WHO WE ARE
Meet the crew of experienced paddlers, philosophizing naturalists, professional guides, and hammock-swinging river folk.
At Broken Paddle our crew takes paddles and shapes them around the four seasons on the waters, in the valleys, and atop the bluffs of this beautiful region - sharing with you every exquisite stream and path we find.
Taylor Treinen
After guiding for ten years with Broken Paddle Guiding, Taylor has taken on a new position becoming the new proud owner of BPG. Raised in the waters and woods Taylor knows his way through these winding streams and towering bluffs, learning the ropes of climbing and paddling since a young age, he has never stopped exploring. Taylor states, “We all have a limited time on this floating rock, so take on new experiences, travel around the globe, eat bizarre foods, be kind to others and do what feels right. You can know I will."
Certifications: Wilderness First Responder, Professional Climbing Instructors Association Base Manager Certification, ACA level II, *Licensed Night Cap Provider.
Sam Jewson
This true rat of the river was born and raised on the Mississippi River right here in the heart of the Driftless area in Wabasha, Minnesota. He loves the Driftless area for its unique ecological diversity and the wide range of experiences it has to offer.
You can (probably not) find him on his day off biking, hiking, paddling fishing, camping and foraging.
Ever since his BPG guiding debut in 2020, Sam has come to love guiding for the opportunity to share his appreciation for the natural world with others. Ask him about the plants and critters of the backwaters and he will be happy to share what he has seen.
Certifications: First-aid/CPR
Cole Johnson
Cole was raised along the banks of the mighty Mississippi and he’s developed an innate love and respect for the water that flows through his veins. He is thrilled to be guiding kayak tours which allow him to share his love for our local rivers and waterways. Cole enjoys mountain biking, plunging into cold streams, and looking for River Agates. In the off-season, you'll find him carving through snow-covered slopes, teaching the art of downhill skiing.
Certifications: First aid/CPR, *Member of Silly Geese Association
Wiley Koehler
Although new to Broken Paddle, Wiley has been on the hunt for nature, outdoor experiences, and adventure from an early age. From kayaking and canoeing the waters of Door County, Wisconsin, snowboarding various peaks of the Western United States, to managing a water sports company on Florida's Gulf Coast, Wiley's goal has always been to enjoy the outdoors and help others do the same along the way. A resident of Winona, MN, Wiley finds joy in introducing Broken Paddle's guests to the Driftless Area and all of the outdoor opportunities it offers.
Certifications: Credentialed United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner, Red Cross First Aid / CPR *Voted Most Likely to Overthink a Gear Purchase*
Hope Schwen
Hope was locally raised on a farm outside Lake City, and she spent a lot of time on the Mississippi and Zumbro Rivers growing up. After high school, she spent a few good years nestled in the Blue Ridge mountains of Western North Carolina, where she developed a keen interest in learning about the flora and fauna all around. Hope enjoys sleeping outside, going on walks any time of day or night in any type of weather, cooking up good food with friends, as well as playing music and dancing into the wee hours of the night. She has spent many summer days canoeing Minnesota’s rivers and lakes and is excited to introduce more folk to the beauties of the river valley!
Certifications: First-Aid / CPR
Cy Benson
Being a proud Midwesterner from Grand Rapids, Michigan, Cy has grown a love for nature, water, and the creatures that inhabit these areas. With his biology degree from Warren Wilson College out of Swannanoa, NC, Cy has developed a wide understanding about the life amongst the rivers and land. When Cy and his partner Hope aren’t out guiding on the waters, they operate the cozy music venue, Oak Center General Store! Ask him or Hope about their ongoing lineup.
Certifications: First aid / CPR
Brad Kremers
Throughout many years of guiding climbing, kayaking, and camping outings, Brad has built a great love and understanding of the Driftless area. Whether he is taking folks out climbing or paddling, there is a true joy he has seeing others recreating and enjoying the same beauties he knows that the driftless region has to offer! Ask him about the impressive Ice Climbing Park in Winona, MN.
Certifications: Wilderness First Responder
WHERE IT ALL STARTED
(Photo: Michael Anderson)
Broken Paddle Guiding was originally started by Michael Anderson, Dan Philp, and Richie Mann in the summer of 2012 while they ran Turning Waters BnB. They invited Alex Keilty to join the team because of his professional kayaking guiding experience that he brought. At the very beginning, the business consisted of kayaks being pushed on top of longboards down to the river serving a one of a kind experience for the BnB crowd. With rising popularity, BPG evolved from just an add-on activity to its own business now with two vans, two twelve-boat trailers, over 30+ vessels consisting of Kayaks, Canoes, and Stand-Up Paddleboards, and a storefront/headquarters to store it all!
In March of 2026, Taylor Treinen, one of Broken Paddle’s proficient guides for 10 years, had decided to take on the business after the original owners announced they were ready to depart from BPG and venture off to other avenues to support and care for the rivers and ecology around. Entering this new saga, Broken Paddle has kept the same desired heart to educate folks from all over about the beauties that the Chippewa / Mississippi River Delta has to offer, and Broken Paddle Guiding plans to keep that same adventurous spirit that many have come love!
KAYAK TOURS
Paddle in the remote depths of the flooded forest. Here you will find yourself under a towering forest canopy, gliding over feeding fish, beavers and otters, all in a place of tranquil beauty.
PADDLEBOARD TOURS
Explore the beautiful, remote, and scenic waters as you would on our kayak tour, but this time from our new and fast growing Stand up Paddleboard Tours. Change your perspective from sitting on, to standing atop the water – you’d be surprised at the difference you see and feel!
“Five of us went on the Flooded Forest Tour. Our guide, Avery, was top-notch! He helped us learn to kayak, we were all beginners and he made it easy! When we had a little weather roll in, he handled it so calmly and professionally, I was really impressed.”
— Mary S.