David Morgan
Embark on an unforgettable whitewater adventure through the rugged canyons of Utah’s Green River, the birthplace of whitewater boating. Over the course of this river expedition, you'll challenge yourself to master multiple paddling techniques, from kayaking and paddle rafting to oar rig handling, all while navigating over 100 miles of one of the most iconic whitewater rivers in North America. As you face rapids with names like Disaster Falls and Hell’s Half-Mile, you’ll develop your whitewater skills and immerse yourself in the experience of being a leader in the outdoors.
This course offers a unique blend of adventure, personal growth, and leadership development. With each day on the river, you'll gain hands-on experience and cultivate leadership skills—learning to make crucial decisions under pressure, communicate effectively within a team, and navigate the challenges of dynamic river environments. Whether paddling calm stretches or conquering challenging rapids, this course will push you to grow as both an adventurer and a leader, preparing you to handle the unexpected and lead confidently.
Photo credit: Lauren Bally
The Green River expedition is designed to help you develop technical whitewater skills and the essential qualities of leadership. Each day on the water will challenge you to take on new roles, from assessing rapids and making crucial decisions to leading your team through varying conditions. By the end of this course, you’ll have a deeper understanding of your leadership style and the tools to handle complex challenges, both on and off the river. Whether navigating difficult rapids, coordinating your group’s efforts, or managing unforeseen circumstances, you’ll develop the self-confidence and decision-making ability needed for future leadership opportunities.
The Green River offers some of the most stunning and rugged landscapes in the United States. Your expedition will take you through over 100 miles of wilderness, paddling through majestic canyons and untamed rapids. Starting in calm waters, you'll gradually progress to more challenging sections, building your technical skills along the way. As you navigate the river, you’ll encounter breathtaking views, wildlife, and natural formations while gaining a deeper connection to this unique ecosystem. Alongside the physical adventure, you’ll learn about the river’s ecology and local environmental challenges, expanding your appreciation for the natural world.
This course provides a comprehensive skillset that combines technical whitewater knowledge with personal leadership growth. By the end of the expedition, you’ll have gained expertise in:
Whitewater Paddling Techniques: Master kayaking, paddle rafting, and oar rig handling while navigating rapids of varying intensity.
Leadership and Decision Making: Practice leading a team in challenging conditions, including risk assessment and safely navigating rapids.
Teamwork and Communication: Develop essential communication skills and conflict resolution techniques, ensuring effective collaboration in high-stress environments.
Adversity Management: Cultivate resilience as you face unpredictable weather and other challenges, learning to stay calm and lead through adversity.
Photo credit: Lauren Bally
Day 1: Meet your instructors and gear up at the NOLS basecamp. Review the essentials of paddling, safety, and river ecology.
Days 2–15: Embark on the river expedition, paddling your way through calm and progressively more challenging rapids. Each day will include skills instruction, leadership development, and time spent learning about the environment.
Day 16: Return to basecamp, complete a final debrief with your team, and reflect on your growth as a paddler and a leader.
Unpredictable River Conditions: The Green River offers ever-changing challenges, from calm stretches to intense rapids. Learning to read the water, assess risks, and make real-time decisions will stretch your capabilities and enhance your leadership skills.
Physical and Mental Endurance: Paddling through the river’s canyons requires stamina and perseverance. You’ll face long days of paddling and camping, testing your physical and mental resilience.
Group Dynamics and Leadership: Living and working with your team in the backcountry will require patience, cooperation, and adaptability. You’ll learn to balance leadership with collaboration, preparing you to lead in any group setting.
Photo credit: Lauren Bally
This whitewater leadership expedition is perfect for individuals eager to push their limits, whether you're an experienced paddler looking to refine your skills or someone new to whitewater rafting. Ideal for those ready to develop leadership skills, face challenges in a dynamic environment and experience personal growth in the wilderness. No prior leadership experience is required, though a basic fitness level and willingness to take on new challenges will help you succeed.
By completing this whitewater leadership expedition, you’ll join the ranks of NOLS alumni—a global community of leaders, adventurers, and professionals who apply the lessons they’ve learned in the wilderness to their personal and professional lives. This course is not just about navigating rivers; it’s about navigating life with confidence, clarity, and leadership. Ready to take on the Green River? Your adventure awaits.
“My perspective, my experiences, and everything about me were different and I thought I was just an ordinary, teenage, Mexican-American girl, but this course taught me that I am so much more than that.... It has changed the way I approach people and life. I learned that my perspective is so much more valuable than I thought it was. I have experienced things that others only dream of in their nightmares, and NOLS helped me realize that because of this, I have so much to offer the world.”
