Archive for 2008

Family Rafting on the Oka River in Siberia

by Zachary on January 17th, 2008

Vladimir Gavrilov came to us from Latvia in 1992 after a career as a researcher in radiation chemistry. While he was in the former U.S.S.R., he explored the rivers of Central Asia and led expeditions down many unexplored rivers. He’s designed and built his own boats, won rafting championships, and recently wrote a book about the rivers of the former Soviet Union.

Siberia’s Oka RiverWe asked Vlad to lead a family oriented trip to Siberia this summer and he picked the Oka River in the Sayan mountains. He chose the Oka for it’s “true wilderness, excellent fly fishing, and beautiful canyon.” He led a trip to the Class IV Katun River in Siberia two years ago and reported an amazing river and even more amazing cultural experience.

This is a special opportunity that takes advance planning due to strict Visa requirements and flight arrangements. Click here to learn more and please give us a call at (800) 652-3246 to talk about this truly special trip.

2009 Advanced Whitewater School

by ECHO Staff on January 15th, 2008

Paddle Boat on the Cal SalmonGraduates of our Professional Guide Schools have asked for more so we’ve introduced graduate school for river guides. The Advanced Whitewater School is intended for the individual with a working knowledge of river guiding and thirst for more.

We chose to offer this course on the Middle Fork of the Salmon at the end of May when the weather is bad and the river is high. You will flip boats, you will swim, and you will be cold. Everyone is expected to have previous training and experience.

The course will consist of six of our younger ECHO guides and is open to six guides from other rafting companies and the general public. We’ve timed this school so that the industrious newbie can take both our Professional Guide School from May 17 – 24, 2008 and the Advanced Whitewater School from May 28 – June 3, 2008.

Learn more about the Advanced Whitewater School.