Join our three day Multi-Day Rafting Clinic, and unlock the skills to confidently take family and friends on multi-day river trips.
Are you eager to get out for extended river time on a multi-day expedition? Have friends encouraged you to buy all the gear but you feel intimidated in taking the next step and independently head out on a trip? Taking the step to apply your river skills in a multi-day context can be challenging, as it demands experienced partners, specialized equipment, river, logistics, and camp skills and a significant amount of time and practice. Fortunately, we offer all of these elements and more on our three-day, Lower Deschutes multi day clinic.
Learn tips and tricks of how to prepare for a trip: what river trips are you ready for, what to pack, what gear to bring, food planning, shuttle logistics, etc. Learn how to efficiently and effectively rig all your gear on your raft. Practice on water maneuvers: flatwater rafting made easy, navigating rapids, catching the eddy at camp. Learn risk management and raft related rescue techniques to keep your crew safe and deal with any incidents that may occur. Refine your camp systems: group kitchen set up, groover use and care, camp chores. All the while having fun and spending quality time with like minded river people in a beautiful setting!
Course Objectives:
• Learn how to prepare for a multiday raft trip
• Practice raft rigging
• Learn and practice raft maneuvers in class II and III whitewater
• Learn basic raft rescue and risk management techniques
• Learn and refine camp systems
Course Prerequisites:
• Experienced class II whitewater paddler/rafter
• Experience camping in a remote (not car camping) setting
• Own or plan to own a full multiday raft setup (ok to rent from Tumalo or borrow from a friend if needed for the course)
• Able and excited to work as a positive member of an expedition
• This clinic is open to families and groups of friends (can include kids or an inexperienced friend as long as they are 10+ yrs old and able to actively engage in the expedition setting)
Safety Notice
Paddlesports, water, and river activities involve inherent risks that cannot be eliminated and may result in serious injury or death. Participation may involve hazards including but not limited to; moving water, changing river conditions, weather, obstacles, uneven terrain, equipment failure, and other natural or man-made hazards. Conditions can change rapidly and without warning.
All participants are required to wear a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) whenever on the water or whenever directed by a guide or instructor. Additional required safety equipment must be worn and used as instructed.
Our guides and instructors are trained to help manage risk and provide a more safe learning environment, but they cannot eliminate all risks or guarantee your safety. Even on guided trips, lessons, and camps, every participant is responsible for actively contributing to their own safety.
Participants are expected to:
- Listen to and follow all instructions from guides and instructors.
- Stay alert, make responsible decisions, and avoid unnecessary risks.
- Know and respect their own abilities and limits. Do not attempt skills or activities beyond your experience or comfort level.
- Immediately inform your guide or instructor if you are uncomfortable, become fatigued, are unable to perform a skill safely, or observe a potential hazard.
- Work together with guides and fellow participants to help maintain a safe environment.
Parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring that minor participants understand and follow all safety instructions.
By participating in our programs—including whitewater kayaking, rafting, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), canoeing, kayak sailing, flatwater paddling, youth camps, multi-activity paddlesports camps, and other paddlesports activities—you acknowledge the inherent risks associated with these activities and accept responsibility for your own actions and participation.
Equipment List
Tumalo Creek Provides
- Individualized coaching on all aspects of a multi day raft trip
- Trip planning (route plan, personal and raft equipment packing lists, food shopping suggestions)
- Raft rigging techniques
- Down river raft maneuvering
- How to scout and run more challenging rapids
- Raft self-rescue and group rescue techniques
- Raft kitchen set up and group cooking coaching
- Camp chores descriptions
Participant Provides
- Personal river equipment: PFD designed for whitewater use, whitewater helmet, river layers appropriate for season/location, close toed river shoes
- Personal river rescue equipment: throw rope, whistle
- Rafting equipment: river map, raft, frame, oars, straps, cooler, dry box, water jug(s), dry bags, raft repair kit
- Shared group gear (shared between participants): kitchen set up, groover set up, hand wash set up, dish wash set up
- Vehicle with trailer
- Personal camping supplies (tent, sleeping gear, camp clothes, etc)
- Group Food: each individual/group will be responsible for planning and purchasing supplies for at least one group dinner and one group breakfast
- Personal Food: each individual/group will be responsible for bringing their own lunches/snacks
Gear required for this trip is available for purchase at our shop.
Meeting Location
805 SW Industrial Way Suite 6, Bend OR 97702
+ CANCELLATION POLICY
To ensure a transparent and fair cancellation process, we have established the following policy:
*Full Refund (Up to 30 Days Before Scheduled Date):
Cancellations made up to 30 days before the scheduled course date are eligible for a full refund.
*50% Non-Refundable Fee (From 29th to 14th Day Before Event):
Cancellations made between the 29th and 14th day before the scheduled course date will incur a non-refundable fee of 50%.
*No Refunds (Within 14 Days of the Event):
Cancellations made within 14 days of the scheduled course date will not be eligible for any refunds.
We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, and we appreciate your cooperation in adhering to this cancellation policy. For any cancellation requests, please contact us promptly to process the necessary arrangements.
Thank you for adhering to our policies.
Tumalo Creek
+ OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
For this course receive - 30% discount on equipment rentals including paddling necessities and immersion gear including dry suits. Rescue equipment is excluded from our rental services.
Tumalo Creek's Paddlesports Retail Shop:
Tumalo Creek proudly hosts a fully stocked paddlesports retail shop, equipped with all the necessary gear for your swiftwater rescue course. From rescue equipment to paddling essentials, our retail shop ensures that you have access to top-quality gear.
Additional whitewater courses:
You may also be interested in our other whitewater courses and summer whitewater progression. These include our introductory Full Immersion Whitewater Weekend, Intermediate Whitewater Weekend, roll sessions, and our three day raft supported Lower Deschutes Whitewater Kayaking Camp.
+ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I bring my own gear?
If you have your own gear and or boat you are more than welcome to bring your gear to the classes. It is always good to practice in the same equipment you will use after the class.
Can kids come to these lessons?
We have a strict age requirement of 15 for standard lessons. If you have a child younger than 15 please check out our offerings for Tumalo Kids or email [email protected] to get information on private classes.
Do I have to get on the water?
If you are taking a class we do require you to come out on the water and practice the techniques we are covering. Though we start on land most of our instruction is on the water so students can try the new skill in real time.
Do I have to participate in the self rescue?
It is entirely optional but highly recommended that you try your hand at a self rescue during class. Practice makes perfect and what better way to practice than by having a certified instructor right there with you.
Will I fall in?
It is entirely possible that you will fall in the water. We will always suit you up with all of the necessary safety gear for the discipline you are participating in, and our certified instructors are well versed in water rescues. But still, be prepared to swim.
