Frequently Asked Questions

What is Paddle Tribal Waters (PTW)?
Paddle Tribal Waters is a whitewater kayaking and Native and environmental leadership advocacy training program that provides a series of program opportunities to build youth leadership and competency in kayaking and advocacy. PTW is building the capacity for Native youth to lead the first source to sea kayak expedition of the Klamath River in 2025 after the 4 lower dams are removed in 2024.

Do I need whitewater experience, and do I need to know how to swim?
You do NOT need any previous kayaking experience. We do encourage students to have some experience swimming, but knowing how to swim is not required and support to increase swimming knowledge and technique will be provided as necessary. 

What does a day at PTW look like?
A day at Paddle Tribal Waters starts around 7:30 am with a group breakfast. After breakfast, the group makes bagged lunches, loads up their kayak gear, and hits the river! The group engages in kayak instruction sessions either on the ponds at Otter Bar or on various sections of the Klamath and Salmon Rivers until about 4:30 pm. Upon return, students engage in an interactive Klamath River Basin leadership, environment, and advocacy curriculum, specifically developed and led by our Native-led PTW education team. Some evenings, the lessons host a series of guest speakers. In the evening, the group has dinner and joins for a reflection on the day. After dinner, the group spends the rest of the day playing games, socializing, or taking personal time to rest for the day ahead. Quiet time starts at 9:30 pm, and it’s lights out at 10 pm in order to sleep and have a good start the next morning. 

What will I be learning?
The curriculum at Paddle Tribal Waters is broken up into two main areas of study: whitewater kayaking and leadership.

The whitewater kayak training is led by five world-class instructors and is specifically designed to introduce youth to whitewater kayaking in a fun and controlled environment where risks are carefully considered and managed.

The leadership training has been designed by our team specifically for tribal youth and includes discussions about the Klamath River Basin’s history, current dam removal, traditional ecological knowledge, and native connection to place and environmental advocacy.

Are phones allowed at Paddle Tribal Waters?

At Paddle Tribal Waters, we cultivate an environment of connecting with nature and the people around us. To support this, we ask that students either leave their phones at home or check them in with staff at the end of our optional phone time, which is offered for approximately an hour every couple of days while at Otter Bar. There is no cell service at Otter Bar, but wifi is available. For the multi-day river trip, there is no cell service and students are asked not to bring their phones. Students are often surprised by how much they enjoy being “unplugged” and connecting.  

How do I get in touch with my child if they do not have their phone?

Ríos to Rivers provides a contact that you can reach out to at any time with questions or emergencies and that contact can be in touch with staff and the base contact. 

What is the age range/eligibility?
Youths age 13 - 18 are eligible to participate in the program. Priority will be given to students with close ties to the Hoopa Valley Tribe, Karuk Tribe, Klamath-Modoc-Yahooskin Tribes, Winnemem Wintu Tribe, Shasta Tribe, Quartz Valley Tribe, and Yurok Tribe. You do not need to live in the Klamath Basin to be eligible; please contact us with any questions regarding this.

What is the cost of the program?
This program is free. Thanks to the support of foundations, companies, and individuals, all expenses, including lodging, food, kayak equipment, and program transportation, are covered.

What gear do I need?
Paddle Tribal Waters provides most of the gear you need to get out on the water everyday. The only kayak-specific gear that will not be provided is: non-cotton and quick drying shirt, pants, and shoes for the river. Students should be prepared to sleep in a tent in the outdoors. This includes a need for: a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad; however please contact us if you do not have this gear and we can provide it, as PTW does have extras of everything for group needs. Many students may choose to share tents, however, this should be coordinated between students ahead of time if they choose to share. Not having any of the equipment listed here beforehand should not impact your ability to take part in this program. We are happy to help overcome these obstacles if needed.

Paddle Tribal Waters is a supportive environment where there are no bad questions
and there’s a team ready to support with any needs or concerns. 

Please contact us at PTW@RiosToRivers.org with any and all further questions. Thank you!

Application Deadline: April 15th, 2024