Upper Green River Rowing Clinic

Adventure Overview

Learn to guide an oar raft down the upper stretches of the Green River in northeastern Utah with one of the most reputable rafting outfitters in the world. As you travel through two strikingly beautiful river canyons into the heart of Dinosaur National Monument, our experienced river guides—all with whitewater rescue training and extensive guiding experience—will share a wealth of outdoor and river knowledge with you.

On this 7-day, 6-night beginner whitewater rowing course, you’ll learn and practice newly-acquired 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. No prior outdoor or whitewater rafting experience is required.

The Upper Green River Rowing Clinic includes:

• 7 days of whitewater rafting on the upper Green River through Flaming Gorge and Gates of Lodore
• Essential guide training & rowing instruction
• 6 nights of riverside camping and a 2-person shared tent (you may bring your own sleeping bag/pad or rent them from OARS)
• Meals from lunch on day 1 through lunch on day 7
• All rafting and expedition equipment, including helmet and PFD (personal flotation device)
• Transfers from Vernal, UT to the river and back

This 7-day floating whitewater rowing clinic is ideal for:

• Anyone interested in working as a professional whitewater rafting guide
• Individuals who want to lead their own private river trips
• Anyone who appreciates experiential learning and is interested in whitewater & river safety
• Adventurers seeking an active vacation experience in a dramatic desert landscape with deep, colorful canyons, sandy beaches, and intriguing archaeology

An example of skills taught during OARS’ beginner whitewater rowing courses:

• Reading whitewater & river hydraulics
• Maneuvering oar rafts through a variety of whitewater levels & conditions
• Raft rigging/de-rigging & proper equipment maintenance
• River signals & crew communication tactics
• River etiquette
• Camp skills – setting up a safe/comfortable camp, food handling/preparation & proper hygiene
• Leave No Trace principles
• Tying up and anchoring boats
• How to handle wildlife encounters & pesky critters
• Multi-day trip group dynamics
• Team problem solving
• Basic river rescue & emergency procedures

Why choose OARS?

As one of the pioneering companies behind the rafting 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 and adventure travel outfitter in North America
• 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 trips 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

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.