Class III Rowing School

The transition from passenger to captain is one of the most rewarding milestones in a boater’s life. Our Class III Rowing School bridges that gap by providing a supportive yet challenging environment on the legendary Rogue River. With over 35 miles of practice you will learn that rowing is less about brute strength and more about finesse, timing, and the ability to read the river’s subtle language.

Course Overview

The Class III Rowing School is a comprehensive, five day immersion into the world of whitewater rowing. Set against the backdrop of a classic wilderness expedition, this course takes students from basic river awareness to and understanding of Class III boat handling. Unlike a standard rafting trip where guides do the work, this is an educational mission where the students are the primary drivers. You will spend your days behind the sticks of your own raft or cataraft, navigating the famous rock gardens and narrow channels of the Rogue River.

Every night we will camp along the riverbanks, allowing you to fully experience the rhythm of a wilderness canyon. While dinner is being prepared, we hold optional riverside classes to discuss the finer points of hydrology, safety, and expedition logistics. By the time we reach the take-out at Foster Bar, you will have a foundational understanding of how to safely pilot a raft through technical whitewater and manage a multi-day river trip.

Core Curriculum

Our instructors focus on a blend of technical physical skills and the soft skills of river leadership. We want students to leave with a well-rounded understanding of how a river trip functions from start to finish. During the course, you will dive deep into:

• Individual Rowing Skills: Efficient stroke technique, the power of pushing versus pulling, and the finesse required for oar management.
• Boat Handling and Order: Practicing proper boat spacing and maintaining the correct boat order to ensure safety and communication throughout the group.
• Equipment and Gear: Gaining familiarity with a wide variety of equipment, from different frame styles to the specific handling characteristics of various raft and cataraft designs.
• River and Camp Etiquette: Developing a solid understanding of how to move through a wilderness canyon respectfully.
• Knots and Rope Work: Learning the essential knots every boater should know and practicing the proper, effective use of throw bags for river rescues.
• Safety Foundations: Obtaining a strong foundation in whitewater safety practices, giving you the tools to make informed decisions in a dynamic river environment.

By the end of this course, you should have the confidence and technical skills to scout and row Class III rapids. You will leave with an understanding of your own abilities, allowing you to make informed decisions about which water feels comfortable for you and how to best pursue your individual rowing goals.

Typical Itinerary

Every rowing school is unique based on the water levels and the needs of the students, but we generally follow a five day arc of increasing independence:

• Day 1 Foundations: We begin with equipment preparation and boat balance, establishing the basics of rowing in moving water.
• Day 2 Precision: Moving into entry-level Class II rapids, we focus on ferry angles, scouting, and initial rope work.
• Day 3 Technical Control: As we enter the heart of the canyon, we step into Class III water with a focus on rescue techniques and pulling away from danger.
• Day 4 The Biggest Rapids: You will test your skills in Mule Creek Canyon and lower Blossom Bar (please note that we do not allow students to row the entrance of blossom bar).
• Day 5 Independence: The final day emphasizes independent decision making as you head to the take-out at Foster Bar. We conclude with a hands on flip drill, giving you the experience to manage a capsize in a controlled environment.

Our rowing school is built for boaters who want to refine their skills during a multi-day expedition down the iconic Rogue River. By combining group workshops with personalized one-on-one coaching, we ensure you get the specific feedback you need to progress. While we follow a structured curriculum, our small class sizes allow us to adapt the lessons to meet your individual goals and experience level.

Gear and Logistics

We provide the instructors, the meals, and the group camp infrastructure so you can focus entirely on your progression as a boater. Students can rent a fully-rigged NWRC raft or cataraft, or you can bring your own personal setup to learn on the gear you will be using for your own private trips. While you handle the rowing, our support team manages the kitchen and heavy lifting to ensure you have the energy to focus on the technical lessons of the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have more questions? Find everything you need to know on our Class III Rowing School FAQ page.

• Book Now
• Dates & Prices
• Course Details (PDF)
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Course Reviews