Meet the Crew
George Wendt, owner and president of O.A.R.S., is a true pioneer in the whitewater rafting industry. His passion for running rivers was born in the 60s, when he descended the seldom-traveled Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. According to Wendt, “the trip introduced me to a world that I didn’t know existed.” That fascinating new world would soon become one that Wendt dedicated himself to completely, one that he dreamed of bringing into the lives of others. In 1969, that dream came true; with his friend Ed Gooch, Wendt established Gooch-Wendt Expeditions, running professional trips on the Grand Canyon, and was appropriately renamed O.A.R.S. (Outdoor Adventure River Specialists).
In 1972, Wendt and his wife Pam took over full operation of O.A.R.S. In 1974, they left their home in Los Angeles and moved to the small Sierra Nevada foothill town of Angels Camp, just miles away from the free-flowing Stanislaus River. O.A.R.S. began to gain wide recognition as a full time river outfitter, running trips on the Stanislaus, American, and Tuolumne rivers in California, and the Rogue River in Oregon, in addition to the Grand Canyon.
Today, O.A.R.S. runs unique whitewater rafting, sea kayaking and multi-sport trips on over 35 rivers and coastlines of the world. Their special programs in Alaska, Canada, Baja, and the Fiji Islands have rendered them a diverse and accommodating force in adventure travel.
One of O.A.R.S.’ highest priorities is taking care of the environment. As a company, they donate 10% of their annual profit, as well as time and energy to protecting and conserving natural places. They focus on providing a high quality program for families, special trips for corporate groups, and rewarding adventures that enhance the lives and increase the environmental awareness of people worldwide.
| Erik Thompson
O.A.R.S, Utah
“I grew up boating in southern Oregon. Over time I contracted a strange disease that caused me to move every six months and develop carpal tunnel syndrome from flipping pancakes.”
“One of my greatest joys is to watch adults reconnect with their escaped youth on the river. After guiding on the Rogue and Rio Grande Rivers, I found my way to Moab, Utah, where I currently live and work in the Colorado River’s Cataract Canyon.”
| Jim Bradford Jr.
O.A.R.S. and Dories, Idaho
“Entering my seventh season with O.A.R.S., I marvel at the breadth of experience I’ve gained and the variety of people I’ve encountered. As a raft and dory guide, I enjoy sharing the majesty of the canyons through which we pass and relish the influence each new group brings. The quality of our crew lends character to every trip we do. I have rarely encountered such interesting, vibrant, and thoughtful people. We all hope the exuberance we share for one another and for the rivers enhances the experience of our guests.”
“Instructional trips have become a pivotal element of my whitewater career. Whitewater kayak instruction serves as a centerpiece, allowing me to help our clients successfully achieve milestones they had never thought possible and build an intimate relationship with the river.”
“One of my most cherished experiences involves a student from the first course I taught. Having arrived with some interest in paddling and a variety of teenage problems, this student developed a passion for whitewater kayaking that motivated his escape from a dangerous lifestyle and helped him discover direction in his life. This student is now a frequent paddling partner of mine, and the proximity of my winter home in Portland, Oregon allows me to see him frequently and witness his progress as a person and a paddler.”
| Rus Geh
O.A.R.S, Oregon and California
“I’ve always thought that there’s more to life than the 9-5 routine. It is inspiring to connect with others in our wonderful river environments and to share the total immersion in the wilderness, which people are shut off from in everyday life. Many of our guests are out there for the first time, doing something completely new. I enjoy assisting these people in challenging themselves. I always hope that their experience will leave them rewarded and more connected with the environment.”
| Dennis Smoldt
O.A.R.S., Dinosaur National Monument and Wyoming
I took my first river excursion in the summer of 1991. It was a three-day Tuolumne trip with O.A.R.S. and also with some of the same guides. That was pretty much all it took for me to decide that I wanted to be a river guide. Several years later, I can say that I’m glad to be where I am. Dinosaur National Monument is spectacular. I also get to travel to other O.A.R.S operations in Moab and Idaho.
“But the most important things would have to be the friendships that the crew members here in Wyoming and Utah have developed. We have all been together for quite a while and really enjoy working with each other. I think our guests notice it, and it helps them come together, too. It is great to take several small groups of people down the river and turn them into one large group of friends that have a terrific time together.”
| Willow Nelson
O.A.R.S. and Dories, Idaho
“Raised in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah, I ventured south at the age of 20 to work on the Colorado River through what is left of Glen Canyon. That is where it all began. The daily trips turned into weeks in the Grand Canyon, where I found O.A.R.S. and the Dories.”
“In the years I have worked for this company, numerous amazing opportunities have come my way and changed my life. My favorite environment is Idaho and the Salmon River. Along with its exciting rapids and amazing hikes, the ecology of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area is phenomenal! One late summer, while drifting down the Main Salmon, we were lucky enough to witness wildfires along the shore, smoldering in huge ponderosa pines and fallen timber. The fires must have pushed many animals down to the river corridor, and to our amazement, we saw a full-grown moose standing shoulder-deep in the river. As he lifted his massive head out of the river, the water poured off his rack. With our eyes wide and our mouths gaping, we then noticed something moving behind the moose on shore. Twenty feet back was a black bear poking around in a berry bush. Wildfire, moose and a bear all in the same frame! My four passengers and I were the only ones to witness this. I will forever cherish the opportunity to take part in experiences such as this with our guests.”
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RELATED VACATIONS
In addition to whitewater rafting, browse related adventure travel and active vacations such as canoeing, and kayaking.
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