Our staff

Kalen Keir,
aka Beaver (he/him):
Founding Member & Guide Trainer

-Certified by the American Canoe Assn. as a Level 2 Sea Kayak Instructor

-Raised in Door County, WI and all over Mexico (Spanish-speaking tours available on request)

-19 seasons as a guide, 12 in MPLS

-Also does theatre, sound design, music, puppetry

-Popcorn king, Certified Uncle (level 1)

Amber Lynum,
aka Sparky (she/her):


Guide, Instructor + Marketing

Amber Lynum is a Jac[queline] of all trades—linguist, marketing magician, wine barista and a brief stint as a mason/beekeeper.

She’s worn many hats and her past experiences have all had a great influence on and led her to the fulfilling work that she is doing now: intentional travel advocate/ paddling guide/writer. It’s too hard to choose just one!

Through community engagement and storytelling, her goal is to spark interest and generate action around conversation and localized, environmentally-conscious travel.

Certifications: First Aid/CPR, Swift Water Rescue,
ACA Level II

Andy Landy (they/them): Guide

Hello! I've been head over heels for waterways (lakes, rivers, estuaries, you name it) for nearly as long as I can remember. Growing up with disabled parents, I found greater joy in activities that were convenient to their needs, rather than ones where they could only watch me. Canoeing, kayaking, and other water sports can be incredibly accessible, and can remind one of their own strength at the same time. There's no better place to bond with loved ones and see a new side of them than "on trail." I am so excited to share what I know about these incredible places along the mighty Mississippi; we can create memories together in the present while doing our best to honor the history of these waters, all while giving thanks to those who continue their stewardship of Minnesota. Let's get paddling!

Paul Gronneberg (he/him): Guide

I grew up near a river where I was first introduced to canoeing. Two trips to the Boundary Waters as a teenager cemented a lifelong interest in paddle sports. I am a previous member of the Superior Kayak and Outdoor Adventure Club. I recently retired from my career as a mental health therapist. As much as I enjoyed my work, I am greatly enjoying the freedom to spend more time with extended family, pursuing my interests in music, writing, tennis, golf, scuba, spontaneous side trips, sleeping in, and of course sharing time on one of the world's great rivers talking with interesting people. Hope to see you on the water! 

Gus Metzig (he/him): Guide

Hi, I'm currently studying pure math and mechanical engineering at Montana State University in Bozeman. I love doing every outdoor activity out there,  and I especially enjoy time on the water. I also enjoy listening to and making music music on a variety of instruments and genres. I am so excited to spend time kayaking through the city with you all.

Lara McGlinch (she/her): Guide

Hi! I have been drawn to the water for as long as I can remember, and got my first start paddling through a YMCA summer camp. I made some of my best friends along rivers, and I look forward to sharing my appreciation of them with you all on the water! I love using rivers as a way to connect with others, and to teach about the importance of conservation! Outside of paddling, I attend school in Minnesota, and enjoy reading, cooking and playing outside with friends!

Brandy Cooper (they/she): Guide

Hi, I’m Brandy. I’m a commercial Pilot and flight instructor who loves adventure. During college I was a Kayak instructor and absolutely loved it. So I decided to come back to my roots and Kayak with you wonderful adventurers. When I am not Flying or Kayaking, I can be found hiking, jumping out of airplanes (because flying them is not enough) and playing board games with friends. I absolutely love the outdoors and would someday love to have my own adventure company. I look forward to helping you with you kayaking goals.

Peter Dvoracek (he/him): Guide

Peter has been working in paddlesports since high school, guiding canoe trips through the Boundary Waters, sea kayaking and paddleboarding on Lake Superior, whitewater in Duluth, and urban kayaking in Philadelphia. He believes urban paddling is a fabulous way to connect with the familiar in a new way, appreciating the nature we live alongside. When he's not at work in the hospital laboratory and also off the water, you can find him in the garden, working on a craft, or making something in the kitchen.

Ellie Zimmerman (she/they): Guide

I'm thrilled to be joining the Paddle Bridge crew for my first season! One of my first–and favorite–summer jobs when I was a teenager was as a paddle instructor at a summer camp in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York. In the years since then, I moved to Minnesota and chose the urban life, but outside is always where I'm happiest. When I'm not on the water, I work at KFAI, a community radio station broadcasting from the West Bank. You might also find me writing for local news outlets, talking animatedly about workers' cooperatives, or training for my next road race. I'm excited to share the things that bring me to life with everyone in the Paddle Bridge world.

Kyle Soyer (they/he): Guide

This will be my first summer with Paddle Bridge. I’ve worked in youth outdoor recreation and education for over ten years, from Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, to ski instructing in Colorado, to Voyageur Outward Bound School’s Twin Cities Base here in Minnesota. I’ve even spent a short stint doing outdoor ed work in Hong Kong. While most of my paddling has been in canoes (both whitewater and flat water), I’m excited to kayak! Besides paddling, I dabble in a bit of everything outside: backpacking, camping, climbing, and xc skiing. I love exploring new places and  experiencing nature moments! Nothing brings me more joy than identifying and learning about plants and critters, as well as the natural and human history of the land. When I’m not exploring outside, I love playing music (I play banjo) and board games/TTRPGs with friends.

Ingrid Johnson (she/her): Guide

I’m Ingrid! I’ve grown up paddling the lakes, rivers, and streams of Northern Minnesota and Canada with YMCA Camp Widjiwagan. Through paddling I have developed a very strong love, respect, and appreciation for bodies of water and nature. I am studying geology at Carleton, and I enjoy knitting, reading, watching sunsets, and playing ultimate frisbee. Looking forward to fun times on the water!

Andrew Scheid (Andy) (he/him): Guide

My love for the outdoors comes from growing up in farm country and through adventures with the Boy Scouts. I am happy that we all have this opportunity to enjoy nature within our urban surroundings! Lake Superior was the backdrop to my college experience and I was a Wilderness Ranger in the BWCA for a few seasons. Minneapolis has been my home since 2002 and I am a science teacher who loves to take the kids outside. My other outdoor activities include hiking, climbing, biking, XC skiing and snowboarding. Looking forward to getting on the water with you!

Henry Metzig (he/him): Guide

Hi, I’m Henry. I'm a senior at Concordia Academy, and I especially enjoy math classes.  I love everything to do with the outdoors, whether it is biking, hiking, skiing, or paddling. I remember my dad taking my brothers and me down the Namekagon River, and I really enjoyed the experience. I couldn't believe that the same experiences were available right in the city. I also enjoy playing soccer and basketball. I am looking forward to spending a lot of time on the water with all of you this summer.