Rob Henderson

Rob Henderson

Orange Torpedo

Principal and River Guide

26

yrs experience

I got my start guiding in college when Satre, my high school wrestling coach, helped me get a job as a river guide. What started as a job turned into something I truly love, and I can’t imagine a better way to spend my time than being outdoors, running rapids, and sharing the river with others. One of my favorite parts is the people. The guides I work with often become family, and it’s always great to see repeat customers come back year after year.

I especially enjoy watching people’s confidence grow as they experience the river over several days and take on challenges they may not have thought possible. I love the challenge of running the river, but it’s also the entire experience, from the food and lodge crews to the friendships and memories made along the way. I work with OTT because it brings together so many of the things I love about guiding. It’s about much more than just running a river. It’s about the people, the experience, and being part of something special.

  • Hometown: Grants Pass, Oregon
  • Favorite rapid or stretch: Mule Creek Canyon and day 1 of the 3-day Rogue trip
  • Favorite part of a trip: Being on the water with great people and running rapids in an IK
  • Certifications: CPR and AED, Commercial Driver License
Ryan Hunter

Ryan Hunter

Orange Torpedo

River Dude

My best friend Bill Narus introduced me to Eric Smith, who got me started guiding during my master’s program at SOU. As a coach and teacher, I respect and enjoy seeing guests take on the challenges of whitewater and be willing to try difficult things in beautiful places. OTT lets me guide a variety of wild and scenic rivers in different environments and in different types of boats. It’s never the same trip. Always a new adventure and a new challenge with amazing people.

  • Hometown: Winston, Oregon
  • Favorite rapid or stretch: Upper and Lower Island on the North Umpqua
  • Favorite part of a trip: All of it
  • Certifications: Wilderness First Responder, CPR and AED, Swiftwater Rescue Technician, Commercial Driver License, Trip Leader Certification

Joe Ricci

Joe Ricci

Orange Torpedo

Head of Guide Journey

I started guiding in the summer of 2019, I had no idea what I was doing at the time but I loved every second of it. I fell in love with OTT and the river and it's a place I never want to leave. The Rogue River Canyon is one of the most beautiful places in the world and I love going down there regardless of the trip. The amount of amazing people and connections I've made over the years are some I will never forget.

  • Hometown: Portland, Oregon
  • Favorite rapid or stretch: Wright Creek
  • Favorite part of a trip: The confidence the guest gets from the beginning of a trip to the end
  • Certifications: Wilderness First Responder, CPR and AED

Scott DeBo

Scott DeBo

Orange Torpedo

Senior Guide

Started working for OTT when I was 16 years old. Guided through my college years, then continued to guest-guide for many years. I enjoy both the camaraderie and friendships I have made with the staff and clients, and introducing new customers to the unique and special river experience.

  • Hometown: Portland, Oregon
  • Favorite rapid or stretch: Split Rock Rapid on day 3 of the Main Salmon
  • Favorite part of a trip: Watching others gain confidence and start to enjoy paddling the rapids in IKs
  • Certifications: CPR and AED

Mountain ridge divider

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