“Big Muddy” Mike Clark is the founder of Big Muddy Adventures an d serves today as the Senior Guide and Director of Youth Programming. He is one of the most accomplished canoeists and guides in America, logging in close to 20,000 miles of big river paddling experience. In 2001, Mike completed his first of many long paddling expeditions, a source to sea descent of the Mississippi River. He founded BMA the following year as an adventure learning company, and with the help of his great friend John Ruskey of Quapaw Canoe Company.

Roo is the Owner of Big Muddy Adventures and oversees the company’s development and strategic partnerships. He also manages the Clipper Canoe Department and wants YOU to get in a beautiful, hand-made Canadian canoe! Roo has extensive experience in small business operations and paddle sports and is an advocate for all things outdoorsy and fun in and around St. Louis!

Fiona, a proud St. Louisian who grew up on the muddy banks of the Missouri River, started paddling our great rivers before she lost her first baby tooth. Having worked as a tour guide for the past 8 years, she has led trips all over the Americas from Alaska down to Argentina, but is now excited to stay local and focus on sharing our great rivers with others!

Matt is the General Manager for BMA and handles the day-to-day operations of the company. He is a lifelong St. Louisan who loves city living, but relishes every opportunity to get lost in nature. When not paddling, Matt likes to hike, jog, garden and chase his young children around Tower Grove.

Ben spent much of his childhood in Chicago, but calls St. Louis home, because, well, you know…STL > CHI. Ben grew up paddling on the Great Rivers and has an extensive guiding and expedition background. When he’s not on the sticks, Ben teaches computer coding and plays ultimate frisbee.

Kayaks, canoes, white-water rafts and surfboards- Nick has yet to meet a watercraft he didn’t get along with. An STL-native, Nick grew up with a love of water sports and healthy respect for the region’s Great Rivers. Having paddled bodies of water the world over, the mighty Missouri and muddy Mississippi still feel like home. When not guiding for BMA, you’ll find Nick leading adventure trips around the world, hammering single track on his mountain bike, running trails at his local state park, teaching courses at his local outdoor retailer or tapping away on his laptop, working on another article for Terrain Magazine.

Natalie is passionate about educating and inviting others to experience the outdoors. With more than 15 countries and most of the states under her belt, she's always eager to visit new places and bring home stories to share around the campfire. By day, she fixes broken electronics for some fruit company. By night, she canoes, kayaks, climbs, and hikes as much as possible. Natalie is well known for her incredible demonstration of strength in completing the cinnamon challenge in 2015 and she was Time Magazine's Person of the Year in 2006.

I found love for rivers and mountains at a young age, and have tried to experience them all over the world. Saint Louis is my home town, and finding a place with Big Muddy Adventures has been a great pleasure. Helping BMA introduce people to paddling has become a highlight in my guiding career, and I'm excited to continue exploring these mighty rivers

Lucy is one of the newest and youngest additions to the BMA team! From a young age, Lucy has been fascinated with the world around her and in her teens, she discovered her calling to be an outdoor educator and guide. Since the age of 14, Lucy has been working at outdoor camps and guiding on the Ozark National Riverways educating kids about river critters, geology, ecology, and outdoor skills. Along with guiding on The Ozarks, Lucy has experience guiding on the Buffalo River, Arkansas River, and now the Great Mississippi River. Along with paddling, Lucy is very experienced with backpacking, climbing, and camping all over the East Coast and Midwest. In addition to guiding for BMA, you can also find Lucy working at our Guide Shop in the CWE and at the Boathouse at Forest Park!

Washing ashore during the Great Floor of 1993, Tanner began life on the banks of the Mississippi in Alton, IL. Growing up with enormous respect and fascination for the river (and all water), Tanner took up canoeing right after his first trip in Junebug 1 in 2015. Soon after, he purchased his first canoe and one year later took that boat from Memphis to the Gulf with an expedition crew only to find his way back to STL and BMA as a guide in 2017. Now, after a few years guiding the Lower Mississippi and working in the boat shop at BMA’s sister company, Quapaw Canoe Co. in Mississippi, Tanner is thrilled to return to his homeland for some #rivertime in STL.

Myles is an ACA Certified Kayak Instructor and paddling equipment expert. When he’s not on the river with us, he’s whipping up magic in his woodworking studio!

Amanda is the Retail Manager of the BMA Guide Shop in the CWE. You can also catch her on the river as a new addition to our outfitter crew as a shuttle driver and river guide. A transplant from Indiana, Amanda fell in love with Missouri’s rivers and natural areas after moving to St. Louis. She loves to hike, paddle her solo canoe, camp, and travel to new places as much as possible.

Mark, or as some call him Malko, was born and raised in the St.Louis area. Mark grew up backpacking and paddling in the Ozarks which led him to traveling the world and eventually climbing giant glaciated peaks as well as traveling down some of the planets greatest rivers. He has a passion for guiding and loves sharing his knowledge with others.

Meet Pete, a seasoned river guide with a deep appreciation for the great outdoors and the rich history of St. Louis. Born and raised in the city, he's always been fascinated by the mighty Mississippi River and its role in shaping the region. His love for the water began at a young age with family canoe trips in the Ozarks, and his passion for exploration and adventure eventually led him to discover whitewater kayaking and he spent many summers paddling challenging class 5 rivers in Appalachia. Pete is the go-to guide for historical facts about St. Louis, and he draws on his extensive knowledge and experience to provide guests with a safe, engaging, and unforgettable adventure. Join him on the water to explore the beauty of the Mississippi and its surrounding landscape, while learning about the fascinating history of the region.

Say hello to Sara, the Trips Coordinator for BMA. Sara works behind the scenes helping prep and plan for all of our trips. She is a lifelong St. Louisan who has recently embraced her inner river rat. She enjoys getting outside to hike and kayak, exploring the neighborhoods of STL, and reality television.