Meet the Crew

Every guide at Broken Paddle is a paddler, conservation advocate, and storyteller — dedicated to helping you experience the hidden waterways of the Upper Mississippi River Valley.

Our River Guides

Knowledgeable outdoor professionals who genuinely love introducing people to the natural wonders of the Driftless area.

Smiling person in floral shirt and jeans raises a fish by a windy lakeshore

Taylor Treinen

Owner & Professional Guide

After guiding for ten years with Broken Paddle Guiding, Taylor has taken on a new position becoming the new proud owner of BPG. Raised in the waters and woods Taylor knows his way through these winding streams and towering bluffs, learning the ropes of climbing and paddling since a young age, he has never stopped exploring.

Taylor states: “We all have a limited time on this floating rock, so take on new experiences, travel around the globe, eat bizarre foods, be kind to others and do what feels right. You can know I will.”

Credentials & Standouts

*Licensed Night Cap Provider

Wilderness First Responder

PCIA Base Manager Certification

ACA Level II

*Licensed Night Cap Provider

Bicycle traveler in a helmet stands by loaded bike near a wooden trail sign in a grassy park.

Sam Jewson

River Guide

This true rat of the river was born and raised right here in the heart of the Driftless area in Wabasha. Sam loves the region for its unique ecological diversity and wide range of adventures. On his days off, you can find him out biking, hiking, foraging, and sharing his immense knowledge of native plants and critters.

Certifications

*Licensed Night Cap Provider

First Aid

CPR

Person kayaking in a red kayak on a calm river, holding a paddle, with green trees along the bank

Cole Johnson

River Guide

Cole was raised along the banks of the mighty Mississippi, developing an innate love and respect for the water. He is thrilled to share his appreciation for local waterways on our kayak tours. Cole enjoys mountain biking, plunging into cold streams, finding rare agates, and teaching downhill skiing during the off-season.

Certifications

*Licensed Night Cap Provider

First Aid

CPR

*Silly Geese Association

Man sitting beside a van with a bicycle, bright blue sky and open doors in a dusty outdoor setting

Wiley Koehler

River Guide

Wiley has chased outdoor adventure from an early age, from canoeing Door County to managing a Gulf Coast water sports company. Now a resident of Winona, his goal is to enjoy the wilderness and help others do the exact same. He loves introducing guests to the incredible paddling opportunities across the Driftless Area.

Certifications

*Licensed Night Cap Provider

USCG Merchant Mariner

Red Cross First Aid / CPR

*Gear Overthinker Champion

Smiling person in a blue wetsuit and pink helmet gives thumbs up while standing in a river by a kayak

Hope Schwen

River Guide

Locally raised on a farm near Lake City, Hope spent her youth exploring the Mississippi and Zumbro Rivers. After time in the Blue Ridge Mountains studying flora and fauna, she returned home to canoe Minnesota's waterways. She loves sleeping outside, playing music, and introducing folk to the beauty of our river valleys.

Credentials & Standouts

*Licensed Night Cap Provider

First Aid

CPR

Kayakers paddling on a river; foreground paddler in bright green jacket on a red kayak, wooded banks behind.

Cy Benson

River Guide / Biology Expert

A proud Midwesterner with a biology degree from Warren Wilson College, Cy brings a deep scientific understanding of river ecosystems and local wildlife to every tour. When he and his partner Hope are not guiding on the water, they run a cozy local music venue, the historic Oak Center General Store. Ask him about the lineup!

Certifications

*Licensed Night Cap Provider

First Aid

CPR

B.S. Biology

Smiling kayaker in blue jacket and black cap beside a red cliff with water and sky behind him

Brad Kremers

River & Climbing Guide

Through years of guiding technical climbing, kayaking, and remote camping trips, Brad has built a profound understanding of the Driftless landscape. He finds true joy in watching guests recreate and connect with the outdoors. Ask him about the local rivers or the impressive, world-class Ice Climbing Park located in Winona.

Certifications

*Licensed Night Cap Provider

Wilderness First Responder

First Aid

CPR

Man standing on a colorful kayak, raising a cap beside a beach with boats and a house in the background

Photo

Michael anderson

Where It All Started

Broken Paddle Guiding was originally started by Michael Anderson, Dan Philp, and Richie Mann in the summer of 2012 while they ran Turning Waters BnB. They invited Alex Keilty to join the team because of his professional kayaking guiding experience that he brought. At the very beginning, the business consisted of kayaks being pushed on top of longboards down to the river serving a one of a kind experience for the BnB crowd.

With rising popularity, BPG evolved from just an add-on activity to its own business now with two vans, two twelve-boat trailers, over 30+ vessels consisting of Kayaks, Canoes, and Stand-Up Paddleboards, and a storefront/headquarters to store it all!

In March of 2026, Taylor Treinen, one of Broken Paddle’s proficient guides for 10 years, had decided to take on the business after the original owners announced they were ready to depart from BPG and venture off to other avenues to support and care for the rivers and ecology around. Entering this new saga, Broken Paddle has kept the same desired heart to educate folks from all over about the beauties that the Chippewa / Mississippi River Delta has to offer, and Broken Paddle Guiding plans to keep that same adventurous spirit that many have come love!

Refuges & Specialized Permits

Our operation is fully bonded and maintains active educational access permissions to handle sensitive backcountry eco-routes safely and responsibly.

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Active Permits for Wildfish & Live National Refuges

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Swiftwater and Strategic Flow Management Training

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100% CPR & First-Aid Certified Guiding Group

Looking to join the team? Reach out via our channels for upcoming seasonal listings.

Priority Eco Tours Offered

Explore the remote channels and scenic horizons with our specialized interpretive excursions led directly by our naturalists:

Kayak Tours

Paddle in the remote depths of the flooded forest under a towering canopy.

SUP Tours

Change perspective and stand atop fast-growing stand up paddleboards.

“Five of us went on the Flooded Forest Tour. Our guide, Avery, was top-notch! He helped us learn to kayak, we were all beginners and he made it easy! When we had a little weather roll in, he handled it so calmly and professionally, I was really impressed.”

— Mary S.

Meet Us on the River

Our passion for the Mississippi River, commitment to safety, and love of the outdoors drive everything we do. We look forward to welcoming you on the water and helping you discover the hidden beauty of the Mississippi River and Driftless Region.