Kayaking

Les Hibbert grew up a “Big City boy” in London, England. An Outward Bound course was life-changing and led to him becoming a teacher of Outdoor Education. He received his initial sea kayak training from the legendary Derek Hutchinson in the mid 1970’s. In 1981, while on a year-long climbing and skiing tour of the US, he ran the Grand Canyon and guided river trips for 25 years. In 2001 he returned to his sea kayaking roots by forming Hidden Canyon Kayak along with his wife Helen and Dave Panu, bringing his knowledge of the outfitting business to the relatively new waters and side canyons of Lake Powell.Dave Panu is a New England transplant who has been exploring Lake Powell since 1980. His constant quest is searching for undiscovered places to add to the vast inventory of Hidden Canyon’s secret spots. A self-confessed “sun worshipper” Dave fwears many hats at Hidden Canyon. In addition to kayaking trip leader, Dave is a Coast Guard certified captain and a gourmet back country chef. In a former mundane life, he was Food and Beverage Manager at the North Rim Lodge and at Wahweap Marina where he actually was required to wear a shirt and trousers.Perhaps Dave’s finest skill lies in coaching the “guy in the back”. He is always working on his joke telling ability and delivery, to date with little progress. 

River Running

Richard Quist grew up in Salt Lake City. His dad was a “Professional Scout Master”, and Richard grew up experiencing adventures in the outdoors. In 1969, Richard with brothers Bob and Clair formed the rafting company as it exists today (Moki Mac River Expeditions), but its inspiration originated nearly thirty years earlier.Today Moki Mac offers trips down the Green River through spectacular Desolation Canyon and peaceful Gray Canyon, on the Colorado River through Eastern Utah’s little gem, Westwater Canyon and through the famous rapids of Cataract Canyon.Friendly, genial and self-effacing, Richard manages to spend quality river time each season. The Quist’s have taken to heart the rare opportunity to introduce people to “their” rivers, and to show off the beautiful and wondrous wildernesses they have explored for most of their lives.