NOLS Whitewater Canoeing Expedition

You’re ready to cut loose from city living and plunge into a Class III rapid. You’re passionate about teamwork, problem solving, and leadership. If you have an adventurous spirit, curious mind, and deep interest in the natural world, this is the course for you.

Utah’s canyon country is a land of towering cliffs, thrilling whitewater, and quiet valleys where the only sound is the song of the canyon wren. You’ll travel by canoe through this vast wilderness, learning how to live, camp, and travel down a big Western river. The Green River, which flows through Colorado and Utah, is an ideal classroom because of its progression of difficulty, allowing you to develop your skills in a secure and confident manner. Your course will begin at the NOLS River Base in Vernal, Utah. You will head to the Green River, where your instructors will introduce you to the river corridor and you will begin to learn the art of expedition canoeing. During moving water instruction, you’ll learn eddy turns, peel-outs, ferries, river reading, and other whitewater paddling techniques. Canoe instruction begins with an overview of paddling concepts and rigging fundamentals. Mastering the stroke combinations, timing, and communication skills needed to put your canoe exactly where you need it precedes more advanced techniques, including canoe rescue. You will learn to scout rapids and employ techniques to efficiently manage your group as you negotiate hazards. Learning to rig, load, and paddle the canoes that carry your gear completes a well-rounded curriculum of whitewater skills. While on the river, you’ll have time to study the history of the area. You’ll learn about the area’s geology, see ancient petroglyphs and ruins, and learn the importance water has played in terms of the area’s natural history as well as current land management issues.