Team

Andrew Laughlin has owned Tahoe City Kayak since 2005, and has personally guided tens of thousands of customers on Lake Tahoe, Lake Placid and Lake Champlain throughout his kayaking career. He has completed ACA (American Canoe and Kayak Assoc) Level 2 guide certification, PSIA Level 2 ski instructing certification, National Ski Patrol's Outdoor Emergency Care first aid certification, a Bachelor's Degree in Social Psychology and Adventure Education from the University of Otago in New Zealand, and an MBA and a Masters in Organizational Psychology from Boston College. He lives in Tahoe City and loves sharing his passion for the outdoors with the public. When he's not kayaking, he spends his time teaching his young son about the outdoors, playing saxophone in local bands, and riding his mountain bike or backcountry skiing with his two dogs.

Risa joined Tahoe City Kayak as the Operations Manager in 2024. She is an avid snowboarder, certified adaptive and alpine ski instructor, whitewater raft guide, and volleyball player. She is originally from Georgia where she received her degrees in Cultural Anthropology and Sociology, with a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences and a certificate in African Studies from the University of Georgia. Prior to moving to Tahoe, she served in the Peace Corps as a TEFL English Teacher in Kyrgyzstan. When she’s not hanging out with dogs, she’s out on the water every chance she gets. She is excited to share her love for the water with guests and customers and hopes you get out and enjoy the magic of Tahoe soon!

A big howdy from David! David joined the Tahoe City Kayak team in 2024 as Operations Manager. As a native to California’s Central Valley, David frequents hikes to the Sequoia National park, cliff jumping in Three Rivers, rodeos in Lindsey and going anywhere hosting karaoke nights! A jack of all trades, David formerly held the sous chef position at “La Poubelle” in Hollywood, managed a tow yard, dabbles in the field of entertainment singing at a variety of events, and is an avid photographer (so far his only client has been his dog, Benji) David is a stranger to none, being as welcoming as he is friendly, come on in and say “Hello!”

Hello, I'm Sam, your friendly Beach Manager and outdoor enthusiast based in Lake Tahoe. Originally from England, I made the move to this stunning corner of California seven years ago, drawn by its breathtaking landscapes and endless adventure opportunities.

During the summer months, you'll find me down by the water, managing kayak rentals and ensuring everyone has a blast exploring the lake. When winter rolls around, I trade the paddles for skis and head up to Northstar as a ski coach, sharing my love for the slopes with eager learners.

Off-duty, my passions include skiing (of course!), paddleboarding on serene Tahoe waters, kicking a ball around the soccer field, and diving deep into the realms of Dungeons and Dragons with friends.

I'm dedicated to fostering a welcoming and exciting atmosphere wherever I go, whether it's helping you navigate the best kayak routes or perfecting your turns on the slopes. Let's make the most of every season and share some unforgettable moments along the way!

Si has been paddling all over the world for more than 40 years. He is a Global Educator, Facilitator, Trainer, Coach and Outdoor Guide who has successfully facilitated more than 1,000 experiential programs, trips, expeditions and workshops with adults and youth from over 175 countries and all 50 U.S. States. He holds a current A.C.A. Level 3 (continuing) Coastal Kayak Instructor certification, current Wilderness First Responder and is also certified Paddleboard Instructor. Si loves empowering people of all ages with paddling skills and confidence, and sharing the magic, beauty, and history of Lake Tahoe with our guests. Si has a Masters in Global Education from Harvard University and a Bachelor’s in World Issues from the School for International Training in Vermont. Originally from England and Australia, home is now Tahoe, and his interests include landscaping with a speciality in stonework, skiing, snowshoeing, curling, baking, and designing & building Tiny Homes & Cabins. “I’d love the opportunity to take you out on the water!”