In 1986, Ralph started working as a bus driver and guide-in-training for a rafting company on Toby Creek, the Kicking Horse, Kootenay, and White Rivers. He spent the next seven summers guiding on the Kicking Horse River, with some stints away on the Ottawa River, the Reventazon and Pacuare Rivers in Costa Rica, and the Gauley River in West Virginia.

Not long after, Ralph found his Mountain Mama. In 1993, Ralph and Debbie moved to Revelstoke, BC and started Apex Rafting on the Illecillewaet River. After over 29 years on the “Illy”, Ralph has led over 1500 trips, many of which he shared with fellow adventurers from around the world. Ralph and Debbie consider themselves lucky to have raised a family and live in a community that supports their love for the river.