Since Mary and I first began offering trips back in the early 90’s , our goal has always been to combine our love of sport, the outdoors and our passion for teaching. What started with our first trip on the Rogue has grown into something much larger, with adventures on some of the best multi-day rivers in the west, as well as international trips in Honduras, Costa Rica, Bhutan and 20 years in Ecuador. None of this would have been possible without your support and belief in what we were doing. It has been a true joy, and a great honor to share doing what we love with you.
We view what we have built much like a parent raising a child, the ultimate goal being to see that child flourish, succeed, and be a positive influence in the world. As much as we would like to continue doing this forever, the time has come to pass the torch.
We’re pleased/excited to formally announce Sami Hawkins as our successor.
If you’ve joined us on a trip in the last 6 years, chances are you’ve met Sami, an essential part of our team. Sami’s passion for kayaking, teaching and leading trips reminds us of ourselves. She brings boundless energy to everything she does and is an accomplished outdoors person. When she’s not guiding our trips she works as a ski patroller and as an instructor for a variety of rescue and first aid disciplines including Swiftwater Rescue, Wilderness First Responder, and technical ropes courses.
The transition to Sami will take place over the next year. Here’s what that will look like:
2025 Trips
Sami is taking on the role of point person and trip leader for several of our 2025 adventures:
- Salt: March 27-31
- Yampa : May 25-29
- Gates of Lodore: May 30-June 2
- Owyhee: April 21-26
- Main Salmon: July 14-19
- Rogue river: August 13-17
*Sami will be on all of our domestic trip offerings
Phil will be on the following trips and will be point person and trip leader for the MF Salmon, Grand Canyon and Bhutan:
- Middle Fork Salmon: June 24-29 and July 2-7
- Main Salmon: July 14-19
- Rogue: August 14-18
- Grand Canyon: September 9-23
- Bhutan: Dates to be decided
*If you would like to paddle with Phil this year these are the trips to consider.
Mary will not be participating in future trips. She has been transitioning into a more contemplative phase of her life preferring to stay close to home, nurture her first-ever vegetable garden, and focus on her Buddhist practice.
2026 & Future Trips
Starting in 2026, Sami will be the new owner and will rebrand the company to Dreamer Adventure Kayaking — because who doesn’t dream about doing more river trips? You’ll start to see some of that re-branding reflected in our in 2025 trip materials.
Phil will continue to run Bhutan trips for the foreseeable future. He may also join some other Dreamer trips in 2026 and beyond, but which ones and how many is anyone’s guess.
Our hope is that you, the members of our kayaking family, will continue to support the “child” that we created and nurtured by supporting Sami and her team in the years ahead.
We feel so very blessed to have led a life on the river and to have our lives touched by so many wonderful people – guests and guides alike. Thank you to everyone who joined us over the years and who have enriched our lives beyond words.
We’re not done paddling, so if you see us on the river, please do take a moment to say hello.
With Gratitude,
Phil and Mary DeRiemer w/ Sami Hawkins
