Ryan Hunter

Ryan Hunter

Orange Torpedo

River Dude

28

yrs experience

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
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

Mountain ridge divider

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