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Team Boating and Whitewater Safety Course For Experienced Boaters
Class IV Rowing School
Whitewater Rowing with Rafts or Catarafts
Class IV Rowing School
- Length: 4 days
- Location: Hood River, Oregon
- Prerequisite: Class III Rafting Experience
- Course Price: $1695
- Additional Cost: $200 for boat rental
- Lodging: We suggest staying at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Hood River
Another great NWRC class
Another great NWRC class
★★★★★
“Another great NWRC class... my 3rd or 4th ? I can't remember .... another repeat student returning to NWRC for professional instruction, but more importantly for the amazing people! Zach and Michael have this ability to find and keep the most competent, awesome, likable instructors. If you want to learn new skills or just hone your existing skills, NWRC has you covered - no egos, no Bro's no BS , just fun, highly skilled instructors to make your class a memorable experience- as always "Bravo" to Zach for making it all possible.”
- David Smith
Our Class IV Rowing School is designed as a follow-up course for our Class III Whitewater Rowing School. You should have both training and experience rowing at a Class III level before taking this course.
We’ll run a variety of rivers in the Columbia Gorge near Hood River, Oregon. This is an opportunity to boat some wonderful rivers, improve your boating skills, and meet some new friends. This course is a combination of classroom sessions and on river practice.
The goal of this course is to provide training that will help boaters transition from Class III to Class IV. The course goals are:
- Understand “team boating” and apply it on the river
- Understand when to push and when to pull
- Develop better oar management through practice and feedback
- Familiarization with rescuing swimmers
You will need solid Class III experience to attend this course. We’ll be training on continuous whitewater rivers with cold water. This course is the perfect opportunity to practice whitewater skills under the watchful eye of our rowing instructors.
Typical Itinerary
Every Class IV Rowing School is uniquely designed based on river conditions and the group’s ability level. The following is a sample itinerary.
Day 1 Introductions, team boating principles, and half day on the river
Day 2 Knots, oar management, scouting, and half day on the river
Day 3 Full day on the river, flip practice, and throw bag practice
Day 4 Big picture scene safety, half day on the river, and final topics
You are welcome to bring your own raft or cataraft or rent one of ours.
Is This Course for You?
Our Class IV Rowing School is designed for experienced whitewater rowers who are eager to build confidence and refine their skills on more challenging rivers.
- This course is best suited for those who have completed our Class III Rowing School and gained additional experience on Class III rivers.
- A strong foundation in Class III rowing is essential to succeed in this course.
What to expect:
- Classroom and On-River Training: We’ll dive into advanced rowing techniques and river dynamics in a classroom setting, followed by hands-on practice on the water.
- Challenging Conditions: Be prepared for unpredictable weather – it can be cold and occasionally uncomfortable.
- Physical Demands: Accessing the river often involves walking up and down steep riverbanks, so a moderate level of physical fitness is required.
Who this course is for:
- If you’re looking to transition from Class III to Class IV boating and want training to help get there, this course is for you.
- If you’re looking for a guided trip down the river without hands-on training, this course may not be the best fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own boat?
Yes, you can. We ask that you bring the most pared-down version of your boat possible, leaving extra dry boxes and coolers at home, as most put-ins and take-outs involve carrying boats and gear. We’ve found that rafts or catarafts in the 11’–13’ range work best for the rivers we’ll be on. If your boat is significantly larger, you may want to consider renting one of ours for the course.
What rivers will we be boating on?
Rivers are chosen based on current water levels and conditions at the time of the class. Common options include the Clackamas River, Hood River, White Salmon, and the Klickitat River.
Is there a place for me to camp during the trip?
Most students choose to stay in a hotel, as nighttime lows in March typically range from 30°F–40°F in Hood River. If you’d still like to camp, here is an option:
- Paid tent or car camping at Gorge Base Camp
We are licensed by the Oregon State Marine Board and operate under special use permit with the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area. This institution operates under a special use permit with the Mt. Hood National Forest, USDA, USFS.