The staff consists of local men and women who are extremely experienced in Alaskan back country travel with expertise in the study of local natural history, marine biology, botany, the fisheries, education and adventure writing. Founding members and team leaders Marcee Gray and Billy Day combine to provide over 40 years of experience exploring Alaska's wilderness. Instructors Kiki Abrahamson, Tim Daugherty, Peter Thielke, and Toby Wheeler add another 70 combined years of skiing, climbing, rafting, paddling and pedaling across Alaska. Yes, they are older than dirt, but they're also tougher than stone.
Safety is a primary point of emphasis.
All GDA staff members carry current first aid and CPR cards. Each group receives emergency first aid, kayak safety, and rescue training prior to embarking on the adventures. Born in 1957, he developed a thirst for adventure at an early age. Billy's grandfathers spent their lives exploring Alaska's wilderness from St. Lawrence Island in the 1940's to the Prince William Sound in the 1970's. His boyhood was spent surrounded by longtime Alaskan adventurers, many of whom he still accompanies on their outings.