Small World Adventures, which runs uber-sweet kayaking trips in Ecuador from its lodge on the banks of the Quijos River, is entering a new chapter with the sale of Small World and Cabanas Tres Rios lodge to Guy Erb, of Spokane, Wash. Erb plans on joining the SWA team for the 2012/2013 season and is leaving the structure of the staff, trips and logistics the same. Having been there to sample its first-class whitewater wares, PL checks in…
“SWA plans to continue business as usual,” says SWA’s Darcy Gaechter. “We’re looking at this as the beginning, not the end, of an era. Don, Larry and I are all planning on staying on in our current rolls leading trips, running the office and doing everything else that it takes to make Small World’s kayaking trips so special.”
Erb, meanwhile, is equally ecstatic. “I can hardly express how excited I am to be involved with Small World Adventures and the incredible crew that makes it all possible,” he says. “I’m looking forward to the challenges and immense rewards of providing world class trips here in Ecuador and to the friendships forged there. This is just an amazing time for Small World Adventures and I hope that everyone can join us for a trip soon.”
For company founder Larry Vermeeren, the move made sense. “Part of my personal mission statement for SWA was to someday pass it on to someone looking for the lifestyle that I have found so rewarding for my past twenty eight years of guiding,” he says. “Last season and this January, I had the opportunity to kayak and travel in Ecuador with Guy and found his enthusiasm and priorities refreshing and his commitment to quality to be in line with what we have always striven for. I think he not only will find what he is searching for but will also be a great asset to SWA and our guests. One other part of my mission statement is to stay guiding and paddling these rivers that I love for a long time and I’m thrilled that Guy wants me here into the future.”
Longtime guide and partner Don Beveridge shares Vermeeren’s enthusiasm on the sale and future scope for Small World. “I’ve shared Larry’s goal of making Small World Adventures a quality company, a great way of life, and something we can be proud to pass on to someone else,” he says. But I don’t want to leave yet…guiding trips in Ecuador is still my passion and I’m thrilled to welcome Guy to the family and to keep on working with him and SWA into the future.”
For more info, visit www.smallworldadventures.com
