Alaska Zipline Adventures

Rachel

I came up with the crazy idea to start this adventure business after numerous trips zipping through various jungles and forests around the world. Before I got into the world of zipping, I received a Master's degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, led treks through the National Parks in the lower 48, worked as a Tour Manager for Race for the Cure, and served as a Business Consultant for Wine.com. Now I’m a member of ACCT's International Canopy Tour Committee, and Matt and I have a consulting business on the side, Zipstart.net, which provides assistance to people starting adventure businesses of their own. For me, this isn’t just a job. I'm chasing a dream. I'm inspired to encourage people to live more adventurously.

Matt

Hey, my name is Matt. I'm the other fortunate co-Owner of this wonderful business. After years of traveling the country to raise awareness for various causes such as breast cancer, Aids and Suicide prevention, I realized how great it is to live every moment to the fullest. What I enjoy most about zipping through the forest is being able to share that feeling with others and seeing the smile on everyone's face when they overcome their fears and glide from platform to platform. I was born and raised in Alaska, and I look forward to sharing this small piece of the Alaskan Rainforest with you. Zip-Away!

Jonny B

hey my name is jon barton and i have lived in alaska my whole life. i am originally from fairbanks but moved to j-town to pursue a biology degree at UAS. the outdoors and sports comprise most of my time as i enjoy hiking, camping, skiing, soccer, and of course ziplining. i enjoy the remoteness of alaska and take advantage of the solitude it offers as often as i can. working for aza has given me the opportunity to work with many different people as well as share my home with them, not to mention zipping from tree tops. i love my job and am presently going on my third season with Matt and Rachel. I hope to see you roll up in our sick vans for a great time.

Rachelle

Here's a little something about me: I love hiking steep mountains, eating handfuls of fresh blueberries, and enjoying gorgeous sunny days. I'm always up for an impromptu dance party and I can never stop smiling. Seriously. Challenge me to a straight-face contest—you'll win. I grew up in beautiful Juneau, AK and have spent the last three winters at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington. After next year when I graduate with a degree in Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology, I'm hoping to travel the world looking for adventure. I'm so excited to see you on the zipline!

Zach

I'm a small-town Montana guy with a big love of the outdoors. I've just graduated from Montana State University with a degree in Construction Engineering and with my freedom from the classroom I'm looking to do some world traveling and adventure seeking. So come on by and I'll be happy to share a zipline experience with you.

Lisa

I was born and raised in Boulder, Colorado. I developed a love for the ocean in elementary school, mostly as a result of seeing the IMAX movie “The Living Seas.” After graduating from the University of Miami with a dual major in Marine Science and Biology, I moved straight to Juneau, Alaska. I am currently finishing a masters degree in Fisheries Science at the University of Alaska Fairbanks — Juneau Campus School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences. In my free time I enjoy being outside: skiing, hiking, cycling, camping, fishing, rock climbing, and kayaking. When it’s dark and rainy, I like to read, knit, and watch movies (except scary ones). Eventually, I'd like to be involved in science education for elementary school students.

Todd

'Sup! My name is Todd Wilde. I am a native southern Californian but most of the year you can find me in Utah working on my exercise science degree at Brigham Young University. When I'm not studying for the next big test, I love to get outside to ride bikes, hike, and do any kind of "boarding" (snow, wake, long, etc.). There's an adventure for every season. Put it on the calendar; I'm down. When you get people together to do something they enjoy, there's an excitement that I can't get enough of. Come check out AZA. I'll see you there.

William

I was raised in Ashland, Oregon, a small town nestled in a sun filled valley next to the Siskiyou National Forest. My childhood was spent between the Pacific N.W. and Central Mexico and consisted of summer escapades through the trees, playing the violin and kicking soccer balls. I graduated from Lewis and Clark College after studying International Relations and took this fascination on tour where I made Spain, Scotland, New Zealand and Finland home at various stages in my 20's. Along the way, Alaska. I have been lucky enough to experience six of our seven continents (with the exception of Antarctica) and I believe that S.E. Alaska represents one of the most beautiful natural environments on earth. I have also come to value social and environmental issues, which attracted me to Alaska Zipline Adventures. I look forward to the certification of the company as an "eco-tour" with Sustainable Travel International. My work experience has varied from tourism management and strategic marketing to refugee relocation and installing wind turbines in the highlands of Scotland. Currently, I am completing my masters thesis for a degree in Corporate Environmental Management, in Economics and Business from a university in Finland. My free time is consumed with hiking, camping, meditation and electronic music composition.

Sara

My name is Sara Wilbur and I was born and raised in Fairbanks, Alaska in the beautiful Tanana Valley. Growing up in such a gorgeous area I spent much of my childhood going on snowy adventures, canoeing, hiking, fly fishing, and skiing. After high school I left Alaska and now hold a bachelor's degree in Biology from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington. In the fall of 2009 I studied Tropical Ecology and Conservation in Monteverde, Costa Rica, where I took a spin on my first zipline. I was instantly hooked and can't wait to share my love of it with you! Some important things to know about me: I've played violin on three continents, I adore sloths, and I can't seem to stop eating pistachios.

Debbie

My name is Debbie Leamer and I love Juneau and all the opportunity for adventure—walks at the glacier, exploring tide pools at the beach, hiking to amazing places, cross country and downhill skiing, bike riding, whale watching and zipping! I’ve lived in Juneau since 2nd grade, married a man who was once in my 4th grade class, received a degree in communications from Western Washington University, traveled through Europe and parts of the US, taught pre-k/kindergarten, raised a family and now work for state government. I also coach gymnastics. My recent motto is “Be brave, try new things, work hard and have fun doing it!”

Davy

I was born in Brazil and grew up in rural Western Tennessee. In college I studied music, and I enjoy listening to and playing a wide range of musical styles. I love being outside and exploring new places. During my two years in Fairbanks, I learned that Alaska is a truly amazing place, and I can't wait to spend the summer in Juneau. Some of my favorite pastimes include hiking, rock climbing, anything involving chocolate or bacon, and learning how to play the G chord on mandolin.

Josh

Hey everyone! My name is Josh Scott and here’s a little bit about me: I’ve lived my entire life just south of Boston in the tiny town of Norwell. This year I graduated from Providence College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. I will probably end up working in the Boston area, but for now I wanted to go out and see some of the corners of this country that I’ve only ever read about. My mom’s family is all from New Hampshire and my dad’s is from Cape Cod, so I guess you could say I had the best of both worlds growing up – some of East’s best slopes in the winter up in NH and relaxing on the gorgeous beaches down on the Cape every summer. My experiences growing up have left me with a huge passion for any kind of outdoor activity, especially biking, boating, skiing and hiking. Can’t wait to meet you soon and show you what Alaska Zipline Adventures is all about!

Scott

Hey, everyone! Glad you decided to join us this season for an unforgettable zipline adventure! My name is Scott Haney, and I was born and raised in Gulfport, Mississippi. I am a recent graduate of The University of Southern Mississippi, where I studied small business management and entrepreneurship. I love to laugh and enjoy every second of each day – so chances are that you’ll catch me with a smile on my face. The outdoors is where I want to be, and I am always up for a bike ride, hike, or relaxing in my hammock. I’m a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to hobbies – freelance graphic designer, aspiring chef, potter, handyman, recreational Ultimate Frisbee player, second-rate sewing machine operator, and newfound guitarist. Also, I say “y’all” and like to eat spoonfuls of natural peanut butter. That’s about it for me… I can’t wait to hear all about you when you visit us this season!

Tim

Hey, my name Tim. I'm an Arizona desert rat at heart but super excited to be returning to work in Alaska. After getting degrees in Environmental Science as well as Non-Profit Management, I ventured out to the East coast to work but still yearned to get closer to some real mountains. Even after spending multiple years in the Zip-Line and Ropes Course industry, I get excited every day I get to share the experience with someone new! When not working, I'm either rock climbing, kayaking, or cooking up some tasty seafood dinner.

Zuriel

Hello everyone! My name is Zuriel Ebron but everyone calls me Z (Yes. Just the letter). I was born and raised in beautiful Juneau, AK. I moved down to Oregon for school and graduated with a digital arts degree at the University of Oregon. I love Alaska, the outdoors, and all that it offers. It doesn't get much better then ziplining with our guests through the forest as a summer job. Now get up here and let’s have a good time.

David

Hows it going? My name is David House and I am originally from Anchorage Alaska. I just moved to Juneau at the end of last year. I came to Juneau to pursue a Marine Biology at UAS and I can't wait to do more scuba diving here. The scenery and opportunities for outdoor activities are quite spectacular here,just biking around town is a treat. Alaska is such an incredible place, and Juneau has it all. Beautiful scenery, great people, and the wildlife! It is just spectacular! You can be sure that if I see you on the tour I will say hi and make sure you have a great experience. See you then!

Andrew

Hey I’m Andrew Duy and I’m a T-loc. That’s area slang for a Tucson local. I was born and raised there where the west is still wild, and am currently studying Agribusiness Economics at the University of Arizona. Bear Down! In my free time I enjoy riding my quad, hiking to swimming holes, snowboarding, shooting pool, working out. This summer is my first time in Alaska but I’m here where it’s cool, and all my friends back home are melting in the 108 degree Tucson heat. If you’re up in Juneau and are looking for a good time, come zip lining with me and I’ll show you the ropes.

Meghan

Hey, I’m Meghan. I live here in Juneau – a born and raised Alaskan. My passion is my home and all that comes with it – the intensity, the outdoors, the adventure… there’s always something epic happening. Besides Alaska, I love to travel (surprise, surprise) and paint. This fall I am headed to UAS to pursue a degree in the undecided…we’ll see how that works out. I hope to see you here, so that we may have a smashing good time.

Ken

Hey, my name is Ken. I am 20 years old and I am currently a student at Southern Oregon University pursuing a degree in Business. In the winters I ski as much as I can. When I can, I also love to go rock climbing. I grew up in Juneau, and can't wait to return! See you out there!

Katie

Hey everyone! My name is Katie and I was raised in Juneau, AK. I love hiking, fishing, swimming, camping… basically anything outside. This past year I attended the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, GA to pursue Industrial Design, but this fall I will be transferring to Montana State University to pursue a degree in the undecided leaning towards engineering… I love Juneau, and all of its amenities. I’m excited to have a fantastic summer. Are you ready to zip?

Gin

Hi my name is Gin! This will be my first summer in Juneau. In the winter I live in Fairbanks, AK working on my Masters in Music at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. I sing opera! I also love hiking, soccer (Yay for 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa!), running marathons, cooking, drinking mochas and the color red! I am super excited to be spending the summer wearing rain boots and working for Alaska Zipline Adventures!

Shanel

Hello fellow adventure seekers! My name is Shanel Taylor. I am originally from SF bay area but wandered north and found home in Portland Oregon. While in the beautiful northwest I acquired my Private Pilot's license and am currently working towards my Commercial license and a degree in aviation science. If I find time to leave the forrest this summer I will hopefully get a bit of time in a float plane soaring over the islands. I keep my eyes, my heart and my mind always open, ready for the next jump. I've always had a curious love for Alaska, and after visiting this past spring I was dead set on coming back. I like to work hard and play even harder, so what a better place than Juneau! I am an avid mountain biker and spend most of my days hitting the trails. I 'm eager to roam the open Alaskan country, and zip the canopy with all of you!

Andrea

Let's see... My name is Andrea Doerflinger (or Andi, whichever you prefer!) and I'm a 3rd year guide here at AZA. I grew up here inJuneau and I absolutely love it! I love being able to walk out my front door and catch a fish. I don't know many other places you can do that! I'm currently a sophomore at the University of Puget Sound, where I'm majoring in Natural Science with an emphasis in Chemistry and also pitch for their Division 3 college softball team.
If you have questions about me then you should probably come visit the zipline and ask me yourself!!! Hope to see you out here soon!

Ciela

Hi everybody! I was lucky enough to be born and raised in beautiful Juneau, Alaska. I think it was growing up in this wild state that gave me a taste for adventure! The past several years I have seen much of the “lower 48”, exploring dance and art throughout the country. My travels have at times taken me through Asia, Central America, and the South Pacific, and while each place that I’ve been has its own unique beauty, I feel so lucky to have grown up in Southeast Alaska. It’s the warm people, the fresh weather and the wild land that keep me coming back. Well, that and the fish, of course! I get excited to share Alaska with people, so come on up to the Zipline and get an eagle-eye view of one of my favorite places on the planet!