In the latest film by Director Dana Romanoff, About Damn Time: The Dory Women of Grand Canyon, viewers are introduced to a powerhouse group of women river guides from OARS who are redefining what leadership, grit, and community look like on the water. These women aren’t just steering boats—they’re steering change, honoring decades of history while carving out space for the next generation. 

From seasoned pioneers like Cindell Dale, whose dory has run more rapids than most guides dream of, to rising stars like Mary Kruse, whose passion for people and rivers shines through every trip, each guide featured in the film brings a unique story to the current. Meet the remarkable women behind the oars.

Cindell Dale — Started Guiding: 1983

Cindell “Dellie” Dale is a pioneering river guide whose legacy is etched into the currents of the Colorado River and the heart of Grand Canyon. Since embarking on her first commercial river trip in the early 1980s, Dellie has become one of OARS’ most respected dory guides.

Now based in Colorado, Cindell was introduced to river life through her husband, Roger Dale, and the extended Dale family, who began their careers with Martin Litton’s Grand Canyon Dories. Her initial role as an assistant cook on Grand Canyon trips was one of the few avenues available to women at the time. Cindell’s determination and skill propelled her from the kitchen to the oars, where she has since logged over 40 seasons navigating the canyon’s formidable rapids. She’s rowed her favorite dory, the Ticaboo, for more than 25 years, and looks forward to passing on the oars someday.

“Besides my husband, the Ticaboo is my soulmate,” Cindell says in About Damn Time. “She’s my best friend. She has a soul. Her spirit is as hardheaded as I am…My hope for the Ticaboo is that she gets passed on to a person who has the same desire, tenacity, confidence that I did.”

Beyond the river, Cindell is a farmer, rancher, and co-owner of Fenceline Cider, working alongside her husband in their hot glass studio. Her multifaceted life reflects a blend of artistry, adventure, and a commitment to paving the way for future generations of river guides.

Ashley Brown — Started Guiding: 2008

For Ashley Tennyson Brown, guiding rivers isn’t just a profession—it’s a family tradition and a lifelong calling.

Raised in Jensen, Utah, Ashley grew up immersed in the rhythms of the river. Her mother was a Grand Canyon guide, and her parents later directed the river program at Colorado Outward Bound School. With aunts, uncles and cousins being river runners, it’s no surprise that Ashley found her own path on the water.

Since joining OARS in 2008, Ashley has become a seasoned guide on some of the West’s most iconic rivers, including the Colorado, Salmon, and Snake. Her favorite aspect of guiding is witnessing guests connect with nature and each other, often forming bonds that last well beyond the trip. Ashley cherishes the moments when people open up on the river, embracing the simplicity and beauty of the outdoors.

Off the river, Ashley’s adventurous spirit continues. Now based in Crested Butte, Colorado, she spends her winters as a ski patroller. An avid mountain biker, dirt biker, hiker, skier, ice hockey player, and snowmobiler, Ashley thrives in the mountains but holds a special place in her heart for the desert landscapes of Escalante Grand Staircase National Monument.

A fun fact about Ashley: she carries a pirate rubber ducky named J-Dub (after John Wesley Powell) on every Grand Canyon trip. This lucky charm has become her trusted companion through countless rapids. And when it comes to gear, Ashley swears by her versatile skirts—ideal for sun protection, chafe-free hiking, and cozy mornings in Idaho.

Andrea Mikus —Started Guiding: 2009

Dory guide Andrea Mikus is a force of nature behind the oars, navigating big, pushy water on both the wild Chilko River in British Columbia and Arizona’s Colorado River through Grand Canyon. Her calm under pressure, sharp instincts, and steady strength make her the kind of guide you want in your boat when the current kicks up.

But Andrea’s chase for adventure doesn’t stop with the shift of the seasons. When the snow starts to fall, she heads to the mountains around Nelson, BC, where she swaps river shoes for ski boots to guide heli-ski trips in technical alpine terrain.

Andrea’s talent as a musician adds a touch of warmth and soul to the campfire circle. The long stretches of wilderness and time away from home fuel her country-infused songwriting. On Grand Canyon dory trips, it’s not uncommon to hear her singing with a guitar in hand under a blanket of stars.

Caroline Doyle — Started Guiding: 2018

Caroline Doyle isn’t just guiding trips—she’s crafting experiences that blend adrenaline, empowerment, and joy.

Since joining OARS in 2018, Caroline has become a beloved figure on Idaho’s iconic rivers, including the Middle Fork Salmon, Main Salmon, Snake, and Lower Salmon. Her approach combines technical expertise with a flair for fun—think glitter on big rapid days and a costume bag that’s always within reach.

Originally from Santa Fe, New Mexico, Caroline’s passion for the outdoors ignited during a freshman orientation backpacking trip through the Ansel Adams Wilderness. This experience set her on a path of exploration and leadership in wild places. Beyond the river, she’s a skilled backcountry ski guide and avalanche educator, splitting her winters between Idaho and Colorado.

Caroline’s commitment to fostering inclusive outdoor spaces shines through her involvement in initiatives like Babes Outside, where she empowers participants to build confidence and skills in a supportive, all-female environment. Her guiding philosophy is rooted in creating moments of connection—whether it’s sharing stories under the stars or encouraging someone through their first rapid.

Mary Kruse — Started Guiding: 2018

The youngest member of the About Damn Time cast, Kansas native Mary Kruse grew up rowing the Arkansas River and is now guiding some of the West’s most iconic rivers, including the Colorado and Green. She brings a guest-focused approach and a big smile to every trip. 

“If you’re on my boat in the canyon you can expect lots of water fights, singing, canyon interp, and worshipping both the munchy holes and beautiful glassy waves as we drop into big hits!” she says.

Since transitioning into guiding full time in 2022, she has earned a reputation for her skills and a deep respect for the river community. Her admiration for dories and the history they represent is clear. “They’re the ballerinas of the whitewater world,” Mary says in the film.  

Mary represents a new generation of women guides who are shaping the future of river running. She honors the legacy of the women who paved the way before her while building her own path in the industry. As seen in About Damn Time, a wrist injury temporarily sidelined her from rowing, but as of 2025 she’s back in the Grand Canyon guiding commercial trips. Her wrist is back to 100 percent, she says. 

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In addition to his work as the Digital Marketing & Foundation Coordinator for OARS, Guest contributor Dylan Silver is a California-based freelance journalist and photographer specializing in outdoor recreation and water photography. He has chased waves on the edges of remote Indonesian islands, climbed snowy mountains in California’s Sierra Nevada and sailed across the Pacific in a 37-foot sailboat. The natural world is his playground, sanctuary and passion. Find more of his work at DylanSilver.com.

Photography courtesy of Dana Romanoff.