Mike Odberg | Founder | Lead Guide
Mike Odberg has been sharing his passion for the wilderness for over a decade with youth and adults. The Duluth native took his first trip into the Boundary Waters in 1982, and thus began a lifelong love for exploring creation. In the late 1990's, Mike made his most important quest, discovering and accepting Jesus as his Lord and Savior.
Mike is trained faithfully to enhance his wilderness leadership and risk management skills. He has received Top-Rope Management training for rock climbing through the American Mountain Guides Association, and the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. In 1999, he completed a month long leadership training expedition sponsored by the Wilderness Education Association, and he received National Standard Certification in Wilderness Leadership.
Mike has completed sea kayak training through the American Canoe Association, and also teaches sea kayaking for the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. He is certified as a Wilderness First Responder through the Wilderness Medical Association and he is a certified lifeguard. Mike has recieved the ACA Coastal (Sea)/ Kayak instructors certification(www.acanet.org) He received his Masters degree in Physical Education through the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with an emphasis in outdoor and adventure education. Mike will guide your group with a passion for Christ, wilderness, adventure, and your safety.
Byron Selbrede | Guide
Byron Selbrede returns to Ascending Adventures as a volunteer guide. He is also serves on the Board of Directors for Ascending Adventures. Byron is a American Canoe Association (ACA) Certified Whitewater Open Canoe Instructor, teaching canoeing for over 25 years. He has medical training from both Medic First Aid Trainiong Programs of America and Wilderness Emergency Medicine offered by Solo. In years past, he taught American Red Cross Lifesaving Courses. He is an active member of Bethel Lutheran Church (ELCA). He has been an active leader in the Boy Scout movement for over 50 years, presently serving as Venture Crew Advisor, Assistant Scoutmaster, and other volunteer positions. He and his wife, Delores, live in Superior.
