Growing up in New Orleans, Louisiana, its a bit surprising that Michael (Mike G) became a white water professional. While studying History at the University of New Orleans Michael started guiding canoes part time in the swamps and bayous. This first experience in the guiding industry solidified a passion that would become a major part of his life.
In 2013 Michael attended a guide school with the Nantahala Outdoor Center near Bryson City NC and began working on the Ocoee river in Eastern TN. For over a decade Michael worked with the NOC as a guide, trip leader and instructor . His time in the southeast boating scene solidified a strong skillset for paddle guiding but as time went on there was something missing.
In 2015 Michael was invited on his first of many private trips down the Colorado river through the Grand Canyon. It was his first time rowing an oar frame raft and it was something he took to naturally. After over a half dozen subsequent trips through the grand it was clear that paddle rafting in the southeast wasn’t enough and he wanted to enter into the multiday canyon rowing world. That’s when Michael came to Adrift and Dinosaur National Monument and began working day trips on Split Mountain and multi day trips on the Gates of Lodore.
Michael is an avid artist in both music and visual arts. On his days off he can be seen with his “plein air” oil painting set up working on subjects throughout the park. He is also a hobbyist clarinetist who played in pit orchestras and jazz bands during his time in New Orleans and today can be heard playing in our canyons.
