Rob Henderson

Orange Torpedo

Principal and River Guide

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

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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

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

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

Rob Henderson

Our Team

Nicole Brown

Joe Ricci

Josh Makepeace

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