Kirk Rasmussen
The Green River of Utah is ready to provide challenges and once-in-a-lifetime learning experiences for 14- to 15-year-old adventure seekers. Picture yourself floating among the sandstone cliffs, paddling through exciting rapids, and learning life skills in the wilderness. You’ll also have the chance to cook meals on a camp stove for yourself and your coursemates.
Starting at NOLS River Base in Vernal, Utah, you'll learn the basics, such as kayak strokes and maneuvering. Then, you'll move on to the Green River for the next phase, where instructors will introduce rafts and other whitewater kayak and raft techniques—all the while honing your technical skills, timing, and communication while having fun moving downstream with your team.
As you learn to assess the risk inherent in the wilderness, you will also be tested to make good decisions while experiencing the thrill of a western river expedition. Along the way, you will learn new skills, gain more confidence, and be challenged with new difficulty levels as you progress down the Green River, which flows through Colorado and Utah.
In addition to the skills you will learn, you will also have time to gain a greater appreciation of your natural surroundings and the environment by learning about the local geology, visiting ancient petroglyphs and ruins, and learning about water's importance in the area's natural history.
After the course, you will return home with new friendships, great memories, and skills and experiences that will last a lifetime.