About us

Elisha McArthur and Alan Cammack both grew up boating and consider rivers to be their ultimate passion, though Elisha finds her comfort in a raft and Alan finds his in a kayak. Since 2011 the pair have been paddling rivers around the world with their daughter Charlotte. As career professionals in the whitewater industry who have ultimately loved the pursuit of private boating, Alan & Elisha had a vision to make whitewater safer and more accessible for private boaters through education, skill building and resource accessibility, and so, Canyon River Instruction was born!
Book a clinic with us today to experience the passion and gain the skills that Alan, Elisha and all of CRI's instructors embody.

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This page is under revision! It’s not just about Elisha and Alan, soon you’ll be able to meet all of our instructors and staff here.

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 Swiftwater Rescue. He is now directly involved with the ACA in his role as the elected At-Large Member 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.

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

Jessica Lewis

Jess has been boating since before she can remember and considers herself lucky to have boated and guided both internationally and throughout the USA. Jess has been an ACA instructor since she was 16 and loves getting to call the river her professional workspace. She is a swiftwater instructor as well as a paddle and rowing instructor for CRI. Jess equally loves big water boating, and the thrill that comes from dropping into big rapids, as well as zipping her boat around small creek style rivers, like the Arkansas. Jess has spent all of her professional career as an educator and a guide and loves getting to set the stage for others to become competent outdoor and river people, few things bring her the same level of joy. When not at CRI Jess can be found rock climbing in the desert or surfing in Central America with her pup, Moki, in tow.

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.

Reviews

Kevin:

Just completed the 3 day swift water rescue course and cannot express in words how exceptional this course was. It should be MUST DO for any whitewater enthusiast. From early on day one until the completion on day three you are always engaged and seeing the practical application of all that your learning. Highly Recommend!!

Michelle:

Canyon River Instruction has hosted two private & custom events for my company, and each and every time, I am so impressed. Their skills and expertise, professionalism, kindness & pricing cannot be beat. They keep our groups safe and provide an educational, fun experience every time. I highly recommend them for your whitewater learning journey or a private outfitting event. Thank you so much Canyon River Instruction for providing such top-notch events! We will be back!

Bre:

This is the best river instruction company in this valley. Knowledgeable and bad ass teachers that will teach you everything you need to know to be safe out there on your own raft!

Gloria:

100% recommend! Rafted with them in July 2019 with Women of Colorado and it was so awesome! It was an overnight trip and everything went smoothly. We had a great glamping experience and a spectacular time on the water! Totally felt safe, had a blast, and learned a great deal from them! Elisha, Amy, and Erin are each very knowledgeable and a ton of fun!

Kim:

I’m new to paddle boating and really wanted to take a course to give me the confidence I needed to get out on the river with my family and have fun. So, I signed up for an all women’s swiftwater course and it was awesome. Elisha’s passion for the river and safety really shines through in her teaching and made for such a fun, relaxed and supportive experience. Thanks again CRI!!!

Kate:

We had an awesome two days of lessons with Elisha and Alan. Our time with Canyon River Instruction was educational, empowering, and FUN! We will definitely return for future learning opportunities. Thank you!