Brett Pennefather
“Breet, Brit (My accent can lead to confusion)”
Job Title:
Guide and marketing team member
Certifications:
Rescue 3 international Swift water rescue
Swiss Outdoor Association grade 4-5 rafting Trip Leader
Swiss Outdoor Association Canyoning guide
South African Level 4 Adventure Guide
National Diploma in Nature Conservation (South Africa)
International Rafting Federation Grade 4-5 Guide
Originally from:
Creighton, Kwa Zulu Natal, South Africa
How long have you worked in the Outdoor Industry?
I started working in the Outdoor Industry in 2005 on a Private game reserve in South Africa. In 2007 I decided to work in the whitewater industry full time. This has given me opportunities to travel and work in South Africa, Scotland, Morocco, Nepal, Switzerland, Uganda, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Vietnam and now here in Maine USA.
What is your origin story working for Three Rivers Whitewater?
I recently moved to the USA with my wife to be closer to her family. I spent a lot of the winter researching the best Whitewater in New England and it seemed like the clear answer was Maine. After checking out the different companies in the area online, Three rivers presented themselves as professional, fun and a great place to work. I reached out to Three rivers, completed my level one and level 2 guide training and couldn’t be happier with my decision to work here.
What do you love most about being a Maine River Guide?
There’s so much to love about being a whitewater guide, but I think my favorite part is being able to share something so powerful with people who have no or limited experience in a safe and enjoyable way. I also love being able to see areas that are only accessible by river.
What is your favorite rapid to guide in Maine?
I really love working on the Penobscot, there are so many amazing rapids. Nesowadnehunk falls is extra special to me. The fact that it’s big, unpredictable but you can run it multiple times easily, you can surf and it’s ratio of risk to fun is really high on the side of fun! I also really enjoy being on Multi-day trips.
What is your favorite hike in Maine?
I have been enjoying the river so much that I haven’t had a chance to do much hiking. Moxie falls outside of The Forks is a great place to get some photos. There are also some great trails just off the Golden road near Millinocket that I am able to bring my dog along which I really enjoy.
What do you enjoy doing when not working?
I spend a lot of my free time getting to know the river better in my kayak, hiking with my Wife and my dog. I also really enjoy photography and drone photography.
Favorite experience on the river?
It’s impossible for me to choose a favorite day out of so many great experiences. What I really cherish is the days where I might have some guests who start the day intimidated or a bit nervous. I really like to see them pay attention and learn to work as a team, as soon as they start getting through difficult rapids successfully they get such a sense of accomplishment.
GUIDE REVIEWS
