Julia Codding

Julia Codding

Orange Torpedo

Guide

3

yrs experience

I started guiding with my best friend who I boated with in high school and it’s one of my favorite decisions I’ve ever made! I love being on the river, showing new people my favorite place, bettering my skills and knowledge with others, and having fun while doing hard things. My favorite part of guiding is watching people's faces after they did something they were nervous about and the fun to be had at camp after a great day. I love OTT because it feels like a family; guides are treated well, we have nice equipment, and I love the option of kayaking on every trip. OTT is the best!

  • Hometown: Eugene, Oregon
  • Favorite rapid or stretch: Snowhole Canyon and Blue Canyon on the Lower Salmon
  • Favorite part of a trip: When the sun goes down on a sandy beach and it’s time to cut the dutch oven dessert!
  • Certifications: Wilderness First Responder, CPR and AED, Swiftwater Rescue Technician, Trip Leader Certification, EMT, BSN, RN
Nicole Brown

Nicole Brown

Orange Torpedo

Oregon Operations Manager

This was just a summer job, and now it is my career. I enjoy seeing the smiles and excitement on everyone’s faces when they get to go on our trips. I love hearing about their experiences at the end. How were the rapids? Did you ride the bull? How was fishing? How big of a fish did you catch? I can truly say I love my job and the people I work with.

  • Hometown: Merlin, Oregon
  • Favorite rapid or stretch: Mule Creek Canyon on the Rogue River
  • Favorite part of a trip: All of it, especially the lodge trips. The lodges are great!

Derek Pratt

Derek Pratt

Orange Torpedo

Raft Guide

I started my guiding career in summer of 2017. I carry the name as a 3rd generation river guide. I enjoy this job over the rest because our customers always show up to have a fun time and the vibes are good. I work with OTT to uphold our traditions and saga as one of the best whitewater experiences in the world.

  • Hometown: City of Rogue River
  • Favorite rapid or stretch: Inner-tubing the Class IVs, Mule Creek Canyon and Blossom Bar
  • Favorite part of a trip: Stargazing
  • Certifications: CPR and AED, IRF Level III Trip Leader

Josh Makepeace

Josh Makepeace

Orange Torpedo

Business Development

I was born and raised in Merlin. OTT and the Rogue River were my backyard, and I have a deep and rich history with the company stemming back to my childhood. Guiding well requires a ceaseless drive to improve, and I love that element of the craft. OTT is truly a team-based approach to wilderness adventure and, like sport, it’s a beautiful thing to see the guides working as a cohesive unit in service of making these experiences magical for guests.

  • Hometown: Portland, Oregon
  • Favorite rapid or stretch: Fawn Falls to the Submarine Hole on the Illinois River
  • Favorite part of a trip: Connecting with people and seeing them grow from trepidation to triumph over the course of a trip!
  • Certifications: CPR and AED

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