Elisha McArthur
Elisha McArthur has been rafting her entire life. Growing up in a family of whitewater enthusiasts, at 15 years old she knew she wanted to be a raft guide and so began her whitewater career in 1999 at the age of 18. Throughout her career, Elisha guided on rivers all over before settling down on the Arkansas River near Salida, CO. In 2017, Elisha started Canyon River Instruction (CRI) with her husband Alan Cammack. CRI, while licensed like any other rafting company on the Arkansas River, focuses only on instruction. CRI specializes in teaching rafting, Swiftwater rescue, and women’s specific courses. Elisha also travels to teach professional development for raft guides, and specialty guide schools, offering American Canoe Association (ACA) certifications and working with rafting companies all over the world. Elisha is currently certified by the ACA as a Level 5 Rafting Instructor Trainer Educator, Level 4 Swiftwater Rescue Instructor Trainer, and Level 5 Swiftwater Rescue Instructor. She is also the current chair of the Rafting Discipline Committee for the ACA.
Alan Cammack
Alan Cammack grew up paddling the rivers and lakes of the Texas hill country from an early age, but didn't get into a real whitewater kayak until the age of 14. After that, he never looked back! Fortunate to find his passion at a young age, Alan pursued kayaking full force and became a Jr. ACA kayak instructor at the age of 16 and taught with the Austin Paddling Club. Eventually, he and Elisha moved to Salida, CO where they now live near the banks of the Arkansas River. Even though Alan spends a good amount of time on a raft, he much prefers kayaking and spent most of his river career as a 'photo boater' (aka, a professional photographer taking whitewater action shots in places only accessible by boat.)
Alan holds multiple American Canoe Association (ACA) instructor certifications including Advanced Kayak, Advanced Swiftwater Rescue, Raft, and Canoe, as well as being an Instructor Trainer for Kayak and Swiftwater Rescue. He is now directly involved with the ACA in his role as the Vice-Chair of the Safety & Education Executive Committee and is an affiliate member of the Safety & Rescue Discipline Committee. He also maintains a Wilderness First Responder medical training credential and is a member of the newly formed Astral Swiftwater Rescue Training Team.
Jessica Ransom
Jess is a private boater turned who instructor at Canyon River Instruction the summer of 2022. Taking a couple courses at CRI herself, she immediately saw the importance in these classes, and made it her mission to strive to keep her private boater friends safe. Jess empowers all to find their true, authentic selves and strives to serve as a bridge between realms to close gaps. We are all in this together <3
Amy Bittle
Amy has been hooked on rafting since she trained to be a guide on the Arkansas River at age 19, and has continued to guide and private boat for the last 9 years. She loves going downstream in a raft in any possible way whether it be paddle guiding, rowing, or R2ing. After taking a women’s swiftwater course at CRI, she decided to pursue her instructor certifications in swiftwater and rafting (paddle and oar), and is so excited to help introduce people to this amazing sport and facilitate connection with the river. Amy is passionate about being an educator in many different aspects, and can be found teaching middle school English when she’s not on the river. Outside of work, Amy loves to private boat, mountain bike, read, ski, and travel.
Codi Clark
Codi Clark has been involved in the outdoor education and recreation industry since 2018. She has been an avid educator and spokesperson for the people and places that she works around and continues to grow in her personal and professional love of whitewater. She is an active member of the ACA’s rafting discipline committee and has been a certified ACA instructor for over 2 years.
When not on the river, Codi can be found with her dog, Brougham. They love to lay in the sun, read books, go on roadtrips and are in search of the best sandwich shop in the country (Sweetie’s in town is currently ranked at #1). Codi is notorious for laughing LOUD, her east Texas accent and her questionable preference to paddle guiding and creeking over rowing big water.
Cassandra Kosakowsky
Introducing Cassandra Kosakowsky! As in Ski, not sky. This woman cannot contain her excitement about WATER! Be it sliding down a mountain really fast on the frozen stuff, or being nose deep in the river making bubbles. She learned long ago how rewarding it is to introduce someone to the outdoors. To be that tower of patience while you discover how fun it is to have slippery feet. Or that solid rock of confidence while you navigate through your first swim. After exploring lots of rivers and mountains in her home of California, Cassandra moved out here on May the 4th to be with us here at Canyon River Instruction. And then she never left! Spending her time teaching the little ones at Monarch Ski Resort in the winter and playing on the farm and chance she gets.
Julie Sutton
With 24 years of experience in the outdoor recreation industry, Julie Sutton is a river manager, educator, and guide known for her leadership and team-building expertise. Julie guided on rivers across the U.S. and internationally, including 10 years with the US Women’s Raft Racing Team, 3 as captain. She also coached U19 and U23 women’s teams.
Julie’s career was shaped by her participation in the inaugural all-women’s river guide training in India, which deepened her passion for creating supportive, success-driven environments. She spent 17 seasons guiding on the renowned Gauley River, honing technical skills and building lasting professional relationships.
Julie holds certifications in CPR, WFR, ACA Swiftwater L4, ACA L4 Raft Guide Instructor (Paddle & Oar), Red Cross Instructor, and degrees in Education and German (B.S.) and Studio Art (B.A.).
Outside of work, Julie enjoys cross-country skiing, hiking, and creative pursuits like pottery and watercolors.