Maine Whitewater Rafting Guide Ty Mahnke
Name: Ty Mahnke
Hometown: Brookfield, WI
Age of First Rafting Trip: 16
Year you started guiding at Northern Outdoors: 2024
What type of guiding do you do? Whitewater Rafting, though I’m often in a kayak as a video boater.
What do you enjoy most about working at Northern Outdoors? When I get to say that my office is the on river! I don’t think there’s much more to be said.
What is your favorite river to guide, and your favorite rapid on that river?
It has to be the the Penobscot River. This was the first river I paddled outside of my home state of Wisconsin and I was blown away. The Penobscot has it all and if you’re lucky enough to catch it at high water, you’re in for an epic adventure. As far as my favorite rapid goes, I’d have to say the Cribworks — WOW, what a truly unique rapid and a perfect spot for a picnic.
What’s your classic Northern Outdoors memory?
Being able to share an awesome experience with the groups I take down is one of my favorite parts about guiding and it doesn’t stop when you get off the river! Trying stuffed quahogs with guests for the first time and reminiscing on the trip is a classic memory for me while working at Northern.
Where do you adventure when you are not working?
The outdoors is my happy place and that’s where I go to play. If I’m not on the water, you can catch me rock climbing, biking, going for a trail run or on a relaxing hike.
What rivers have you run outside of Maine?
Colorado River, AZ
Clear Creek, CO
Menominee River, WI
Peshtigo River, WI
Wisconsin River, WI
What’s your beverage of choice after a day on the river?
When I get off the river, I hydrate! Water on and off the river, baby!
