Maybe you’ve heard the roar of Lava Falls echoing up the canyon or maybe you’ve just heard about it. Any trip down the Grand Canyon comes down to the climactic moment of rowing Lava. But there is plenty of time to practice before you get to Lava at Mile 179.7 and there are specific rowing techniques that are important to know for the Colorado River. A river with the longest and most storied whitewater rowing history in America. Quick History of Rowing the Grand Canyon John… Read More
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Last year I was shown photos of the headwaters of the Mo Chhu (Female River) near Laya, Bhutan revealing a section of the river that could potentially be kayaked. I immediately began planning a recce. At home we call this a first descent while Bhutan it’s referred to a “recce,” a trip to see if a river is feasible for other groups. It is a unique experience to paddle a river that nobody has ever done. The pre-trip planning requires extensive map work as well as… Read More
1. The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act is 48 years old! President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act into law by on October 2, 1968. The act turns 50 in 2018. “We are establishing a National Wild and Scenic Rivers System which will complement our river development with a policy to preserve sections of selected rivers in their free-flowing conditions and to protect their water quality and other vital conservation values.” – President Lyndon B. Johnson 2. Wild and Scenic Rivers have… Read More
It is truly an honor to outfit trips on the Chetco River through the Kalmiopsis Wilderness. This extraordinary trip begins with a 10 mile hike (with a heavy pack) to the river followed by 20 miles of paddling Class III and IV rapids (and some portages) in an inflatable kayak. It’s a challenging journey but you are rewarded with absolute solitude and beauty. Last week a few hardy souls joined us to make this epic journey at a flow of 500 cfs. The Hike First of… Read More
During our whitewater rowing schools the conversation often turns to boating gear. The right equipment looks good, is durable, and will set you up for success on the river. The wrong gear can create headaches and can be potentially dangerous. It’s also nice to purchase from rafting gear companies who are active members of the whitewater community. Oars The three main oar manufacturers are Saywer, Carlisle, and Cataract. I prefer Sawyer Oars since they are made in Oregon and have a thicker shaft. Here are the… Read More
At 11:27 AM on August 21, 2017 there will be a total solar eclipse on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. Total Solar Eclipse: This rare event occurs when (a) moon appears in the sky far enough up that it appears to be the same size or larger than the sun and (b) it passes exactly in front of the sun and blocks out all light for a short period of time. Viewers must be in the path of the totality in order to experience… Read More
High water on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River begins at 5 feet when the river is quite continuous, the water is cold, and recovery from a flip or swim can be difficult. Here are some things to consider before paddling the Middle Fork at high water: Everyone should have PFDs that fit them well, have plenty of flotation, and are relatively new Wetsuits or drysuits should be mandatory for everyone Guides should be experienced with high water, proper boat spacing, and flipping rafts back… Read More
We offer three different types of rafts: oar boats, paddle boats, and inflatable kayaks (aka “duckies”). On your trip registration you will be asked about what percentage of the trip you would like to be in each type of boat. This is just an estimation for us that allows us to make informed decisions about which boats to bring. It’s typical to switch boats each day as you make new friends and get more comfortable on the river. The Oar Raft These large rafts carry all… Read More
Rivers are the saws of the Earth, cutting their way through millions of years of lava flows and landslides to create the canyons we see today. The Rogue River is one of these canyons. It was formed with the Klamath Mountain range and yields some spectacular geology, some of which is more than 150 million years old. From the start to the end of the trip, boaters float through three geological formations. Rogue Formation Dothan Formation Flournoy Formation Rogue Formation The Rogue Formation begins at Galice and continues to… Read More
Dressing comfortably and fashionably for overnight river trips requires a little advance planning. You will want clothes to wear on the river and in camp. On the River 2+ Shorts or Swimsuits 2+ Shirts Lightweight Wool or Polypro Shirt River Shoes or River Sandals Hat for Sun Protection Sunscreen & Lip Balm Water Bottle with Locking Carabiner Sunglasses with Strap River Clothes: For your daytime river outfit, you’ll want quick-drying clothes so that you don’t feel soggy all day. Wearing shorts with a lightweight long or… Read More