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!

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

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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