Dave Spillman

Where am I from:

I was born in Denver, Colorado, but moved to Prescott, Arizona when I was 4. I currently live in Flagstaff, Arizona with my Wonderful Wife and my Two amazing Daughters.

How I got int River Running:

I was brought into River Running at an early age, somewhere around 5 or 6 years old. My father, sister, and I would often run the lower Colorado, from Diamond Creek to Pearce Ferry, and the San Juan River several times a year. In my teens, I got to do several trips on various rivers in the South West with Prescott College. When I was 19, I got the opportunity to "swamp" a trip for Grand Canyon Expeditions, and have never left. 

My Favorite Stop on the River:

My favorite stop on the river is that first lunch stop, wherever that might be. This is where the trip begins, you have your group away from the distractions of the rim world, and you begin to see what might unfold, it's the beginning of the adventure. I'm getting excited just thinking about it!

My Favorite Rapid:

It is so hard to pick a favorite rapid, it depends on so many variables, is it hot, is it cold, what is the water level? On a hot day, with the river at 19-20,000 CFS it would be Hermit, without a doubt. I also really like the rapid in the Little Colorado, there is always a magic that happens there, it is like the fountain of youth. 

Fun Fact:

I have had an incredible life and the most important things that I have learned... I learned on the River.