A nice card just arrived

It's always great to get feedback from our rafting trips. I just received a card from a half day trip on the Rogue River last week and here were some of the nice things said about our great river guides. "Thank you so much for an awesome rafting trip! I had soo much fun! I definitely want to go next year." "Thank you for providing our students with a day they will Never forget" "Thank you for a really good time on the river. It was a blast with the big, huge, water fight and hopping raft to raft....."
I love, when in the day to day of opening e-mails or physical mail, especially in the early season, when I get to hear about how great a trip was and how much people enjoyed the time on the river.

Vacation on a budget: Raft the Klamath River

Northern California's famous Klamath River is hidden away from the crowds nestled in beautiful gorges filled with sandy beaches, laden with breathtaking tributaries, and stalked with perfect rapids for the family of beginners but still exciting enough for the river expert. The Klamath River is a ideal vacation for anyone, but in an economic year like this when everyone is trying to be wise about how they spend their dollars the Klamath is THE bang for your buck vacation. For two all-inclusive days come experience sleeping under star filled skies for $349 or if two days is not enough, get three days of white water, sunsets, and dutch oven baked cinnamon rolls for $549. Don't choose to not vacation this year, choose to do it for the right price.
So sign up the family and come experiences the Klamath River's rich native American history. Get those pictures of the family swimming and laughing together, and look forward to relaxing in the sun on the beach in the afternoon. Learn more about the Klamath River or reserve your 2 or 3 day vacation.

Washington's Winery of the Year comes to the Rogue River.

Maryhill Winery, winner of the 2009 "Washington Winery of the Year" from Winepress Northwest, and Orange Torpedo Trips have come together to create a rafting trip you will not soon forget. The owners and founders of Maryhill Winery are picking some of their favorite wines and bringing them to share when they come down the Rogue River for 3 days of rafting in August. You can sign up for this special rafting vacation and combine evenings of spectacular wine with days of wave riding. For more info click here.

40 years of Orange Torpedo - what has changed

Changes in OTT

I’ve been thinking lately about the changes in Orange Torpedo Trips over the last almost 40 years that I have guided. Our basic philosophy and procedures are the same as ever, but I have seen huge changes in the equipment that we use.

In 1972, our boats were the same basic design, but there were some differences. The PVC material was not as durable, and we stopped several times a day to apply temporary patches that would hopefully last until we made it to the lodge or camp. After dinner each night, we would have “patch parties” down at the beach where we made the boats seaworthy for the next day. Of course, back then there were no self-bailing boats and we had lots of fun teaching the lost art of “buddy dumping”. Valves in the boats were pop-up type valves that we secured with rubber bands. Of course the valves would pop out at the most inopportune moments.

Our old PFD’s ( life jackets ) were all orange horse-collar type design. They didn’t have much buoyancy and smelled to high heaven ! Our new PFD’s have higher flotation, are much more comfortable and include pockets to hold sunscreen, etc. In addition, guides and guests now wear different color PFD’s for easier identification.

Personal gear has changed, too. Sunscreen was not invented until the mid ‘70s. In fact, OTT field tested Johnson and Johnson Sundown, one of the early sunscreens. Prior to that time, we used large beach towels to cover the exposed legs in the boats. An early trip “flip” usually led to a lost towel and a bad case of sunburn. No present day paddler would be caught without their sunscreen.

Guests were usually attired in cotton jeans shorts, cotton shorts, and shoes and socks. In the event of rain, they were encouraged to bring a nylon jacket. In the 1980’s we made a move to rubberized wrestling warm-up tops and later on to wetsuits and splash jackets designed to keep paddlers warm. Current day paddlers usually arrive outfitted in synthetic shirts and shorts ( both to keep warm and prevent sunburn), and some type of river sandal or water shoe.

With all the changes that have evolved over the years, some things have not changed. Our well-trained guides, attention to detail, and emphasis on safety will never change. Join us and enjoy all the changes that have made OTT what it is today !

By Mike Slagle (aka OG, Great One, or Captain Skirt)

North Umpqua River - Pinball log is gone

The Forest Service just notified us that the log on the North Umpqua River which was entirely blocking Pinball rapid has been removed. The log was placed during the high water earlier in the year and remained until removed this last weekend. Until recently the rapid had still been navigable to by passing around the log on one of the sides but as the water dropped the path disappeared and an on shore portage became the only option.
Here are some pictures, Thanks to the Forest Service for the timely removal!

Pre-Removal after the water was too low to raft around

After Removal

Carvivor- Grants Pass radio contest

Last Friday we (Orange Torpedo Trips) hosted one of the events for the KLDR radio "Carvivior" competition. They chose 4 people who are living in this little Toyota and the last person to get fed up with the whole thing wins the car. They have to go for at least 21 days, they can get out for 15 minutes every 2 hours and have 1 competition per day sponsored by a local company. Friday was our day and we had a great competition. Good luck everyone! If you want to watch the live webcams of the 4 living in the car or follow the blog click here.
Here is the video

Are you aware enough?

On a rafting trip, like driving, its always important to be aware of whats going on. This is a great video we found on youtube to test and see how aware you are! Use the comments to let us know how you do.

4 Reasons to Choose a Rafting Vacation

With so many vacation options available how do you even know what you're looking for. Here are 4 reasons why this summer a rafting vacation is the vacation you need.
1 . Adventure:
When was your last vacation that had true adventure. Adventure which required something of you, something you were excited to brag about. A white water rafting vacation, especially if you choose to paddle an inflatable kayak, is this kind of vacation. While we have a river craft selection allowing virtually everyone from the go getter to the sit back and relax raft rider to enjoy wild and scenic river wilderness, at the end or our rafting trips everyone leaves with a feeling of accomplishment. Leave feeling like your adventure was relaxing because it was challenging. Find your rafting vacation here

2. Family Time:
Does your normal vacation provide something unique for each family member? Was your trip to that theme park as enjoyable to you the parent as it was to your 8 year old? When you go on vacation is your teenager excited to spend time with you or do they go roam at the hotel pool? Multi-day rafting trips provide a unique solution to these common family vacation problems.
On your rafting trip you, the parent, can have the adventure of a life time paddling an inflatable kayak while your kids under 12 years old ride in an oared raft with our kid friendly guides. You're having a great, you're kids are having a great time, everyone has a unique adventure at their level, all while traveling together.
Teenagers on our trips usually paddle their own inflatable kayak giving them freedom in the day to navigate the rapids and paddle around the group. Teenagers are looking for freedom and this trip gives it to them. Over the years we have noticed that the freedom of paddling separate boats during the day brings the families together at night. Teenagers and kids look forward to playing cards or throwing the Frisbee with their parents when they hit the shore in the afternoon. We find siblings and parents sitting around laughing and enjoying time away from distractions like cell phones, text messages, Facebook and email.
Find your rafting vacation here

3. Nature, Not Tech:
In the era of text messages, blackberries, I-phones, 100 HD TV channels, and i-pods its said we consume more information in a day than people 200 years ago did in a life time. All of this technology can be a great thing, but sometimes it can also be a distraction. Teenagers constantly text messaging instead of talking to parents, parents hovering over their black berries instead of talking with their kids. Kids playing video games instead of exploring and playing outside.
In his book Last Child in the Woods, Richard Louv coins the term "Nature Deficit Disorder" when he links the trend of increasing child obesity, attention deficit disorder, and depression with a lack of time spent in nature. A study done by Frances E. Kuo, PhD and Andrea Faber Taylor, PhD in 2003 linked lack of time spent playing in a "green environment" with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Their study showed how children who spent more time playing in a "green" outdoor environment consistently showed fewer symptoms of ADHD.
All of this to say, while technology is good, unplugging and spending distraction free time with your family and friends is also important. Pick a vacation that does more than get you away from work, school, and the house. Pick a vacation that gets you unplugged and distraction free allowing you and your kids to slow down and enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery in the U.S.
Find your rafting vacation here
4. Active:
Are you an active vacationer or a sit back and relax vacationer? Are you one type while your spouse is the other? For some sitting in the sun with a drink in their hand for hours on end is a dream vacation while for others (like me) that is a bit slow to really be enjoyable. On a great rafting vacation like the Rogue or Lower Salmon Rivers a traveler can have both. On the Lower Salmon paddle rapids all day giving your brain and your arms a good workout before relaxing in the sand and sun for a few hours with your beverage in hand at camp. Go home with a vacation you're proud of, one that wore you out but also rejuvenated and cleared your mind.
Find your rafting vacation here

Family Rafting on the Rogue River: A guides perspective

Last summer one of our guides took his family on a 3 day rafting trip down the Rogue River. The pictures were so great I asked Jason to write up something about the experience for the blog followers to read. Jason has been guiding with us for over a decade and with his wife, they have two of the best kids you could take on a river trip.

This past summer I had the opportunity to take my entire family down the Wild and Scenic Rogue River on a three day lodge trip. My wife, two kids and my in-laws decided to take the plunge and come downriver with me on an adventure of a lifetime. My wife, my 10 year old son, and my father in-law have been on trips before, but this would be a first for my 6 year old daughter and my mother in-law.

Although Orange Torpedo Trips specializes in inflatable kayaks, we always cater to the needs of everyone. Each trip is accompanied by a supply raft that is equipped to carry passengers. This is the PERFECT option for those families that have children that are not of the size or age to paddle themselves in an orange torpedo. It’s also an option for those that are a little fearful of white water and simply want to enjoy a nice float while watching the beautiful scenery. This is where my family fit in. They were all passengers on my supply raft. (I’ve been a guide with Orange Torpedo Trips for over 12 years.)

The great thing about the supply raft is that children can ride and have a GREAT time while their parents enjoy the inflatable kayaks. The raft guides are always very well trained and versed in local history as well as plant and animal life. I look at it like a “classroom on the water.” There are also times where your child can ride in a kayak with a trained guide in flat water and get some paddling lessons!

At the lodges, my children had an amazing time exploring, playing games and feeding the deer. Being a lodge trip has its advantages when it comes to children in that they can always change into nice warm clothes, sleep in a comfortable bed and be entertained by our well educated guiding staff. (Most of us are teachers in the off season.) This also gives parents a chance to relax!

Our family trip was something that we will never forget! Getting to spend time together having fun in one of the worlds most beautiful, unspoiled locations is truly priceless! Another cool thing that Orange Torpedo Trips provides, (that no other company does), is a photo memory book and DVD documenting the trip. So if you don’t want to spend time taking photographs, no worries! We take care of that for you! A couple of weeks after your trip, a nice little package arrives at your home.

Overall, my family had an AMAZING time! Those memories will last with them forever. Orange Torpedo Trips is by far the finest, safest way to enjoy a river adventure as a family. The guides are well trained and have a proven safety record. I’m not just saying this because “I” am a guide for OTT. I’m saying this as a husband and father that wants only the “best” for my family. The best is Orange Torpedo Trips!

Thanks Jason! If want to know more about our 3 day lodge trip down the Rogue River, Click Here.

Mike's favorite month to raft the Rogue River

I asked Mike, AKA "captain skirt, the great one, OG (old guy).........," to share some of his Rogue River knowledge with the blog readers. Mike decided to share about his favorite time of year to raft the Rogue River. Mike is going into his 38th year guiding for Orange Torpedo on the Rogue River, so if anyone knows what they are talking about, it's Mike.

June is my favorite month on the Rogue. Wildflowers are still in bloom, the grass on the open hillsides has yet to turn brown, and the new growth on the pines and firs lining the canyon is still a bright green. All the colors seem to be more intense, and the river itself still has that tinge of late snowmelt.

Weather can be iffy in June, but it is rare to get more than one day of rain on a trip. Sunny days are comfortable, not hot ( like August ), and even a rainy day is an adventure. Our paddling jackets and wet suits keep everyone warm, and the lodges have a special quality on those rainy nights.

Early summer water levels tend to make most rapids a little easier. Higher flows make for lots of floating instead of paddling, and shorter days on the river give us more time for side hikes and explorations that we have to bypass later in the summer. Smaller groups in June also make for more individual attention from the guides.

Come join us in June. It’s a great time of year to see the Rogue.

Thanks Mike for sharing your expertise with us. Keep checking back for more river knowledge from one of the Rogue River's most experienced guides. Now you just need to learn more about how you sign up to run the Rogue River with Orange Torpedo Trips