An Educational Provider For:
Mission: To advance whitewater community standards by providing world-class training opportunities with expert-driven, immersive skill development that is tailored to the personal readiness and ability of each individual.
Family Values & River Stewardship
Appalachian Guidance was founded by Jeff Cogle. He and and his son, Shane Cogle, both grew up and live near the beautiful Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Their lives have largely been guided by the teachings of the rivers of Appalachia, along with the rivers’ rich history, and the vast surrounding natural world that the rivers are a part of. With great pride, Appalachian Guidance was founded to share the many lessons learned from time with water and to be a welcoming resource for all.
“We treat the river like it’s home… because it is!”
Jeff Cogle
Lead Instructor
ACA Level 5 Rafting Instructor Trainer
ACA Level 4 Whitewater Kayak Instructor
ACA Level 4 Swiftwater Rescue Instructor
Jeff has dedicated his life to whitewater skill development and safety. His passion began at an early age while watching boaters paddle down the Shenandoah River, near his home. His fascination with the beauty and flow of the river led him to dream of becoming a skilled whitewater professional. At the early age of 16, that dream began to unfold when he became a commercial raft guide. The following year, he became a raft guide trainer and an instructor for an outdoor summer school program teaching kayaking, rafting, and canoeing.
Over the last 35 years, Jeff has continued to train guides on the Shenandoah, Potomac, New, and Gauley Rivers. His passion for teaching was taken to a new level when he created Appalachian Guidance in 2022.
As a true, life-long devoted expert, Jeff is now honored to be a core member of the American Canoe Association (ACA) Rafting Discipline Committee, working behind-the-scenes to advance guidelines and standards for whitewater professionals worldwide.
Shane Cogle
Instructor Assistant & Instructor In Training
Shane’s boating journey began in a raft and kayak at age one. Most of his childhood days were spent living at an adventure resort near the New and Gauley Rivers in West Virginia, where enjoying time on the river was a part of daily life. He has also had the opportunity to boat outside of the U.S, in Canada and Thailand. In 2024 he was able to attend the three week Keeners kayaking program on the Ottawa River in Canada. Also that year he was able to achieve what he considers to be his biggest boating accomplishment by kayaking the entire Grand Canyon of the Colorado River at age 13.
Community Feedback:
Sarah K. - Columbia, MD - Swift Water Rescue Intro and L4, Kayaking Intro and Skill Building, Rowing Intro and Skill Building, Rafting Intro
“I’ve taken most of Jeff’s courses at least once. They are all fun, supportive, well-paced, organized, and rich with practical info that has enhanced my boating tremendously. With multiple (unrelated) injuries holding back my progress, his teachings have helped me to develop the confidence on the water that I really needed.”
Dana W. - Kids 5 Day Summer Day Camp
“He is an excellent teacher, great with kids, and has a lot of great knowledge to share”
Josie A. - Plano, TX - Rowing Skill Building 4 Day Campout at the New
“ Best week ever! “
D. River - Swift Water Rescue Intro and L4
“Jeff’s classes are awesome.”
Elizabeth S. - Swift Water Rescue Intro and L4
“Thank you Jeff Cogle for all of the prep work and time spent on your weekend to teach us all the important stuff (or at least, as much as our brains could handle) for swiftwater rescue on the Shenandoah. It was awesome.”
Contact:
Interested in getting on the water?
Send us a message and we will be in touch shortly. We look forward to hearing from you!