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.

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.

• Pre-Trip Logisitics

  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!

• Itinerary

  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 

• Packing List

  More to Come!

Trip Registration

If you are interested in attending this trip, please fill out the registration form below:

Trip Deposit & Donations

Cancelation Policy

Please notify Wild Hearts within 72 hours of registering or 3 weeks prior to the adventure (whichever is first) if you will not be able to attend the adventure. This allows time to open the spot for another participant to join.

Any cancelations made will not be eligible for a refund unless the spot is filled by another participant.