Derek Pratt

I’ve guided for OTT on and off since high school. It’s a dream job, and I love sharing these beautiful rivers with people. I’ve worked in outdoor education, guided all over the Pacific Northwest, chased rivers all over (including a 20-day Grand Canyon trip), and taught swiftwater rescue and outdoor skills for several universities. In all my travels, I’m very proud to be on the OTT team and to help deliver our unique river adventures.

• Hometown: Grants Pass, Oregon
• Favorite rapid or stretch: The Lower Rogue lodges, the Umpqua in the rain, or a Main Salmon hot spring
• Favorite part of a trip: Getting to share the river and all it brings with the group
• Certifications: Wilderness First Responder, CPR and AED

I started guiding back home in Montana but kept hearing about how the Rogue was one of the best rivers for overnights in the Northwest, and I had to come check it out for myself! This river has quickly become home for me and I love spending as much time down the canyon as possible.

• Hometown: Kalispell, Montana
• Favorite rapid or stretch: Mule Creek Canyon
• Favorite part of a trip: Cooking delicious riverside meals for everyone on our camp trips.
• Certifications: Wilderness First Responder, CPR and AED, 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