Lower Salmon River Dory School

Adventure Overview

Learn to row a dory down the Lower Salmon River in west central Idaho with one of the most reputable river outfitters in the world. Dory rowing/handling requires different and more refined skills than rowing a raft, and since we’ve been at it in Idaho for 45 years, we’re happy to share our extensive knowledge with you. If you’ve already done an OARS rowing clinic, this is the perfect follow up. 

As you venture through the stunning Seven Devils region with striking canyon scenery, sandy beaches, and incredible wildlife, our experienced guides will share a wealth of river skills and dory techniques with you. These dedicated professionals—all with whitewater rescue training and extensive guiding experience—hold a deep passion for running dories and carrying on the legacy of these beloved boats on the rivers of the West.

On this 5-day, 4-night intermediate dory rowing course, you’ll learn and practice newly-acquired rowing skills as you make your way downstream, camping at different locations throughout the trip. Instruction and hands-on learning occurs both on the river and in camp. Rowing a dory is no easy feat. Prior rowing experience is required.

The Lower Salmon River Dory School includes:

• 5 days of whitewater rowing instruction and camping skills on the Lower Salmon River + fundamental safety training
• 4 nights of riverside camping, a 2-person shared tent (single tents available for an additional fee), and a sleep kit including sleeping bag, ground tarp, sheet, pillow and sleeping pad
• Meals from lunch on day 1 through lunch on day 5, including limited wine and beer with dinner
• Whitewater dories, and all river and expedition equipment, including helmet and PFD (personal flotation device)
• Transfers from Lewiston, ID to the river and back

This 5-day whitewater rowing clinic is ideal for:

• Anyone who has participated in an OARS rowing clinic and is looking for the perfect follow-up course
• Private boaters who are interested in learning the intricacies of rowing dories 
• Private boaters who want to take their river trips to the next level with insider tips from expert guides
• River enthusiasts with prior rowing experience who appreciate experiential learning and are interested in elevating their whitewater & safety knowledge

An example of skills taught during OARS’ intermediate dory rowing course:

• Basic rowing skills, ferry angles and river hydraulics
• Maneuvering and finessing dories through a variety of whitewater levels, water depths and rocky conditions
• Rigging, packing, river repair/patching dories
• Camp skills – setting up a safe/comfortable camp, food handling/preparation and proper hygiene
• Leave No Trace ethics
• Tying up and anchoring boats
• Essential river rescue & emergency procedures

Why choose OARS?

As one of the pioneering companies behind the whitewater industry, OARS has been guiding people on rivers and coastlines worldwide since 1969. But beyond our 50 years of experience:

• OARS is the largest and most geographically diverse whitewater rafting, dory and adventure travel outfitter in North America
• For more than 40 years, OARS has been fostering the tradition of dories in Grand Canyon, Idaho, and more recently, Utah
• Outside, AFAR, National Geographic Traveler, Sunset, Good Morning America, Condé Nast Traveler, and Men’s Journal have all recognized OARS as offering some of the “Best Trips” on the planet. 
• More than 500,000 guests have trusted us to escort them on their wilderness vacations

• We keep our courses small, with 1 guide for every 3 guests (1:3) so every participant receives plenty of personal attention
• We use top-notch, well-maintained equipment and set the gold standard in safety
• Our experienced, well-rounded guide instructors are personable, approachable and the best in the business
• We are committed to treading lightly on the environment