a SWA trip: "I recommend getting in shape before coming on a trip with us. Most people aren’t used to paddling 7 days in a row, and it is amazing how much it helps to train a little bit before hand."
Darcy grew up in Colorado, and began dabbling in kayaking after high school. Soon enough, she "accidentally" found herself on a paddling vacation in Ecuador, which really initiated her passion for kayaking. Nowadays she spends as much time on the water as possible, even if it means paddling in a drysuit in 30 degree weather in British Columbia.
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