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Private Rafting Instruction

Private Rafting Instruction

Private Instruction

  • Dates: Year Around, Available Upon Request
  • Location: Hood River, Oregon or Grants Pass, Oregon
  • Trip Cost: $525 per day
  • Boat Rental: $50 per day (if necessary)

Incredibly Patient and Fun Teachers

★★★★★
My time with you and Michael definitely exceeded my expectations. You guys are phenomenal educators and were so skilled at imparting your knowledge to me. I can’t believe all that I was able to learn and apply in just three days. I appreciated both of your time and energy more than I can say; I left feeling really encouraged and inspired. You are both incredibly patient and fun teachers. I hope to be a repeat customer if you have the space!
- Jessica Stern

Hire one of our private instructors for guidance and instruction in the world of whitewater rafting. We can customize a course to teach you to row or paddle whitewater rafts and kayaks. We can also provide customized one-on-one swift water rescue instruction.

“I highly recommend this training for anyone who desires to learn running whitewater with an emphasis on whitewater safety.” – Ed Marlatt

This is a great way to avoid developing bad habits and to practice under the supervision of a safe and competent instructor. You will also have the opportunity to try out different boat and oar configurations to help you make a good decision when you purchase a raft or cataraft.

We have course itineraries and experienced instructors available to instruct the following topics:

  • Introduction to whitewater rowing
  • Preparation for rowing the Grand Canyon
  • Swiftwater Safety and Rescue
  • Inflatable Kayaking
  • Packrafting
  • Transitioning from Class III to Class IV
  • Introduction to overnight trips

Example Two Day Private Instruction Itinerary

Day 1 Morning: Start on flat water to warm up and discuss equipment. We’ll work on rowing technique and practice flipping boats in calm place.

Day 1 Afternoon: Get on the river. We typically focus on oar management and communication during this first afternoon. We’ll also take some video and discuss it at the end of the day.

Day 2: This is a full day of practice on the river. We’ll typically work on eddy hopping, boat spacing, and communication in addition to oar management. We also stop along the way to do some practical swift water rescue training.

“I have been rowing a drift boat for several years but wanted some formal class III and IV whitewater raft training. The focus on whitewater safety alone is worth taking the class. My confidence in reading the water increased greatly.” – Ron South

Our instructors are both river guides and private boaters who have experience in many situations and many types of boats. You are welcome to bring your own raft/cataraft or you can rent them from us at a discounted rate.

We are licensed by the Oregon State Marine Board and operate under special use permit with the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area and Mt. Hood National Forest. Additionally, we are an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Trip Highlights

  • Personalized instruction
  • Hands on safety drills
  • Thorough review of all equipment
  • Supervised practice on the river

Quick Facts

  • Customized private instruction to fit your needs and interests
  • Choose from instruction in paddle boats, oar boats, and/or river safety
  • Training is tailored to your personal needs
  • Bring your own boat or rent one from us

Trip Reviews

Private Overall rating: ★★★★★ 5 based on 11 reviews.
5 1

Incredibly Patient and Fun Teachers

★★★★★
My time with you and Michael definitely exceeded my expectations. You guys are phenomenal educators and were so skilled at imparting your knowledge to me. I can’t believe all that I was able to learn and apply in just three days. I appreciated both of your time and energy more than I can say; I left feeling really encouraged and inspired. You are both incredibly patient and fun teachers. I hope to be a repeat customer if you have the space!
- Jessica Stern

Summer Instruction

★★★★★
The 2-days last August of NWRC private rowing instruction with a couple of your guides was a great experience for both my son and daughter. Your guides said that they both basically “nailed it”. Great that they are off to a good safe start.
- Pat S.

A Huge Thank You

★★★★★
I wanted to thank you for the first class instruction this past weekend. I could spend an hour raving about how meaningful this class was, but I'll try to list some quick notes. 1. NWRC is relentless with their safety protocol, in the very best way! As a new boat owner, this is exactly what I needed to hear, see, and practice--it's truly the primary tenet of the business very much appreciated. 2. This course is invaluable for tuning/calibrating a boat and getting to know the gear. New boat owners should be required to take this class. Attempting to heave a wet throwbag for the first time is humbling. If someone's life depended on me for a perfect toss the first time out. I'd be feeling pretty guilty right now. 3. NWRC provided us with a comprehensive scope of training aided with visual aids, structured curriculum, and safe feedback periods which really locked in the "why" behind safe boating. The white-boarding sessions were equally as important as the time spent on the water. 4. Nick and Zach's expertise, quiet calmness, and remarkable patience was a true game changer for us when we felt stressed or challenged on new water scenarios. Having that stability in your instructors, especially when you're navigating outside your comfort zone, really allowed us to grow. Sincerely, a huge thank you to you both.
- Sean and Ellie

2 Day Instruction

★★★★★
I just got home from a 2 day private instruction with Daniel. I can't say enough about what I learned about rowing and river safety. I've always been a 'stubborn' learner which has held me back in some things but Daniel has an easy way about him that is so refreshing. Zero arrogance and just a really great guy and instructor. If the other guides are as talented and professional as Daniel, you have a great group of people. I would highly recommend private instruction for anyone. Easily exceeded my expectations.
- Jim Krigger

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