Intro to Row Retreat
Whitewater can feel intimidating — and that’s exactly why this program exists. You don’t need to show up knowing the difference between an eddy and a wave train. In partnership with Bear Valley Rafting Company, Wild Hearts Idaho invites you to come curious, maybe a little nervous, and ready to learn on the Payette River System.
Our curriculum is built to turn uncertainty into confidence. You’ll learn the gear and how to use it, the water and how to read it, and the deeper rhythms that connect a river system. By understanding your equipment and river conditions before you ever push off shore, you gain independence and decision-making power on the water.
But rivers are rarely solo places. They’re where people gather, float, cook, laugh, and learn together. This program is designed to foster those connections—scouting rapids as a group, comparing line choices, practicing communication, and building trust on the water.
You won’t just learn to row. You’ll learn how to be part of a river team—how to communicate clearly, make group decisions, and support one another in dynamic environments.
You’ll leave knowing you belong on rivers—that you are capable, strong, and carried alongside the current—and that the relationships you build out there often last long after the take-out.
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Retreat Kick-Off Logistics & Communications: Expect a Kick-Off Email with all trip logistics about 2 weeks prior to the departure date of the retreat.
This email will include the packing list, departure & return information, and any other considerations WHI want’s our participants to know.
Virtual Pre-Trip Meeting:WHI will be hosting a virtual Pre-Trip Meeting before departure. This meeting will be held on August 6th at 7 PM.
A Google Meets link will be shared in the Retreat Kick-Off Email.
Transportation, Group Gear, & Meals:
Transportation will be provided for by Wild Hearts in our Adventure Van and Shuttle Vehicles! WHI will also provide the necessary Group Gear and Meals on Friday Night, Saturday, and Sunday.
Please reach out to programs@wildheartsidaho.org with any additional questions!
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Trip length: 3 days, 2 nights | August 14th - August 16th, 2026
Friday, August 14th: Foundations & Flat Water Skills
Welcome, Trip Planning, & Gear Overview
Travel to Put-In
River Hydrology Lesson & Reading Water
Rigging a Raft
Safety Plans | Safety Discussion
Rowing Basics
Tech Talk - Planning | Permits & River Gauges
Saturday, August 15th: River Safety & Running Rapids
Swiftwater Safety
Rigging the Rafts
Scouting
Tech Talk - Raft Repair | Stewardship
Sunday, August 16th: River Confidence
Rig Check Offs
Rowing Skills Cont.
Tech Talk - Gear Companies and Opportunities
Wrap-Up
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What Should I Bring?
Summer weather in Idaho can be extremely variable. Most trips can plan for a combination of gorgeous, sunny weather and some cloudy days with a chance of rain. These weather changes are often a highlight of the trip, as long as one has the right equipment.
Each day, you will need to be prepared for temperatures ranging from ninety degrees to forty degrees. This rarely happens, but being prepared is the difference between discomfort and enjoying the river in a wide spectrum of conditions.
What to Wear?
On nice days, we recommend a bathing suit, quick dry shorts, a sun hat, and a sun shirt.
Plan on wearing synthetic fabrics on the river! They are quick drying and are reasonably warm even when wet.
Each boat will have a space available for "day" items that will be easily accessible. Rain gear, long underwear top and bottom, and a warm hat might come in handy if the weather gets cool or a quick summer shower rolls in.
In camp, it is always nice to slip into cotton shorts, sweats, or a light tee and skirt.
WHI will Supply:
Rafts - Including all gear necessary to travel downstream like frames, oars, boxes, safety equipment, etc.
All Camp Kitchen Supplies - Tables, Stoves, Coolers, etc.
Tents - Plan on two people per tent! If you would like to bring your own, you are welcome to!
PFD (Personal Floatation Device) - If you plan to provide your own PFD, it must be Type III or Type IV!
Recommended Clothing:
Protective sun shirts
2 pairs quick-dry (nylon) shorts
1 or 2 bathing suits
Protective Sun Hat
Sunglasses
Quality waterproof rain gear with hood (top and bottom)
Warm synthetic (fleece/pile) jacket and pants
1 set (top and bottom) of mid-weight synthetic long underwear
Warm hat that covers ears
Warm gloves
One set warm clothing for in camp (flannel shirt and sweats, or a wool sweater, etc.)
2 or 3 T-shirts, one long sleeve is nice
2 pairs of shorts or pants
Sandals (Teva, Chaco, Nike, etc.)
Lightweight hiking shoes
Several pairs of wool or synthetic socks
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Medications + one spare set for first aid kit
Personal hygiene items
Other:
2 1-Liter water bottles
Sunscreen
Lip protection (chapstick)
Headlamp or flashlight with spare batteries
Sleeping Pad
Sleeping Bag & Pillow
Camp Chair
Insulated travel mug with lid
Mess Kit - Bowl, Plate, Utensils
You may also want…
Journal and pen
Camera and film
Reading material
Small towel
One or two locking carabiners
One light skirt or dress for warm evenings in camp
A festive (or even silly) shirt or dress (be creative: leisure suits, evening gowns, superhero costumes encouraged)
Specialty Beverages: Canned Juices, Soda, Beer (cans only please!), Wine, Liquor, Mixers, or Mocktails
Please email programs@wildheartsidaho.org with ANY gear needs as soon as possible. We will do our best to provide whats needed!
Retreat Registration
Please fill out the registration form below:
Retreat Deposit & Donation
Your investment of $950 for this retreat helps ensure that Wild Hearts Idaho’s Youth Adventures remain accessible to all and that our programs can continue to grow and thrive.
Trip price includes: Rafting and camping equipment, transportation, fees and taxes, meals, guide and camp services. It does NOT include transportation to campsite location, specialty beverages (liquor), or gratuities.
This retreat may be purchased with the one-time payment of $950, covering the full cost of the retreat, or in 4 installments starting with $380.
If this deposit appears to be sold out, the retreat has filled. Regardless, you are welcome to submit the registration form to be placed on the waitlist and, later, notified if a spot becomes available.
An additional tax-deductible donation will provide a similar transformative experience for a teen girl on our Intro to River Guiding Adventure.
Thank you for investing in outdoor adventure and helping more girls experience the confidence, connection, and joy that come from time outside!
Cancelation Policy
Due to the limited space available on our Intro to Row Retreat, all payments will be forfeited for cancellations made within 90 days of the launch date.
If WHI cancels your retreat due, but not limited to weather, epidemic or other environmental or safety conditions, no refunds will be given.
WHI STRONGLY RECOMMENDS TRIP INSURANCE TO PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT.