Derek Pratt

Favorite River: Lower Salmon

I knew several of the guides for our company well before I started (Tim Satre, Mike Slagle, Robbie Henderson, etc.). Satre was one of my wrestling coaches in high school and knew of some openings and was able to help me land a position with the company. Ultimately, it was the friendships I have created with other guides and guests that have completely changed my original path of pursuing a position in the medical field and moving into education. The lifelong lessons, friendships, and therapies have all been reasons that continue to bring me back year after year.

• Hometown: Grants Pass, Oregon
• Favorite rapid or stretch: Lower Rogue River or Main Salmon
• Favorite part of a trip: Movie night! This is where all of the photos and videos we have taken along the river are shown. It's amazing to see the laughs, cheers, and hollers that come with our trip thus far.
• Certifications: CPR and AED, Swiftwater Rescue Technician, Trip Leader Certification

I first got into rafting when I was around 14 years old because of my father. Being hired at Orange Torpedo Trips brought me closer to what I loved doing with my Dad and helped me appreciate all the small things that happen on the river. Seeing people's smiles is the best part of the job, especially at the end of the trip when everyone is talking about their favorite rapid or the wildlife they saw.

• Hometown: Lake Oswego, Oregon
• Favorite rapid or stretch: Fish Ladder on the Lower Rogue
• Favorite part of a trip: Seeing others enjoy the water
• Certifications: CPR and AED