Ready to build real confidence behind the oars? Adrift Dinosaur’s Whitewater Rowing Clinics are designed for both beginner and intermediate rowers, with instruction tailored to each participant’s past experience. Led by Adrift’s professional river guides, these clinics emphasize experiential, hands-on learning, thoughtful progression, and sound risk management — all on some of the most beautiful and approachable whitewater in the West.
Whether you’re brand new to rowing, preparing for a longer wilderness trip, or refining existing skills, our guides meet you where you’re at. Instruction is adaptive and scenario-based, allowing participants to learn through repetition, real-time feedback, and practical problem-solving on the water. We intentionally integrate swiftwater rescue principles and decision-making throughout the clinic so skills are learned in context, not isolation.
During the clinic, you’ll learn and practice:
- Rowing mechanics, boat control, and efficient maneuvering
- Reading water, scouting rapids, and choosing safe, effective lines
- Catching and leaving eddies, pushing and pulling, and wave positioning
- Rigging systems, gear prep, boat spacing, and group management
- Hydrology basics, river etiquette, and risk assessment
- Flip prevention, self-rescue, and assisted rescue techniques (Z-drags, 3:1 self equalizing anchors)
- Throw bag use, essential knots, and rescue communication
- Camp skills, safety systems, and Leave No Trace ethics
- Building confidence to make informed, conservative decisions on the water
Our teaching style is immersive, supportive, and rooted in professional guiding standards. With small group sizes and progressive terrain, beginners build a strong safety-first foundation while intermediate rowers refine efficiency, situational awareness, and leadership on the river. You’ll leave with not only improved rowing skills, but a deeper understanding of how to manage risk, respond to incidents, and make smart calls in dynamic whitewater environments — all within the welcoming, river-family culture Adrift Dinosaur is known for.
For more information or to find out if you are a good candidate for our rowing clinics please email
Annie@adrift.com.
