Red Apex Rafting logo

Meet the Family

About Apex Rafting

Embark on an adventure of a lifetime with Apex Rafting Company, a local family-run business that’s been guiding thrill-seekers through the wild rapids of southeastern British Columbia since 1993. Led by the dynamic duo of Ralph and Debbie Koerber, Apex Rafting promises an unforgettable experience on the Illecillewaet River.

Apex Rafting founders Ralph and Debbie Koerber

Debbie and Ralph Koerber: A local family-run business

Ralph got his start in the rafting world as a bus driver and guide-in-training in the 1980s, honing his skills on the Toby Creek and the Kicking Horse, Kootenay, and White Rivers. Ralph spent the next several summers guiding on the Kicking Horse River, with brief stints on other rivers like the Ottawa and Gauley. It was during this time that he met Debbie, who was working as a photographer on the Kicking Horse.

apex rafting family

30 years of rafting the Illecillewaet River

In 1993, Ralph and Debbie decided to make their dream of running their own rafting company a reality and moved to Revelstoke, BC.

They started Apex Rafting with just a van and a boat, but through their hard work and dedication, they’ve grown the business into a beloved institution in the community. Ralph has led over 1500 trips on the Illecillewaet River, and Debbie captures the beauty of the river through her camera lens.

The Koerbers are not just business partners but also a family, and they’re proud to have raised their children in the community they love. Their son Matthew is a kayaker, daughter Tayla is a river guide, and youngest daughter Josi helps manage the office and joins her dad on the river.

Join the Apex Rafting family and discover the beauty of the Illecillewaet River with the experts who have been sharing it with adventurers from around the world for over two decades!

Meet the Family

About Apex Rafting

Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with Apex Rafting, a local, family-run business that’s been guiding thrill-seekers through the wild rapids of southeastern British Columbia since 1993. Led by expert river guides Ralph and Debbie Koerber, Apex Rafting has brought countless memorable experiences to thrill-seekers over the last three decades.

Apex Rafting founders Ralph and Debbie Koerber

Debbie and Ralph Koerber: A local, family-run business

Ralph got his start in the rafting world as a bus driver and guide-in-training in the 1980s, honing his skills on the Toby Creek and the Kicking Horse, Kootenay, and White Rivers. Ralph spent the next several summers guiding on the Kicking Horse River, with brief stints on other rivers like the Ottawa and Gauley. It was during this time that he met Debbie, who was working as a photographer on the Kicking Horse.

Apex Rafting founders the Koerber family

30 years of rafting the Illecillewaet River

In 1993, Ralph and Debbie decided to make their dream of running their own rafting company a reality and moved to Revelstoke, BC.

They started Apex Rafting with just a van and a boat, but through their hard work and dedication, they’ve grown the business into a beloved institution in the community. Ralph has led over 1500 trips on the Illecillewaet River, and Debbie captures the beauty of the river through her camera lens.

The Koerbers are not just business partners but also a family, and they’re proud to have raised their children in the community they love. Their son Matthew is a kayaker, daughter Tayla is a river guide, and youngest daughter Josi helps manage the office and often joins her dad on the river.

Be a part of the Apex Rafting family and discover the beauty of the Illecillewaet River with experts who have been sharing it with adventurers for over 30 years!

Get to know us

Meet the team

Meet the team at Apex Rafting, a group of experienced and enthusiastic whitewater rafters ready to take you on the adventure of a lifetime. Our guides are certified in swift water rescue and first aid and have a deep understanding and love for the Illecillewaet River. Ralph and Debbie Koerber lead the team and have 30+ years of experience in the industry.

Ralph & Debbie Koerber

In 1993, Ralph and Debbie moved to Revelstoke, BC and started Apex Rafting on the Illecillewaet River.

Tayla Koerber

Tayla is a born and raised river kid, having grown up on the banks of the Illecillewaet with her sister and brother.

Josi Koerber

Jo is a born and raised Revelstokian and shares the same love for the whitewater as the rest of her family!

Danny LeBlanc

Danny started guiding with Apex over 10 years ago and is now our Operations Manager.

Luke Laurin

Luke traded the warm waters of Ontario for the glacier fed rivers of British Columbia.

Samuel Laberge

Sam is moving into his 8th season as a raft guide since catching the whitewater bug back in 2016.

Matthew Forth

Matthew grew up immersed in the world of whitewater rafting, thanks to his father, who founded APEX.

Jason Day

Jason was born in Switzerland, grew up in Texas, and now lives in Canada. Yes, that means he’s got three different passports!

Alexi Mostert

Alexi is Revelstoke local and is new to rafting! She is currently studying tourism management with the goal of working in adventure tourism.

Nick Studer

Nick is originally from Toronto but moved to BC for its whitewater and big mountains.

Graeme Campbell

Graeme is an Ontario born water lover! He moved out to British Columbia to enjoy his summers rafting.

Dylan Murray

Dylan is born and raised Albertan beef but moved out to BC for the mountains and rivers.

Jaffra Markotic

After growing up ski racing in the Badlands of Alberta the call of deep pow skiing brought Jaffra to Revelstoke.

Ekko

Ekko is the youngest member of the Apex team.

Big Wave Dave

Big Wave Dave loves the great outdoors, strawberry tops, and his brother Eddy.

Fast Eddy

Fast Eddy has been a trusty employee for 4 strong years now working along side his brother, Dave.

Ready to start your adventure?