Sara & Dustin

President & CEO of RER

A water lover from an early age, Sara sat in her first kayak at 5 years old. After begging and being told she was too small, her journey with the Kern River would continue at the age of 7 when she started taking kayak lessons with the Kern River Alliance (KRA). She hasn’t grown much since then, but it was with KRA and her dad’s coaching that she fell in love with the sport of whitewater kayaking and the Kern River. Over the years, Sara became an avid competitive slalom kayaker winning the Sierra Cup Championship series, placing 4th in the Junior Olympics, and competing in multiple national championships.

Sara started working for River’s End Rafting in 2009 as a raft guide and kayak instructor while completing her BS in Physical Education & Kinesiology at CSUB. It was the perfect job for a life long river lover. And, with the help of RER’s amazing previous owner, Dingo, who took her under his wing, she learned all of the valuable skills to manage and eventually take over the company.

Dustin began his love of the Kern River at a young age as well, growing up fishing and camping with his family. He grew up and fell in love with Sara, who showed him a whole new way to appreciate the Mighty Kern.. and the rest is history!

Sara and Dustin’s goal is to spread their passion for the Kern River and to provide everyone who joins RER on the river the best experience possible. By providing customers with a safe and entertaining trip down the river, they hope their RER experience will make rafters want to return again and again. Nothing makes them happier than sharing this precious section of river with adventure seekers, and helping people create amazing and lasting memories.