First Adventure guide bio's!

A.J. Dudek

Estes Park, CO

Fly-Fishing Guide

A.J. Dudek grew up in N.E. Wisconsin where he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time in Creation. Originally learning how to fish with worms and spinners, A.J. moved out to Colorado where he started learning the art of fly angling. Fly-fishing became a true passion and the next few years were spent teaching and guiding in Durango, CO and Estes Park, CO. Working in fly shops all over the country has allowed A.J. to become an accomplished guide, fly tier, and educator. His first love is trout, but A.J. enjoys fishing for river small mouth, carp, steelhead, and is hoping to get into some saltwater angling. A graduate of Moody Bible Institute, and a newly wed, A.J. and his wife Jen and pup Stryder now reside in Estes Park, CO. Being the founder/director of First Adventure, A.J. is hoping to see the business grow and expand nationally at some point.

Matt Gaither

Moscow, ID

Backpacking

A recent graduate of the University of Idaho's English program, Matt Gaither has been guiding backpacking trips in the Weminuche Wilderness of Colorado for the past four summers for Kanakuk Kamps and The Expedition. Between school and jobs as a farmer, projectionist, and carpenter he has enjoyed opportunities to explore the Northwest that he has called home for the past six years, as well as two trips to southern Utah's canyon country. Most recently, Matt has visited the Eagle Cap Wilderness in Oregon, the North Cascades, the Oregon Coast, and Mount Rainier. Matt currently resides in Moscow, ID.

Shannon Benton

Estes Park,CO

Climbing

A true Colorado native, Shannon Benton has been climbing and in search of some of the best bouldering, and top roping routes in the country. Having climbed with some great professionals, Shannon has established himself as one of the top bouldering athletes in the country. Having traveled from Kentucky to Texas to climb, Shannon has experienced a lot of the best climbing this country has to offer. Currently Shannon is sponsored by Mad Rock and was invited to be a judge at one of the largest climbing competitions in the country. His experience as a climber, teacher, and trainer makes Shannon a great asset to First Adventure. His love for Christ and sense of humor can make for a great day on the rock. Shannon will be joined by our youngest guide Joseph Weissmen who has become a great climber and has experienced climbing and bouldering in New Zealand, Australia, and of course the mountains of Colorado.

RMNP yields some great fish this week.

From guide trips to fishing with buddies, this week has been great fishing and it seems that the summer season is under way in the park. Purple San Juan worms under a hopper or smaller dry fly is the hot set up. The waters are still high in the park and I'm guessing that it will continue for the next two weeks or so. Enjoy the new pics and get outside!

Thanks,

A.J.

Moody and I on the river!

This morning I took a good buddy out fishing. Christopher Moody is a first time fly-fisherman and caught his first trout today on Glacier Creek. He landed three fish! Christopher caught two brook trout and one brown. We fished for about three hours and had a blast. Way to go bro!

Thanks for the good morning,

A.J.

Fathers Day Message

Most of us who are passionate about the outdoors have been introduced to them by our fathers. On this father's day, I would truly encourage you to think about your father (or others) who have taken the time to be patient and teach you the ways of the river, the deer stand, or the bird dog. Without my father's hand in my life, I would not be involved in what I do on a daily basis. Growing up, my dad took me fishing and hunting. These times were cornerstones and I'm grateful to have a father who was dedicated to taking me out into Creation. This summer my father will come out and fish with me and I'm pumped to enjoy our Father's Creation with my earthly father. Thanks dad for all you do and I look forward to our time together in the mountains!

Thanks,

A.J.

Present home of First Adventure

Over this past year I have been in discussion with Ravencrest Chalet (Bible training school and retreat center, part of Torchbearers International in Estes Park, CO). First Adventure and Ravencrest will be doing business together and we both hope that this marriage will be a good one for years to come. During the summer months, the school holds week-long camps for youth groups from all over the country. The space is available for First Adventure to house and feed their clients and provide them with their own curriculum. It has been a blessing to find a home for First Adventure in Colorado and we look forward to continuing our relationship with the school.

A.J.

First climbing of the season!

Last weekend, friends of First Adventure did some climbing together. With the guidance of quality friend, and guide; Shannon Benton (sponsored by Mad Rock), we climbed some great landscapes and experienced some fun spring weather. Jen and I had the chance to learn some new things and meet some new people. Climbing is a new aspect of the outdoors for me, and I can see how it keeps you coming back again and again. First Adventure is hoping to do some great climbing this summer and through our teachers and guides, we hope to plan some neat destination trips as well. Enjoy the photos and thanks Shannon!

Appleton Alliance is coming out in four weeks! The excitement grows and we are so thankful for what God is doing in our neck of the woods.

Thanks,

A.J.

Pro Staff Companies

Over the past five years, I have had the great opportunity to build relationships with some truly great outdoor companies. By selling and using equipment produced by these companies I've established a pro staff relationship with them for First Adventure. One of our main goals is to provide our clients with quality gear so that they are comfortable and successful on our outings. I look forward to the future relationships I will be able to build within the industry. These companies are excited about First Adventures future and I'm dedicated to pushing their various products that we use. Off to the right are the companies logos who we have had the pleasure working with over this past year.

On another note, it's snowing in Estes and the rivers are as high as I've ever scene them, but we fish on and enjoy the days that God provides.

Thanks, Aj

Summer is here !

As the days grow longer and the rivers rise, my excitement grows for spending more and more time outside. Today a client and I headed up into RMNP to fish for the native Greenback Cutthroat. We had huge success and it was great to see how these trout have populated and regained resident status in our local waters. I have yet to post some pictures of our new puppy, so enjoy both and I'm looking forward to First Adventures first official trip this July! God is good and get outside and stretch a line or take a hike. Thanks, Aj