The Director of Tourism for Arunachal Pradesh, Pige Ligu welcomes SARSI as a positive development for tourism in the province. His involvement in an exploratory rafting trip down the Subansiri in 2006 fermented his support for an institute teaching river skills. His vision guides the development of the institute in Arunachal Pradesh, and his hard work has resulted in the donation of a building for the institute’s use on the Yong-Bo River in Along, Arunachal Pradesh.

An excellent kayaker, kayaking instructor, emergency medical technician, whitewater river guide and all-around good guy, Kevin Thompson works endlessly to develop SARSI’s promotional and sponsorship opportunities. His fluency in the cultures of Nepal and India, derived from experiences as a safety kayaker and rafting guide, make him at home in Arunachal Pradesh. With a passion for perfection and a penchant for quality, his travails endow SARSI with most of its equipment and funding.

Raised the son of a U.S. diplomat, Roland first went rafting on the Ganges River while living in India. He attended Whitewater Voyages’ guide school in 1998 and was asked to return to work as a guide. Since then, he has guided on rivers all over California, Oregon, the Grand Canyon, and most recently in India. His company, RiverIndia, is a major SARSI sponsor, and conducts premiere expeditions on the Brahmaputra River, in Arunachal Pradesh. He is a Wilderness First Responder and has taught guide schools in California for 6 years. He volunteers his time as SARSI’s head instructor.