Rafting Trips
Explore the Thrills of a River Rafting Trip with NOLS
Embark on an exhilarating whitewater rafting adventure! Our rafting trips will equip you with the river skills needed to lead successful and enjoyable river trips. Learn to assess whitewater, practice rigging rafts, learn the fundamentals of swiftwater rescue, and practice your leadership skills. Discover the excitement and educational value of rafting courses with NOLS, where each journey offers opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and an unforgettable wilderness experience.
Why Choose NOLS for Whitewater Rafting Trips
Comprehensive River Rafting Curriculum
The NOLS river trip curriculum offers a blend of instructor-led hands-on training and immersive experiences, catering to participants of all skill levels. From mastering efficient paddle strokes to understanding river dynamics, you’ll hone your ability to navigate rapids by practicing basic rescue techniques. Each aspect of our curriculum is thoughtfully crafted to empower you on your river rafting journey. Get ready to challenge your limits and emerge as a competent and confident river rafter and leader.
Experienced River Rafting Instructors
Our experienced rafting instructors are dedicated to helping you learn and grow during your NOLS journey. With extensive experience with both outdoor education and whitewater rafting, our instructors provide you with top-notch instruction and guidance. They'll share their knowledge, techniques, and real-world insights, empowering you to navigate challenging and exhilarating conditions on rivers.
Holistic Wilderness Leadership and Risk Management
Our whitewater courses not only teach paddling and rowing skills, but they also foster lifelong leadership skills. We cultivate adaptability and resilience by emphasizing wilderness leadership, critical thinking, collaboration, and risk management. Our instructors ensure your well-being on the river by adhering to risk management standards, rigorous protocols, and emergency response methods while empowering you with the tools to effectively assess and manage risk on your own.
Unique Whitewater Rafting Destinations
Our courses allow you access to once-in-a-lifetime whitewater rafting destinations, like the coveted and majestic Salmon River. Within these amazing wilderness locations, you'll explore remote and breathtaking whitewater settings while gaining insight into how to be a responsible steward of our precious natural resources. Through hands-on field experiences and expert instruction, you'll apply Leave No Trace principles in order to minimize your impact on these wild river ecosystems, fostering a deep appreciation for local river ecology.
Small Groups for Enriched Learning and Growth
Recognizing that rafting inherently thrives on cooperation, our focus on smaller groups enriches the personal and community growth experience. Within these intimate settings, you'll forge profound connections with your fellow rafters, fostering an environment where trust and camaraderie flourish. Collaboratively tackling the river's challenges cultivates not only exceptional teamwork skills but also a profound sense of community. These human-centered skills extend beyond the river's edge, proving invaluable in various aspects of life.
Embark on River Rafting Adventures with Confidence
At NOLS, our river rafting courses are expertly designed to not only test your limits but also to foster your personal development by enabling you to emerge as a skilled river rafter and a more resilient individual.
Whether you’re a novice, eager to experience the adrenaline rush of whitewater rivers, or a seasoned rafter looking to elevate your skills, NOLS has the perfect course tailored to your aspirations. Start Planning your perfect trip today!
Explore NOLS Rafting Trips
Whitewater River Expedition
Set off on an unforgettable journey down the Green River and experience the rush of whitewater rafting and kayaking through the awe-inspiring landscapes of Desolation and Gray Canyons. Over the course of 16 days, this NOLS expedition will challenge your skills, build your leadership abilities, and immerse you in one of the most stunning and remote wilderness areas in the U.S.
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Salmon River Rafting Adventure for Teens 14-15 - 2 Weeks
Join a two-week adventure on Idaho's Main Salmon River in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, tailored for teens aged 14 and 15. Conquer the river's whitewater using paddle rafts and oar rigs, learning paddling techniques, guiding fundamentals, and advanced river navigation. Immerse yourself in the wilderness, surrounded by diverse wildlife such as gray wolves, peregrine falcons, black bears, and bald eagles. Camp on sandy riverbanks and soak in natural riverside hot springs. Embrace leadership growth by taking on different roles in the group. Return home with newfound friendships, unforgettable memories, and leadership skills applicable in the great outdoors and everyday life.
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Whitewater River Expedition - 16 and 17 only
An unforgettable whitewater adventure through the rugged canyons of Utah’s Green River, the birthplace of whitewater boating. Over the course of this river expedition, you’ll challenge yourself to master multiple paddling techniques, from kayaking and paddle rafting to oar rig handling, all while navigating over 100 miles of one of the most iconic whitewater rivers in North America.
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