Help us recruit young leaders for our amazing Youth LEAD Camps! These 12 to 24-day courses are life-changing experiences and are open to youth 14-18

Youth Lead Camps & Dates:

· 24-Day Sea to Source Adventure: sea kayaking on Tomales Bay, whitewater rafting on the Klamath River, organic farming, and backpacking in the Trinity Alps. June 16-July 9  

· 12-Day All Abilities Adventure: sea kayaking on San Francisco Bay and whitewater rafting on the South Fork American River. This inclusive and accesible course integrates teens with and without disabilities. August 2-August 13

Click here for application forms and 

more information. 

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How I survived the 2011 Spring  

River Guide Training 

by Sara Lafleur

True happiness and adventure is not limited to distant lands and times. Oh no, friends, it can be had right here in the backyard of this sunny frontier state - just take me to the river and call upon your fellow river-lovers. Bring a tent, preferably a rain-proof one, a guitar, a wetsuit, and some excellent teachers. I'll meet you there.

Yes, the 2011 Spring ETC whitewater guide training shall remain fresh in our minds. Sure we all knew we were there for a reason - to learn the sweep, pry, and draw strokes, how to get out of a hole once you're sucked in, how to high-side, rescue your swimmers with rope and paddle, and give a proper safety talk. But the prevalence of morning and evening circle-games and finely-crafted dinner skits served as a constant reminder that we were also there to have a good ole time.

On Day One, the Rapid Swim caught some by surprise as the initial shock of the icy American River pierced wetsuits and rendered an insignificant white water section a true challenge. On Day Two, we got our first taste of big water with 3+ rapids at exceptionally high levels: 6,000cfs. As someone who has experienced class 5 water, I quickly learned that 3+ rapids at high water are not to be messed with. And after our first run of the Gorge, we couldn't quite fathom how we would soon be guiding through tricky rapid's like Fowler's and Satan's Cesspool.

The experience of dump-trucking (when the boat tips everyone out but remains right-side up) with a senior guide reminded us that we are all at the mercy of the river and we must give her our utmost respect. Swimming rapids makes the best of us think twice - "do I have what it takes?" But it is a necessary experience if we are to earn our guide whistles. And come Day Nine, we ran kamikaze through the lower half of the South Fork with excellent lines. I remember coming off the river that day feeling like I could run the whole section with confidence. It was a triumphant, gratifying experience. 

The productive thing about ETC's process is that you are always called upon to reflect upon your experiences, you cannot simply go through the motions and call it a day. Often in the day's closing circle or around the fire we were asked to reflect: asked to write a letter to ourselves, asked 'what is challenging to you,' 'what did you do well today,' or 'what do you have to offer,' or 'who do you feel grateful for today'. The answers to these questions brought the group closer and forced us to be honest and fair to ourselves. 

Leaving the training, it becomes crystal clear why camp life and life on the river is such a blessing. Over the course of nine days, I did not commit a single thought to the drama of my "real life." It was a million miles away by that point. No computer. No phone. No housemates. Just a full schedule of river activities, new faces, excellent food, the outdoors, and laughter.

So what do you get when you take a large group of adults and ask them to play games and exercises intended for teenagers? Granted, I came into it skeptical, but I realized that I love circles, silent games, and sharing too much about myself. I guess I'm a regular old river rat!

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Raft the American River

Join ETC guides and participants on one or two-day rafting trips and help open the door to adventure to people with special needs. Spend the night at our beautiful and accessible campground on the banks 

of the South Fork of the American River.

Rafting expeditions wind through the spectacular landscape of northern California's Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Warm water, deep pools, and sandy beaches provide great swimming and camping.

$400 includes rafting, guides, food, and camping.   

** Scholarships available to people with disabilities **

For more information or to sign up, please contact Davido:

(415) 474-7662 x15 

riverprogram@etctrips.org.  

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Moonlight Dinner Paddles

Launch from Sausalito for a sunset paddle to Sam's Anchor Cafe in Tiburon and enjoy a sumptuous meal. After dinner we'll enjoy a stunning paddle home under the light of the full moon, with views of the San Francisco skyline. Additional dates can be scheduled for groups of 10 or more.

April 16, May 14, June 11, July 16, August 13,  

September 10, October 8

Lake Tahoe Emerald Bay Overnight

Tahoe needs no introduction as a destination for land-based pursuits, but as a sea-kayaking waterway, it is equally stunning. We'll paddle along the Lake Tahoe shoreline, showcasing vertical granite cliffs and the grandeur of glacier-carved Emerald Bay.

July 16-18

$250, includes meals, instruction, guides, kayak gear, and campsites.

Kayak Mendocino

Enjoy the stunning Mendocino coast as we paddle up the Big River and explore sea caves on the open ocean. We will stay at Jughandle Creek Farm, in a quaint 120-year-old farmhouse with excellent access to coastal trails.

September 16-18, 2011  

$350 includes lodging, all meals, kayak gear, instruction, and guides.   

** Scholarships available to people with disabilities. **

 

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