Happy New Year from the entire O.A.R.S. crew!
May your new year be filled with good health, good friends, safe adventures and (of course) the whitewater rafting trips of your dreams.

Written by Tracy

Writer, Photographer, former Waterblogged Editor

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Ever been whitewater rafting down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon?  Planning to?  Join O.A.R.S. for a special preview screening of the MacGillivray Freeman Films IMAX film Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk to relive your memories or get a taste of what’s to come.  This event is a fundraiser for WILD* and Sequoia ForestKeeper*.

Date:
Thursday, January 15, 2009

Time:
7:00 PM – Doors open
7:15 – 7:30 PM – George Wendt and introductions/WILD intro
7:30 – 8:15 PM – Movie

Written by Tracy

Writer, Photographer, former Waterblogged Editor

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Eggnog or whitewater rafting… whatever your choice, we wish you a joyous, safe, Happy Holiday Season!

Written by Tracy

Writer, Photographer, former Waterblogged Editor

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O.A.R.S. is a staunch supporter of organizations who advocate for rivers and the environment, including Idaho Rivers United, Grand Canyon Trust, Friends of the River, American Whitewater, Hells Canyon Preservation Council and Leave No Trace.  In partnership with their guests, O.A.R.S. has contributed nearly $3,000,000 in donations and fees toward the preservation of the environment and to various conservation initiatives since the company was established in 1969.

O.A.R.S. leads a series of whitewater rafting and hiking trips in Utah, including:

• Colorado River rafting through Cataract Canyon
• San Juan River rafting
• Grand Staircase: Wind & Water on the Colorado Plateau – a 12-day comprehensive exploration of the national parks of the Desert Southwest
  
• Colorado River – Green River Hiking and Rafting
• Ultimate Southwest Adventure Vacation
• Ranch & Raft Adventure Near Moab 

Written by Tracy

Writer, Photographer, former Waterblogged Editor

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O.A.R.S. guides and friends and whitewater rafting enthusiasts and facebook fans, Zak Sears, Mike and Dan Thurber, Dave and Kase (sorry, don’t know their last names) are in South America yak’ing their brains out.  They’ve run the Mapacho, also known as the Rio Paucartambo, the Río Sacsara, a fairly clear tributary of the Santa Teresa, as well as the Lucumayo.

You can follow their journey from their blog – The Water Cycle.

Safe journeys guys!  Looking forward to hearing your stories in person…

Written by Tracy

Writer, Photographer, former Waterblogged Editor

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Chris Lindsey from Anchorage, Alaska, just became O.A.R.S. 100th facebook fan. Chris is an ice climber and online DJ – playing downtempo, trip hop, nu beat and electronica music on his SLACKLINE RADIO program … In October 2006, he launched a 24/7 internet radio stream.  Welcome Chris!

O.A.R.S. invites everyone to join the facebook fun, where you can view and/or upload video and photos of your whitewater rafting trips, post photos of your favorite guides or fellow travelers, invite your ‘friends’ to games of scrabble, post reviews, start/participate in a discussion with other whitewater enthusiasts.  It’s a fun, easy way to stay in touch with your favorite outdoor adventurers.  You can find the O.A.R.S. facebook page here.  The page is accessible to the public, however, you must become a member of facebook to partake.  Membership is free.  Come on in, the water’s fine!

Written by Tracy

Writer, Photographer, former Waterblogged Editor

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<It’s not ALL about giving O.A.R.S. gift cards!>

One of O.A.R.S.’ highest priorities is taking care of the environment and the communities in which they operate.  In partnership with their guests, the company has contributed nearly $3 million in donations and fees towards environmental preservation and various conservation initiatives since the company was established in 1969.  Below is a partial list of organizations O.A.R.S. supported in 2008 by offering complimentary or deeply discounted whitewater rafting trips, used in turn in fundraising efforts.

Written by Tracy

Writer, Photographer, former Waterblogged Editor

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We are contacted throughout the entire calendar year about the availability of used whitewater rafting gear.  Typically, we assess our inventory at the end of the rafting season in September/October and have an end-of-season sale, at which time we sell used rafts, inflatable kayaks, life jackets, coolers, paddles, etc.  The inventory changes from year to year.  On a rare occasion, we might offer to sell used gear before the annual sale.  This year the O.A.R.S. whitewater rafting gear sale was held on October 25th, and it was a big success.  We were left with just two rafts, and those items were sold very shortly thereafter. 

At this time, we do not have any used whitewater rafting equipment for sale.  I would encourage you to check back with us at the end of the next rafting season – in the fall of 2009.  We will be sure to let you know in advance when we expect to host a sale.  In the meantime, you could check the Internet for used gear from private sellers.  We cannot vouch for the participants in the group, however, this is one example of a resource for used gear:  Yahoo groups  – River Trader (requires free registration).

Written by Tracy

Writer, Photographer, former Waterblogged Editor

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Why not give the gift of lasting lifetime memories this year at the holidays – instead of material objects?  (Do people still give ties as holiday gifts?)  O.A.R.S. now offers gift cards, which may be used on any of over 60 adventures (some restrictions apply).  Gift cards work like cash toward your next O.A.R.S. adventure and they make great stocking stuffers.  They are available in any dollar amount and they are available online.

Written by Tracy

Writer, Photographer, former Waterblogged Editor

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It’s that time of year at the OARS office.  I’m not talking about the return of the inflatable Santa to the HQ front porch – though he is up and waving at the passersby on Highway 49.  I’m talking about the return of all the O.A.R.S. regional managers to Angels Camp.  Joining the fun today for the annual end-of-year review will be:

Curt Chang – Idaho Manager and longtime dory guide
Regan Dale – Grand Canyon Operations Manager
Bruce Lavoy – Dinosaur National Monument Manager
James Rodger – Manager for California and Oregon, guide for Galapagos and Chile’s Rio Futaleufú
Kate Wollney – Oregon (Rogue River) Manager
Lannie Yeager – Utah/Colorado Manager
 
Each year the regional managers come to Angels Camp to reflect, review and share their successes, discuss what could be improved upon, talk about risk management, request more or less from those at HQ, etc.  Last year was the first time the managers did a group summary to the entire office staff.  All are long-time guides who have perfected the art of storytelling, so it’s truly a treat to hear their reports.  Last year Regan had everyone in stitches with some rather hilarious Grand Canyon tales.

If any of you have been on an O.A.R.S. adventure and filled out your post-trip evaluation – this is the time your feedback is discussed in detail.  (Yes, your feedback does get to those who can make changes and it is valued!)

Written by Tracy

Writer, Photographer, former Waterblogged Editor

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