Sharman Learie

Sharman Learie has worked in the outdoor adventure industry for over 8 years. During that time he has guided and led expeditions across Western Canada. Sharman has 6 years experience in rafting, including 4 years as a Trip Leader and River Operations Manager with Mt. Robson Whitewater Rafting Company and Stellar Descents Backcountry Adventures.

Sharman is a graduate of the Adventure Guides Program and has a Bachelor Degree in Tourism Management both from the University College of the Cariboo. Additionally, he holds certification as a Basic River Instructor for the Whitewater Kayak Association of BC, Rope Rescue Team Member for the Provincial Emergency Program and is a Swiftwater Rescue Instructor for Rescue Canada.

During the winter months Sharman teaches for the Adventure Guides Program at UCC and oversees the programs' waterbased courses. Read about the UCC raft and kayak expedition here.

Adam DeVita

Adam DeVita has worked in the outdoor adventure industry for the past eight years. He has guided and led numerous trips all throughout the mountains and rivers of Western Canada. Adam's talents have led him to provide guides' services for heli-skiing, ski touring, mountaineering, river rafting, and whitewater kayaking. Over the past six years he has worked for a variety of adventure tourism operators, as well as providing independent contracting and consulting services. Prior to starting Stellar Descents, Adam has worked as the primary guide and trip leader for a small rafting company during the summer months. The winter months have found Adam working as a professional ski guide for a wide variety of operations and mountain lodges in both the mechanized and non mechanized backcountry ski industry.

The past two seasons have found Adam as the lead guide for Crescent Spur Helicopter Skiing, and 2003 was his sixth season with this company. Duties as lead guide include overall client care and management, daily programming including run and terrain selection for all groups, co-ordination of helicopter drops and pickups, fuel management issues, and safety and risk management assessments.

THE GOLDEN PADDLE

Each year in the early spring, the rafting companies in Jasper, AB hold the Rafting Pentathlon. A friendly, fun, competitive event that brings the rafting companies in the area together to celebrate river running and the camaraderie between companies and guides alike. There are five events that test all the essential skills a whitewater raft guide should be proficient in: Down River Sprint, Flip Drill, Throw Bag Rescues, Slalom Race and of course the Beer Boat Race. The winners of the competion take home the coveted Mark Oddey Golden Paddle.

Stellar Descents Backcountry Adventures Ltd. is proud to have won the event the last two years in a row! We are the first company to win the competition twice in a row in the 12 year history of the event! We look forward to seeing if we can pull off another win in the 2004 season! Stay tuned....