FAQ

We all have questions! Lets start with the basics.

How difficult are the River sections?

NNWW courses are run on sections that are classified as up to III+ and the flow can change the difficulty of most rapids. For courses marked as 101 or Beginner, the course will be hosted on a river venue with nothing more difficult than class II. All other courses may have class III rapids appropriate for boaters with an intermediate skillset. Advanced sections are reserved for courses marketed to experienced boaters and for private instruction. Beginner Venues: Rogue River: Hog Creek to Galice or Ennis to Almeda Illinois River: Six Mile to Ring Beach Smith River: Margie's to Oregon Hole Smith River: Fork to Society Hole or Jed Smith Intermediate Venues: Rogue River: Almeda to Grave Illinois River: 8 Dollar to Six Mile below 2,000 cfs Smith River: Middle Fork, Panther to Margie's Advanced Venues: Illinois River: 8 Dollar to Six Mile above 2,000cfs Smith River: South Fork, Stevens to Craigs Smith River: North Fork Other: NNWW also operated on the Trinity and the lower Klamath as part of the Six Rivers National Forest special use permit, however due to driving distance these venues are only available by special request and a $100 travel stipend is added to the total course fee.

Where does class meet?

NNWW Courses are located in Southern Oregon and Northern California on the Smith, Rogue, or Illinois Rivers. Each course or class will include an email sent no less than two weeks before the start date. The Welcome email will include exact meetup times and locations. Many course locations will not have good cell service and students are advised to look at and save navigation info before leaving home.

Is transportation provided?

In general, transport is not provided. Students will need to be responsible for transporting themselves and their gear to the meetup location/ put in. Students and NNWW will work together to set a shuttle at takeout before launching. The North Fork Smith is an exception, a shuttle driver will need to be hired ($100) due to the length (1 hour) of the shuttle drive. Students hiring NNWW for Private instruction may wish to hire shuttle drivers or extra hands for the put ins and take outs. Instructor Certification level courses include the use of a van for transport from the Classroom Base to the river each day.

Where can I rent a drysuit?

For Swiftwater Rescue Courses and early season, students are advised to wear drysuites. Rental drysuites are available by mail from Oregon River Gear in Eugene, OR and in person from Redwood Rides in Gasquet, CA on the Smith River. Students wishing to rent a drysuit should plan ahead to ensure they can pick it up on before class begins. https://www.oregonrivergear.com/rentals.html#/ https://www.redwoodrides.com/rentals/

Will we be camping?

Courses that span two or more days will be located at USFS National Forest dispersal sites, Campgrounds, or private property where camping is available. All camping locations include access to a toilet, but not necessarily to potable water. Your welcome email will include details about the campsite location and amenities provided. In general, camping on National Forest land is free and the County campgrounds charge a small fee. Students may wish to purchase a site, or use nearby free dispersal camping options. NNWW courses do not typically include vacation rental type accommodations unless specifically requested by a charter group. Commonly used campsites include: Almeda County Campground on the Rogue. Six Mile Campground on the Illinois. Panther Flat Campground on the Smith.

Are meals included?

No, meals are not provided as part of NNWW courses. Snack and water refills are provided and for Instructor Certification level courses, lunch is included.