Home / Instructional Trips / Idaho Rowing School instructional Idaho Rowing School A week of wonderful Starting at $2,199 per person. Book Now Idaho Rowing School Trip Details Packing Guide Schedule & Pricing Starting at $2,199 per person. Book Now Overview Whitewater Rowing Instruction on Idaho's Main Salmon River For seven glorious summer days you will float 90 miles of the Salmon River in the heart of the Idaho backcountry. Long, full days on the river, wonderful, relaxing nights under the stars, countless memories. Rapids, beaches, creeks, hikes, campfires, lessons, stories, friends. Sore muscles that last a week, cool tans that last a month, memories that last forever. You’ll gain confidence and come away energized by learning a new skill and making new friends. The goal of this school is to get you as much rowing time as possible. We’ll take lots of rafts, big ones with instructors and little ones with just a single student each. The rapids are pretty straightforward, great for learning how to navigate whitewater and the water is pretty warm, just in case you don’t learn fast enough. The campsites are wonderful, ideal for figuring out how to do the whole cooking thing and the length of the trip is just right, full but not long days and relaxed evenings. And, best of all, our instructors are patient angels, ready to teach, show, share, and laugh with you. We hope you can join us. What to Expect A pdf of these trip details (along with more information about what to expect on your trip) can be found and downloaded here. If you still have questions, please feel free to call us (209-962-7873) or email us (arta@arta.org). We love to talk about our trips! Download Guide Is this course for you? Our Idaho rowing school promises to be a true adventure! This is a great course for those who want to develop rowing skills for private trips, for those who want a little guidance as they delve into extended wilderness excursions, or for those who just want to row a raft and enjoy a week in one of the west’s most majestic canyons. The Main Salmon offers excellent solitude, camping and hiking, as well as fun and exciting rapids. It is a great place to be and a wonderful place to learn how to row a raft. "Amazing rowing school on the Main Salmon River in central Idaho. ARTA provides just about everything you need besides your clothes, sunglasses, hat, and pillow! Food is AMAZING and fresh. They accommodate special diets. Groover is taken care of. The guides are professional, experienced, and friendly, and they organize the trip with safety of all in mind. I’ve done two of these schools and won’t hesitate to go again. I highly recommend the ARTA rowing school!" Scott Riley Idaho Rowing School "I did the ARTA Rowing school in Aug. Amazing trip, amazing instructors, and amazing food! Highly recommend." Kelli Mcgee Idaho Rowing School "Rowing school is the best part of my summer." Greg Stevens Idaho Rowing School "ARTA and their river guides are THE BEST. I enrolled in the rowing school on the Main Salmon in Boise TWICE because of how amazing my first time was. If you’re on the fence, this is your sign to book with ARTA. I’ll be booking for trips on the rogue and Selway next. The trips are well organized and well run. Lots of fun and of course beautiful scenery. The guides are also amazing at keeping us safe and comfortable throughout. The meals each day were superb! I went as a solo traveler both times and met amazing people." JP P Idaho Rowing School "10/10 recommend. Rowing school with ARTA on the Main fork of the Salmon was everything I had hoped it would be and much more. I got lots of time on the oars and each of my questions was always answered thoughtfully, patiently and thoroughly by each guide. Their passion for the river and their depth of experience is incredible individually and as a guide team. They were professional, engaging and fun to be around. The students in my rowing school all came into the week with varying experience levels (including several repeat folks excited to keep learning which I think speaks multitudes of the program).. This course was a springboard for me and my stoke is high. FIVE STARS. If you’re even thinking about it, DO IT DO IT DO IT!!! :) A BIG thank you to ARTA as a whole" Courtney Howard Idaho Rowing School " I didn’t enjoy the end of the trip. First we had to leave the river, then we had to leave the guides, then we had to leave the other students. By the time I had to leave Idaho, I felt like weeping. And I’m not a weepy guy. " Ben L Idaho Rowing School Trip Details Our school will cover over 80 miles of river between Corn Creek and Carey Creek. The Main Salmon is a large-volume river with a variety of Class II and III+ rapids. While our primary purpose will be to learn and improve our rowing skills, many students enjoy the off-river aspects of the school as much as the on-river portions; come prepared for a full and fulfilling adventure. Download PDF Getting There Itinerary What's Provided On The River Getting There This Trip Will Meet At: Stagecoach Inn in Salmon, Idaho 201 River Front Drive, Salmon, ID, 83467 Meeting Time: 8:00pm the evening before your trip Return: 4:00pm (at the McCall, ID Airport) Get Directions Where to Stay: Stagecoach Inn Sacajawea Inn Before Your Arrival Your trip will begin in Salmon, ID and end in McCall, ID. You will need to make arrangements in advance to either have your vehicle shuttled from Salmon to McCall or schedule a flight between Salmon, McCall and/or Boise. For vehicle shuttles: Salmon River Transportation Co For flights between Salmon, McCall and Boise: GEM AIR Itinerary Subject to change due to flows Day Before Your Trip We’ll meet you at 8:00 pm the evening before the trip begins at the Stagecoach Inn in Salmon, Idaho. The Stagecoach is located at 201 Riverfront Drive (Highway 93), just across the bridge over the Salmon River. At the pre-trip meeting we will give you your waterproof dunnage bags, go over trip and shuttle information and answer any last-minute questions. Day 1 We will re-convene at the Stagecoach Inn and travel by van to the launching point on the Main Salmon, (2-3 hours). After a thorough safety orientation, we will head downriver. The first day has a few small rapids (Killum and Gunbarrel) and plenty of places to practice basic skills. We will make camp in the early evening, distribute camp chores, and have time for relaxation, exploration or education. Days 2-6 We will continue downriver, traveling about 10 – 15 miles per day, plenty of time to work on ferrying, pivoting, and catching eddies. Each day will present new challenges, both in terms of whitewater and instructional topics such as rigging, safety, repair, self-rescue, swiftwater swimming and interpretation. The most difficult rapids (including Split Rock, Big Mallard and Elkhorn) will come on days 5 and 6. We will also take time to explore the Main Salmon canyon, including stops at hotsprings and historical sites along the river. As the school progresses, students will take a more active role in the day-to-day logistics and decisions; instructors will offer advice and encouragement and will present challenging scenarios. Day 7 We will take-off the Main around mid-day, de-rig the rafts, load the trailer and drive to McCall where the school will end. What's Provided We Will Provide A flight from Boise or McCall to Salmon before the school OR a flight from McCall to Salmon after the school. Ground transportation from Salmon to the river and from the river to McCall. Friendly, professional instructors. All meals from lunch on the first day to lunch on the last day. Waterproof bags, lifejackets and other specialized river touring equipment for the trip. 3" thick, comfortable "paco pad style" sleeping pads for each guest. 2 person tents. Camp chair, plate, eating utensils and mug. What you are responsible for Meals and lodging before and after. Personal clothing and toiletries (see Equipment List). Sleeping bag (can be rented from ARTA – see equipment list) Soda, wine, alcoholic beverages (see Meals and Drinks). Guide gratuities. On The River Weather Types of boats Meals & Drinks Camping Wildfire Fishing Suggested Reading Weather The weather in the mountains of Idaho is difficult to predict; we have encountered hailstorms and heatwaves on the rowing school (sometimes both on the same school), so please come prepared for a variety of conditions. Generally, the Main Salmon canyon enjoys mild and comfortable conditions in the late summer, however afternoon thunderstorms are common; (you’ll wear your rainshell). For the most part, temperatures range from the 70s to the 90s during the day and the 40s to the 50s at night, with extremes being 10 degrees warmer. The water temperature is comfortable by mid summer; ideal for working on our swimming and rescue techniques. Types of boats We will bring a variety of different boat types on the Rowing School so you can familiarize yourself with the equipment that is out there: from large multi-day expedition style gear hauler rafts to small, light and nimble rafts and cataracts. 18 foot oar rafts will be the primary boats on the school; we’ll probably have 4 or 5 of them. They are big, brawny, and beautiful; if you can row one of these, you can row almost anything. We’ll  have 2 or 3 students and one instructor per raft. 14 foot solo oar rafts will give students a platform to gain independence and work on skills in a more responsive boat. These boats will carry a small amount of overnight gear, be driven by one student and no instructors. We typically bring 2 to 4 of these boats depending on the groups interest and experience level. A 14 foot cataraft will give solo students the opportunity to row a super light and responsive boat and to get a feel for a very common type of raft on private trips. Inflatable kayaks and stand-up paddleboards will be included if there is interest. They are handy for scenarios and fun to play around in when you need a break from rowing. Meals & Drinks ARTA meals are AMAZING! Guests are often shocked at how wonderful our meals are in a back-country setting. We bring the highest quality ice chests to keep meats, fruits and veggies fresh for the duration of the trip. Guests can expect to start each day with fresh coffee and well-balanced breakfast, snacks are available throughout the day in the rafts, lunch is prepared riverside with many options, and appetizers are served to kick off the dinner hour early-evening with our main courses and desert to wrap up each day. We are happy to accommodate special dietary request/requirements. Please let us know in your pre-trip registration. We provide water, sports drink powder during the day, and hot coffee, tea, and cocoa in the morning. If you would like soda, beer, wine, or liquor at camp, please bring your own and we will have coolers/ice for you! Please bring beer/soda in cans, we can accommodate wine and liquor in glass bottles. Please bring what you plan to consume. Camping Overnight camping will be done at riverside beaches with spectacular views of the river and canyon. Guides will set up a full kitchen, dining area, drink and appetizer zone, and our ‘living room’ with chairs set up for each guest, a library of books and camp games. Guests will have the freedom to explore and pick out their own unique spot to set up their tents away from the central area, and guides are available to help. Our toilet facilities, and a hand-wash station will be set up in an isolated (and usually beautiful) location; going to the bathroom in the wilderness is surprisingly pleasant, keep in mind we set up the toilet facilities away from camp, a short walk to the toilet, often on uneven ground is part of the deal. Wildfire We will be traveling through the heart of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness and visiting the home of a variety of wild animals. On the Main Salmon it is common to see otters, deer, and bighorn sheep as well as osprey, eagles, and other birds of prey. Fishing The fishing on the Main Salmon is fairly good. Rods should be protected in sturdy cases, and only a small amount of tackle is needed. Dry flies and small spinners with single barbless hooks work well; you do not need waders or nets. If you want to fish you must have a valid Idaho State Fishing License. Licenses and gear can be purchased on-line or at the Ninety-three Mini Mart and Sports (208/756-3002) in Salmon. Suggested Reading River of No Return by Cort Conley gives a detailed, mile-by-mile description of the history of the river and canyon. The Last of the Mountain Men by Harold Peterson, Thousand Pieces of Gold by Ruthanne McCunn and Merciless Eden by Doug Tims are great books about the canyon’s colorful past. A good map and guide is available locally in Salmon or from blackcanyonguides.com. On The River Weather Weather The weather in the mountains of Idaho is difficult to predict; we have encountered hailstorms and heatwaves on the rowing school (sometimes both on the same school), so please come prepared for a variety of conditions. Generally, the Main Salmon canyon enjoys mild and comfortable conditions in the late summer, however afternoon thunderstorms are common; (you’ll wear your rainshell). For the most part, temperatures range from the 70s to the 90s during the day and the 40s to the 50s at night, with extremes being 10 degrees warmer. The water temperature is comfortable by mid summer; ideal for working on our swimming and rescue techniques. Types of boats Types of boats We will bring a variety of different boat types on the Rowing School so you can familiarize yourself with the equipment that is out there: from large multi-day expedition style gear hauler rafts to small, light and nimble rafts and cataracts. 18 foot oar rafts will be the primary boats on the school; we’ll probably have 4 or 5 of them. They are big, brawny, and beautiful; if you can row one of these, you can row almost anything. We’ll  have 2 or 3 students and one instructor per raft. 14 foot solo oar rafts will give students a platform to gain independence and work on skills in a more responsive boat. These boats will carry a small amount of overnight gear, be driven by one student and no instructors. We typically bring 2 to 4 of these boats depending on the groups interest and experience level. A 14 foot cataraft will give solo students the opportunity to row a super light and responsive boat and to get a feel for a very common type of raft on private trips. Inflatable kayaks and stand-up paddleboards will be included if there is interest. They are handy for scenarios and fun to play around in when you need a break from rowing. Meals & Drinks Meals & Drinks ARTA meals are AMAZING! Guests are often shocked at how wonderful our meals are in a back-country setting. We bring the highest quality ice chests to keep meats, fruits and veggies fresh for the duration of the trip. Guests can expect to start each day with fresh coffee and well-balanced breakfast, snacks are available throughout the day in the rafts, lunch is prepared riverside with many options, and appetizers are served to kick off the dinner hour early-evening with our main courses and desert to wrap up each day. We are happy to accommodate special dietary request/requirements. Please let us know in your pre-trip registration. We provide water, sports drink powder during the day, and hot coffee, tea, and cocoa in the morning. If you would like soda, beer, wine, or liquor at camp, please bring your own and we will have coolers/ice for you! Please bring beer/soda in cans, we can accommodate wine and liquor in glass bottles. Please bring what you plan to consume. Camping Camping Overnight camping will be done at riverside beaches with spectacular views of the river and canyon. Guides will set up a full kitchen, dining area, drink and appetizer zone, and our ‘living room’ with chairs set up for each guest, a library of books and camp games. Guests will have the freedom to explore and pick out their own unique spot to set up their tents away from the central area, and guides are available to help. Our toilet facilities, and a hand-wash station will be set up in an isolated (and usually beautiful) location; going to the bathroom in the wilderness is surprisingly pleasant, keep in mind we set up the toilet facilities away from camp, a short walk to the toilet, often on uneven ground is part of the deal. Wildfire Wildfire We will be traveling through the heart of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness and visiting the home of a variety of wild animals. On the Main Salmon it is common to see otters, deer, and bighorn sheep as well as osprey, eagles, and other birds of prey. Fishing Fishing The fishing on the Main Salmon is fairly good. Rods should be protected in sturdy cases, and only a small amount of tackle is needed. Dry flies and small spinners with single barbless hooks work well; you do not need waders or nets. If you want to fish you must have a valid Idaho State Fishing License. Licenses and gear can be purchased on-line or at the Ninety-three Mini Mart and Sports (208/756-3002) in Salmon. Suggested Reading Suggested Reading River of No Return by Cort Conley gives a detailed, mile-by-mile description of the history of the river and canyon. The Last of the Mountain Men by Harold Peterson, Thousand Pieces of Gold by Ruthanne McCunn and Merciless Eden by Doug Tims are great books about the canyon’s colorful past. A good map and guide is available locally in Salmon or from blackcanyonguides.com.