Building on a long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship and advancing diversity within the whitewater industry, OARS and the Pam & George Wendt Foundation continued to turn values into action in 2025. Through direct financial contributions and the hands-on efforts of OARS operations teams, our impact expanded to support youth alongside the conservation, mental health, and diversity initiatives that have long been central to our mission.

“Naturally, we believe in giving back to the rivers and communities that sustain our livelihood,” said OARS president and co-owner Tyler Wendt. “That’s why we support environmental conservation organizations and provide free and subsidized river trips for youth and communities who might not otherwise have access. By investing in these efforts, we hope to inspire a deeper appreciation for—and protection of—the wild places we cherish.”

Recognizing the importance of increasing representation within the outdoor industry, OARS and the Pam & George Wendt Foundation continued the Guide School Scholarship program in 2025. This initiative provided three full scholarships to aspiring guides from underrepresented backgrounds, granting access to week-long guide schools in California, Oregon and Utah. By covering the full cost of seven to nine days of professional whitewater guide training, the program removes financial barriers and creates meaningful pathways for young adults pursuing careers on the river.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the scholarship that allowed me to participate in guide school on the South Fork of the American River,” said recipient Kate Roscher. “My interest in attending guide school grew after countless road trips across the American West, driving alongside landscapes carved by seemingly endless rivers. Guide school taught me far more than I expected—not only about running the river, but about myself as well.”

In partnership with the Pam & George Wendt Foundation, OARS further strengthened its commitment to access by offering fully sponsored and deeply discounted one-day rafting trips on California’s South Fork of the American River, Utah’s Colorado River, and Oregon’s Rogue River. Through these efforts, more than 200 under-resourced youth and adults experienced the excitement of whitewater rafting—many for the first time. By breaking down barriers to outdoor recreation, these trips aim to foster confidence, connection to nature, and a lifelong love of the outdoors. Recent partner organizations include First Descents, Konaway Nika Tillicum, and Grand Area Mentoring, among others.

Beyond getting people on the river, OARS continued to make meaningful financial contributions to organizations serving local and national communities. In a new partnership, OARS donated $5 per guest that rafted the South Fork of the American River Sunday through Friday in June to Southern California’s Brave Trails, an advocacy organization that gets LGBTQ+ teens outside, ultimately raising more than $2,500. 

Donations

Over its more than 55-year history, OARS—together with its guests—has contributed more than $6 million to conservation and environmental organizations. As we look ahead to 2026 and beyond, we remain deeply committed to protecting wild rivers, supporting inclusive access to the outdoors, and fostering welcoming, transformative river experiences. In 2025 alone, OARS supported a wide range of organizations with pass-through donations and financial contributions totaling more than $35,000.

• Alaska Wilderness League
• American River Conservancy
• American Rivers
• American Whitewater
• Backcountry Hunters & Anglers
• Brave Trails
• Greater Hells Canyon Council
• Friends of the River
• Friends of the Yampa
• Fraser Basin Council
• Futaleufu Riverkeeper
• Galapagos Traveler Conservation Fund
• Grand Canyon Conservation Fund
• Idaho Rivers United
• International Rivers
• Leave No Trace
• Redside Foundation
• Utah Rivers Council
• Waterkeeper Alliance
• Whale Foundation
• Yosemite Rivers Alliance (Formerly Tuolumne River Trust)