Chase Leal

I cannot thing of anything better than laughing in nature with old and new friends. I’m a first-year white water guide with Kokopelli Rafting. I feel extremely fortunate to “clock-in” and share the stunning Land of Enchantment with visitors and locals alike. I firmly believe you, your friends and family should join in the fun and hop in my raft and go on an adventure!

Kokopelli Guide: since 2019
Favorite Color: Pow
Favorite Charity: Red Cross
What I like most about rafting is: Every time I’m on the river, memories are made that’ll last a lifetime. The thing I like the most about guiding is creating these experiences for all my crew who paddle with me.
Favorite river and why: My favorite sections of whitewater rafting in New Mexico are the Lower Gorge and RaceCourse on the Rio Grande! Both sections have a perfect blend of big splashes and ample opportunities to spot wildlife.
Favorite river-related story: It all started during a high water flip training day for Kokopelli guides at 4,820CFS down the Racecourse in the 2019 season. We all stopped paddling, except the guide in the back and dove into the largest single standing wave on the Race Course. The boat flipped, but not before it shot vertically out of the water, ejecting me 15 feet in the air like Superman.
Certifications: First Aid, AED and CPR. Open Water Diver Cert, Advanced open water PADI Cert, PADI Wreck Diver Cert, PADI Underwater Navigator Cert, PADI Deep Diver Cert and PADI AWARE Fish Classification Diver Cert
What are your other hobbies, interests or passions and why are they important to you: My love for the outdoors run deep! From November through April I turn into a Yeti and spend as many days snowboarding as I possibly can. Those big New Mexican skies and wonderful snow make for some epic days in the pow. When I’m not working in the Summer you can find me outside diving deep into the natural beauty that surrounds us. When the stars align, you can find me in the open ocean sea kayaking through beautiful waters abroad.