Professional Sea Kayak and Glacier Guides

Tim Duffy (aka "Duff"): Tim has several years of experience guiding paddling, backpacking and ski-mountaineering trips throughout Alaska. Originally a Maine-ah, Duff ski patrols winters in Utah, explores the world on vacation and is currently the resident Pangaea guru when it comes to glacier hikes and climbs. He also owns and runs the company.

Max Pushak: Apparently good guides come from the east coast, and more specifically, Pennsylvania. Max Pushak has been in the industry for almost two decades and has done his fair share of guiding trips for Pangaea along with other Alaskan companies. His true love being sailing, Max is the captain for Pangaea's two motor vessels-the Mayflower Star and the Explorer. When you have the pleasure of being chauffered across the waters of the Prince William Sound by Max be sure to ask him about the good old days.

Josh Good: Did you know sea otters have the densest hair of any animal?! Well, you have yet to meet Josh Good. Josh may have failed scissor cutting in his Pennsylvanian kindergarten class, but that didn't deter him from wanting to share his knowledge on the subject to our future generations. During the school year Josh teaches kindergarten in Fairbanks, AK. But when the final bell rings for summer, Josh is out for adventure! A Pangaea alum, Josh is on his second year as one of our sea kayak guides. When he's not out sharing his knowledge and passion for Valdez and paddling, you can find him in his red jeep covered in mud with a fresh pot of Alaskan shrimp in hand. If you get the opportunity to be schooled by Josh make sure you give that sea otter on his head a good pat.

Pete Cueno: Hailing from the Midwest, second year guide Pete Cueno's wide range of wilderness experience ranges from alpine climbing expeditions in Patagonia to backcountry snowboard trips throughout the Western United States. Always giving one hundred and ten percent in everything he does, Pete's humor, wit, and hard work is second to none. While he's not guiding, Pete is employed as a toxicolgy scientist for a contract research company. When looking for a well rounded, experienced guide, Pete "the Dream" Cueno is your man.

Sam Benoit: Originally from the deep woods of Vermont, or as he would call it, "God's Country", Samuel Benoit has spent 22 years mastering the arts of smooth talking, roof climbing, chili eatin', sea kayaking and, his favorite, ice climbing. Sam sharpened his ice climbing and mountaineering skills in Patagonia where local folklore has it he caught and tamed a Yeti. He now spends his days being Pangaea's glacier guide, kayak guide as well as resident handi-man

Jay Nielson: The best phrase we have heard for describing Jay is "Martha Stewart meets MacGiver". When not paddling for Pangaea or swooning the ladies with his stylish swagger, he is doing it up in Michigan using his Industrial Design degree. This being Jay's second summer in Valdez, his skills have been honed and he is ready to rally and show guests a great time.

Laura Hering: Some may know her as Princess Cruise Line's Tour Guide of the Year, but here at Pangaea, we know her as Laura.  A competent, British Canoe Union instructor, Laura hails from Wisconsin, where her fiance patiently awaits her return.  Her and her canine side-kick Laika seem to never see a bad day.  Find Laura for a fantastic day around Valdez and the Prince William Sound.  Her friendly smile and vast knowledge will ensure a day you will never forget.

David Bertolatus (aka "Berto"): Do not come around asking for a man named David or even Mr. Bertolatus because this man simply goes by Berto.  He possesses a music degree from the University of Iowa, and is able to play a mean drum.  The last couple years of his life have been spent in Colorado working on the Continental Divide Trial, performing environmental work, and helping residents of the state become more energy efficient.  He also enjoys kayaking, hiking, and photography.  Allow Berto and his kind, personable, witty style show you around the Sound.

Camy Dengel: Valdez born and raised, Camy Dengel is a junior at Humboldt State University in Arcata California. She studies hard and spreads her love for the enviroment as the Director of the Enviromental Education program on campus. She is an avid biker and has completed bike tours accross Canada and Alaska. With all this going on it's surprising she still has time to ski, run and pursue photography as a hobby. Always happy and smiling Camy will be sure to share some local goodness if you are lucky enough to go on a tour with her.

Cole Kauffman:

Tiffany Searsdodd:

Anna Swarts: An aspiring Environmental Studies major at Bemidji State University, Anna has joined the Pangaea team for the summer as an intern.  Logging copious time in the backcountry ranging from Hawaii to Moab, she is excited to show you the Prince William Sound.  An avid rock climber, look for her scouting the local rock faces.