Meeting Place
Address:
The OARS Warehouse
2540 S. Hwy. 191
Moab, Utah
6 Days $1999
View Dates & Prices
Overview
Highlights
- Beginner whitewater rowing course for aspiring river guides & private boaters
- Train on the Colorado River through Meander and Cataract Canyons
- Learn basic rowing and rigging techniques from professional guides
- Learn basic hydrology, boat-rigging, rowing, camp skills, and guest service skills
Adventure Overview
Welcome to the OARS Colorado River Rowing Clinic. Born of snow pack high in the Rocky Mountains, the Colorado River surges its way south and west into the state of Utah, its rock-shaping power among the defining characteristics of spectacular Canyonlands National Park. Being outside of the high-water season, Cataract Canyon in August is a great venue for this rowing clinic since the trip offers both scenic flatwater ideal for your first time “getting behind the oars” as well as Class II-IV whitewater which will offer opportunities to not only row some whitewater but also “see how the pros do it” too.
Professional guides teach this rowing clinic—each one is equally passionate about the outdoors, whitewater rafting, river safety and sharing their knowledge. They all have formal swiftwater rescue training and extensive backgrounds in guiding whitewater rafting trips. This school is designed for those hoping to become a professional river guide, those who would like to safely guide their own river trips, as well as those who simply want to learn more about whitewater rafting and the nuances a river journey entails. Prior rafting experience is not a prerequisite. You will gain the skills required to be able to maneuver oar rafts in beginning to intermediate whitewater, and you will learn many techniques and skills needed to become a multi-day private boater or commercial river guide.
Start Your Career as a River Guide
While OARS’ rowing clinics are ideal for anyone looking to learn something new or develop their whitewater rowing skills, our whitewater guide school programs are better suited for aspiring river guides with no prior experience. If you’re an experienced guide, and would like to get your foot in the door with OARS, we encourage you to read our Hiring and Guide School FAQs and fill out an employment application.
Photos & Videos
Itinerary & Map
Itinerary & Map
- Meet at the OARS warehouse in Moab the evening before school begins
- Return to the warehouse the next morning for a scenic drive to Potash
- Discuss the best methods for unloading rafts & equipment and begin instruction of how to rig and organize the boats
- Learn flatwater rowing techniques in the calm waters of Meander Canyon
- Camp on a sandy beach and learn to set up a camp kitchen, proper camp hygiene, cooler management, and how to prepare meals riverside
- Refine rowing techniques and discuss Leave No Trace practices
- Camp in the upper reaches of Cataract Canyon
- After breakfast, board the rafts for 14.5 miles of whitewater action
- Where appropriate, participants will have the chance to test their skills at the oars in the Class II-IV whitewater
- Watch and learn as the pros run Big Drop 2 and Big Drop 3
- Enjoy a few fun rapids and final instruction before entering Lake Powell
- Take out at Hite Crossing and shuttle 3.5-hours back to Moab
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Destination River -
Meeting Parking -
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Take Out
Dates & Prices
2023 Price:
$1999
Deposit: $400
Additional Cost:
- Sleep Kit $40 | Tent included
Prices subject to National Park Service Approval
2023 Dates:
August 19
O.A.R.S. Canyonlands, Inc.is an authorized concessioner of Canyonlands National Park
Ancestral Lands Acknowledgement
We respect and recognize that many of the river canyons on state and federal lands where we operate are the ancestral homes of indigenous communities. Where we operate on the Colorado River between the Potash Boat Ramp and Hite Crossing, we acknowledge the territories of the Ute, Pueblo of Canyonlands National Park, Southern Paiute, and the Navajo Nation.
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Press & Blog
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Before You Go
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