REI Adventures 2007 Top Guides

The REI Adventures Top Guide Award recognizes those trip leaders who consistently exemplify the highest standards of customer service. While we believe that our entire guide team around the world is second to none, we would like to honor those few who go beyond our already high expectations and consistently create a truly unforgettable travel experience for our clients. Annual Top Guide award winners are invited to Seattle each winter for a recognition ceremony at the REI Flagship Store and a chance to reconnect with past trip members.

The REI Adventures Top Guides of 2007 are:

Cai Guoxian "Charles": China Treasures of China

A native of Guangzhou, China, Charles Cai has a Foreign Studies degree from Guangdong University where he was also chairman of the student union. Charles is full of personality. He's patient, hard working, helpful and always has a big smile on his face. He is a great organizer and an inspiration to the other tour leaders. When not guiding, Charles enjoys sharing his music with people. He is an excellent violinist, having started at the early age of 4.

Ryan Hamm: Arizona and Canada Grand Canyon—Sedona/Havasu and British Columbia Multisport

Ryan Hamm is the consummate guide; his contagious, upbeat personality and enthusiasm are matched only by his qualifications. A graduate of the Ecotourism and Outdoor Leadership Program at Medicine Hat College, Alberta, Canada, Ryan also has a long list of certifications including: Whitewater Rafting Guide, Wilderness First Aid and CPR, Swift Water Rescue 1+2, Leave-No-Trace Instructor and Wilderness Steward Leadership. He has embraced guiding and outdoor instruction as his chosen career.

Keshav Prasad "KP" Kafle: Nepal Nepal's Royal Trek

K.P. is an amazing guide with hundreds of treks under his belt. Born and raised in the Khumbu region of Nepal, he's at home in the high mountains. In addition to his love of the outdoors, he is passionate and knowledgeable about the cultures that make Nepal such a rich experience. K.P. speaks English fluently, has a delightful sense of humor, and his attention to detail is unsurpassed.

Rosa Garcia: Peru Machu Picchu and Beyond

Rosa Garcia is one of the best leaders in Cusco and the Urubamba Valley of Peru. An enthusiastic guide with over 14 years of experience, Rosa has extensive knowledge of Incan history and archeology. Originally from Cusco, she speaks fluent English as well as Spanish and Quechua.

Simon Paul: Namibia and Botswana Dunes to Delta Safari

Simon Paul has a lifetime of experience in the African bush and is a licensed professional guide. He knows the wildlife and birdlife of Botswana the way most people know their backyards. He is a delight to travel with, and you can be sure he has a story for everything.

Klára Matousková: Central/Eastern Europe Vienna to Prague, Prague to Budapest, Alps to Adriatic and Hiking the Julian Alps

Klára is a state-registered tour guide from the Czech Republic who speaks fluent English as well as a smattering of Spanish, German and Russian. Klára studies Medicine at Charles University in Prague and her passions include cycling, mountaineering and rock climbing. She has climbed summits in Peru, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and China as well as in Europe. Her experiences from these numerous treks and expeditions make her a great companion and guide. Whether hiking or biking, Klára takes great delight in sharing the culture of Central Europe with her guests.

James "JB" Brown: California Mt. Whitney Summit Climb

Originally from Houston Texas, James "JB" Brown" now spends his summers on California's big peaks and his winters in the deep powder snow of Jackson, Wyoming. As a climber, JB has made notable ascents of the Grand Teton, Mt. Rainier and Mt. Superior, which he climbed solo and finished off with a ski descent. JB has climbed in almost every major range in the western United States. In addition to guiding big California 14'ers like Whitney and Shasta, he has guided vertical rock and ice and spends his winters as a ski instructor at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Ask JB how he spends his free time when he's not teaching climbing or skiing and he'll tell you that he goes climbing and skiing!