White Water Rafting on a Cold Day: How to stay warm

Even when the water is 60+ degrees on the Lower Salmon or the Rogue River, those chilly spring mornings or late afternoon rain storms do occasionally make it a little brisk to be relaxing in a torpedo wearing only a swimsuit and PFD.  There are some tricks to staying warm, and when you can stay warm, some of the most fun paddling can be in the middle of a rain storm.
Tricks to staying warm.

1. Dress Correctly:  This is absolutely essential to staying warm.  How to dress is dependent on what type of cold you're dealing with.  On a chilly morning a splash jacket may be all you need; however in the middle or a rainstorm some more serious gear may be required.  One main factor for staying warm is AVOID ALL COTTON.  Never wear cotton on the river.  When it gets wet in makes you cold.
OTT Provided Stuff: to be combined with your non-cotton swimwear.
1. Paddle Jackets: This simple Nylon Paddle Jacket retains a little heat and deflects the splashes from your skin.  This can go a long way towards keeping you warm.  This simple jacket worn under your PFD can be the difference between warm and happy and chilly.  Not effective at keeping you warm when swimming in the water.

2. Wet Suites: On trips where being chilly is a possibility we supply "Farmer John" style wetsuits.  This open shoulder style makes the suits much more comfortable to paddle all day while keeping the core of your body insulated and warm.  This combined with a paddle jacket is enough to withstand 90% of spring and summer cold weather.

What you can add and supplement:
Often times a wetsuit is just too much but a paddle jacket alone is too little.  There are also times when even a paddle jacket is overkill, but just a swimsuit and PFD is a little brisk.  Below are a few of our favorite pieces of clothing to wear on the river.  If you click the image it will take you to the item at NRS or REI where you can purchase them.
Hydroskin tops : These are great on an early morning.  More breathable than a paddle jacket and they continue to warm even if you are swimming in it.  I love mine both on a brisk morning for that little extra warmth until the sun comes up or for wearing under a paddle jacket on a cold day.  The paddle jacket breaks the wind and keeps the splashes off while these insulate and help keep you warm even in a swim. Combine this with a wetsuit AND paddle jacket for the coldest summer weather and stay warm and toasty.

Fleece: A basic fleece under a paddle jacket is also a great insulator.  When fleece gets wet is retains its ability to keep you warm.  It's not as comfortable to wear when wet as the hydroskin, but it dries fast and is much more comfortable around camp making it a little more versatile.  If you are on a raft where swimming is unlikely, a good SIMPLE fleece jacket under a paddle jacket is great for the coldest weather. Click the image to see a nice simple jacket.

Lower Body:
Generally not as important in the summer time.  Especially since we will supply you with a wetsuit.  However often times a wetsuit is just too much so a shorter version comes in handy.
Rodeo Shorts: Many of the guides find these wetsuit shorts, generally worn under a pair of swim trunks, to be an on the water savior.  These are great when paddling a torpedo on a brisk morning.

Splash pants:  If you are exclusively going to be riding the raft splash pants can be a great way to keep the wind and water off.  They are not at all helpful if swimming or sitting in water so not much good in a Torpedo, but on raft these are a glorious comfort.

2. Consume Correctly:
Make sure that on cold days you eat some extra food.  Being active paddling on the river your already burning through more calories than you are probably used to, and if you are cold your body needs even more fuel to try and keep you warm.  On a cold day ask your guides for some extra snacks like granola bars.  If it is real chilly your guides may have a thermos of hot tea or hot chocolate.  It is also crucial to stay hydrated.  Often on chilly day people will drink less even though they are still burning through fluids paddling.
3. Know your body:
Don't be afraid to acknoladge you're getting cold.  It is much easier to stay warm than get warm.  If you start to get chilly let your guide know and they can help avoid waves to keep, move you to the raft, get you additional food or maybe a warm drink.  Often times guides will even have some additional cold weather gear hidden away they can outfit you with.  All it takes is letting a guide know you're getting chilly before you get cold.  After you are cold it's much more difficult to get you warm and happy than it would have been just to keep you there.

OF NOTE:
This advice is for the rare cold SUMMER weather experienced when rafting the Rogue River, Salmon River, North Umpqua River, or Klamath River.  Paddle trips in the winter can be extremely enjoyable but require an entirely different approach to staying warm.  
Have fun out there.

Orange Torpedo Trips is a for profit company and while all advice on this blog is based on it being good advice and products shown are shown strictly because they are good products, we reserve the right to profit from the sales of these items both online or in our retail store.
 

Torpedo's and Waterfalls

Last winter a collection of Orange Torpedo Trips guides and want to be "legends" headed back to the East Fork of the Lewis river in southern Washington to try running a 20+ ft waterfall in an Orange Torpedo Tahiti. 2 years ago Chewy tried and failed as shown in the second video below, but this time turned out a little different. Helmet, also shown in the video ran his first real waterfalls in a hardshell kayak which was great to see. Enjoy

The most recent attempts at the East Fork of the Lewis

East Fork of the Lewis Tahiti Torpedo run from Erik on Vimeo.

When we tried a few years back

Rafting the Rogue River with one less Dam

After more than 2 decades of work, litigation, contemplation, bickering, arguing, crying, screaming, laughing, and talking, on October 9th, 2009 Savage Rapids Dam was cleared and the Rogue River flowed unabrupted through this area for the first time since 1921, allowing a floatilla of rafts, kayaks, drift boats, and jet boats to freely navigate through its channel. Sadly, this profound event did not go down without incident. Friday afternoon a man was killed when his jetboat crashed just downstream of the dam and Saturday an experienced river boatman wrapped his driftboat on a snag just down from the Dam. Outside of these two incidents, plenty of rafts, drift boats, and kayaks succesfully floated down this new section of the Rogue River.Photo: Jamie Lusch Mail Tribune

We are very excited to see how this channel settles in. For at least this first season the channel is expected to be in transition as years of silt and the gravel from the coffer dam settles, moves, and gets washed away. There is some great potential for this to become a fun little rapid. For more information on the Savage Rapids Dam and the other Dam removal projects on the Rogue River check out the Mail Tribune.
Here are some videos I found on youtube as well as some pictures from the Mail Tribune

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

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

The Main Salmon Price Drop!!!!!!! SAVE $800 a person

Rafting the Main Salmon River in Idaho just became more affordable. To celebrate our 40th summer paddling rivers around the world we have decided to lower the price of our most adventurous trip by $350 a person. The all-inclusive 5 day Main Salmon rafting trip with 1 night in a lodge was $1849 and starting today it has dropped to $1499 for the summer of 09. To go beyond that we are also going to offer an all camping option for the first time in years, dropping the price to $1349! Even better, if you live close enough to Salmon Idaho to drive yourself there, the price could drop all the way to $1049. If you have ever wanted to raft the Main Salmon River (and even if you have never thought about it) this is the summer to do it. You could save up to $800 a person!!! That is a savings of $3200 for a family of 4.
Sign up TODAY! for the premier rafting experience in the country. Trips are filling up fast and at this price the spots will disappear quick.
Learn more about rafting the Main Salmon River

5 things to know before booking your rafting trip on the Main Salmon

A rafting trip down the Main Salmon River is the vacation of a lifetime so it's important to make sure you book the right trip, with the right company, at the right time, with the right options. Here is a guide to help make sure you find exactly what you are looking for.

1. Transportation.
Getting the put-in and take-out of the River of No Return can be complicated due to the remote nature of the trip. When booking your trip you should have a few different options for transportation and those should be reflected in the price A: The full treatment. Fly into Boise and then take Salmon Air from Boise to Salmon. From Salmon the company should bus you into the put-in at Corn Creek. From the Take-out at Carry Creek the company should provide transportation back to Boise via van or air from McCall. B: Salmon to Salmon: Some trips a company provides transportation from Salmon Idaho (requiring you to drive there) to Corn Creek and then from Carey Creek to McCall where you catch a Salmon Air flight back to Salmon and your vehicle. This works well if you live close to Salmon. With this option you can usually also choose to have your vehicle shuttled from Salmon to Carrey Creek or McCall instead of catching the flight back to Salmon. This option may be cheaper depending on if your group is larger than 2. Our trips cover all these options, but with most people coming from out of state, the Boise to Boise option with the included Salmon Air flight is the most popular.

View Larger Map

2. Time of the year and river flow.
The Salmon River is the longest river in the country without a dam. This freedom means that unlike the Rogue River in Oregon where flow remain somewhat constant all summer long because of dam control, the flow on the Salmon progressively decreases as peak of snow melt passes. Early season usually means high, colder water. More water in many place means bigger waves and can be extremely exciting for those looking for a big ride. By the first or second week of July the Salmon has usually warmed up and settled into great mid-summer flows. For these couple weeks the river has big waves with plenty of excitement while also being a little easier and warmer than trips in the latter part of June.
Later into the summer the flows drop and the rocks come out. The river is always fun, but now it changes to more technical maneuvering. The lower water usually brings out some of the best beaches which were hidden below the surface earlier in the summer. Talk to your company about when the weather and water flows are most likely to match the type of trip you're looking for. You can always call us at 800-635-2925 for an idea.

3.Camping, lodges, or a combo.
The Main Salmon is one of the few rivers in the U.S. where you can float lodge to lodge on a rafting trip. The Salmon River also has some of the best camping of any river in the country, so how do you choose what to do? At Orange Torpedo Trips we think you opt to do both. On our trips we camp for 3 or 4 nights and stay at a lodge for one. After camping on beautiful beaches for 3 nights the lodge comes as a nice transitional step back into the modern world.

4.Type of boat. How are you going to travel down the river? This choice will play an enormous role in your experience. Sitting on the front of an oared raft provides plenty of time to take in scenery, relax in the sun, and talk with your guide. Paddle rafting means time with your friends, but plenty of organizing your group efforts to paddle through the flats. Third, is our personal favorite, paddling an inflatable kayak (IK). When you can learn from a guide and then follow a guide through the rapids it allows complete beginners to experience the joy of riding over waves and the satisfaction that comes from saying, "I paddled the Main Salmon" to all of your friends. Many companies offer an inflatable kayak option, but only with Orange Torpedo Trips do you have a guide in an IK teaching you as you go, guiding you through the rapids, and being right there to pick you out of the water within seconds if you happen to tip. 39 years of satisfied customers say this is the way to travel.

5.Trip take-out. The Main Salmon has a few different spots to exit the river. Some trip options include flying out of Shepp Ranch or Mackay Bar. Some take-out at Vinegar Creek, and some like us go all the way to Carrey Creek. We believe going the extra few miles to Carrey Creek provides a better end to the trip. Vinegar rapid (one of my favorites of the whole trip) is guaranteed to get you wet and makes the best end to the trip. Don't miss one of the best rapids of the river, make sure you trip goes all the way to Carrey.

If you want to download the details about this trip with Orange Torpedo Trips Click Here and download the Main Salmon brochure. If you're ready to go Click here to book now.

Whitewater rafting videos

I love looking back at videos we have made in the past. Its always fun to remember adventures you have been on, laugh about something you haven't thought about in a while, or just remember a time of year you're looking forward to again. Well looking back I found some Orange Torpedo videos worth highlighting. The first two we made 3 or 4 years ago and are still great videos for talking about who we are and what we do.

Here is the into video, if you want to know about Orange Torpedo Trips this is a great place to start.



Next is the video for those interested in rafting on the Rogue River, which this is our 40th year on the Rogue River and we still love it (expect a whole entry on this coming up soon). So if we have been here 40 years and still love it, just think of what you are missing if you have still never seen it.


Alright so enough of showing promo videos. They are great and good for learning, but if you just want to see what rafting the Rogue River is really like watch these next two. Every white water rafting trip on the Rogue River with Orange Torpedo Trips, we make a custom DVD and coffee table book from that trip. Customers receive the dvd and coffee table book as part of the trip, no added fee. This way when they get back they have a way to show their friends how much cooler and more adventurous their vacation was.
Here is a video a uploaded after one of the trips. Remember anytime you see someone fall out, they were picked out of the water by a guide within a few seconds.





Finally I was looking back at an off season day another guide and I had. It was sometime in the winter a few years ago and we were feeling some white water withdrawals. We decided to head up to the East Fork of the Lewis in Washington so "Chewy" (almost all guides have nicknames) could try to run his first waterfalls. Lets just say the results were somewhat humorous.


So there you have it. I hope that starts to satisfy some winter time white water needs. But if you really think your going to need to get into and IK and run the water this summer I would sign up soon. Dates for rafting on the Rogue River are already filling up.

The Rogue River, jet boats, rafting, camping, and a parade.

We are in the heart of winter, but spring will arrive before you know it. Now is the time to start planning things to do this summer. Start thinking about original vacations, fun road trips, events you can attend that will give you stories to awe your friends. Boatnik weekend in Grants Pass Oregon is one of those fun and unique things everyone should swing by at least one time.

This event based around the Rogue River is at a great time to be in the Grants Pass area. Boatnik, founded in 1959 is always held on Memorial day weekend and includes a great small town parade, plenty of street vendors selling fun crafts and all the local produce and art you could want. The parade event is a really fun family event with something for everyone.

The highlight of the Boatnik festival weekend in Grants Pass Oregon is the jet boat races. With multiple types of boats and races there are plenty of places to watch the excitement from on the stretch of the Rogue River where the boats run. Here is a video we found showing just some of the action.


In all boatnik weekend is a great time to get out and enjoy the spring. The weather is nice and the river is just starting to get to that perfect for swimming temperature. I love running one day rafting trips or even the 3 day Lower Rogue River white water trip this time of year. Its not so hot that you want to be in the water all of the time, but still hot enough swimming feels great. Make it a complete weekend with camping at Indian Mary park, a day at the parade and watching the jet boats before you end it with a day white water rafting on the Rogue River.