An approximation of what adventure level (from easier to challenging) you should expect to encounter under typical conditions on this trip. Note: Even an “easier” trip can become “challenging”due to weather, water level, or your personal choice of boat and/or hiking options.
Active participation in all facets of river running; with intentional flips/swims in Class III rapids
River Rating
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River Rating –
Most rivers are rated on a scale of I – VI: from Class I, moving water with riffles and small waves, to Class VI, extreme whitewater not commercially navigable.
Accommodations
Camping
Highlights
Train with professional guides in scenic Flaming Gorge and Gates of Lodore canyons
Gain fundamental skills to confidently maneuver oar rafts in Class II-III whitewater
Learn hydrology, boat-rigging, camp skills, and basic swiftwater rescue techniques
Elevate your prospects of working as a professional river guide or become a confident private boater
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 6-day, 5-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:
5 days of whitewater rafting on the upper Green River through Flaming Gorge and Gates of Lodore + one day of dry land instruction
Essential guide training & rowing instruction
5 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 6
All rafting and expedition equipment, including helmet and PFD (personal flotation device)
Transfers from Vernal, UT to the river and back
This 6-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
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
Working within the rafting industry has become increasingly competitive. OARS whitewater guide school and rowing clinic courses are a great way to get your foot in the door with us. If you do well during the Upper Green River Rowing Clinic and prove you have what it takes to join the ranks of some of the most respected guides in the industry, we just might consider asking you to join our team. We do give preferential consideration to our guide school and rowing clinic graduates.
Meet at the OARS Warehouse in Vernal, UT and participate in an on-site class on rafting basics
Shuttle to the put-in below Flaming Gorge Dam and review safety protocols
Learn to read water and navigate with oars on a mellow Class I-II stretch of the Green River through Flaming Gorge
Observe daily meal prep and camp set-up and learn best practices from guides
Participate in guide-led skill development sessions in camp
Practice maneuvering rafts on a mellow stretch of river that winds through Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge
Journey into the strikingly beautiful Lodore canyon and test your new skills on exciting rapids like Winnie’s Rapid, Upper and Lower Disaster Falls and Hell’s Half Mile
Hike up spectacular side canyons and creeks to spring-fed waterfalls, prehistoric pictographs and petroglyphs
Feast on delicious riverside meals and camp under the stars in a red rock wonderland
Challenge a final stretch of whitewater in Split Mountain Canyon
Shuttle from the take out at Split Mountain back to Vernal