Tanner Marval

Tanner Marval

Orange Torpedo

River Guide

18

yrs experience

I knew several of the guides for our company well before I started (Tim Satre, Mike Slagle, Robbie Henderson, etc.). Satre was one of my wrestling coaches in high school and knew of some openings and was able to help me land a position with the company. Ultimately, it was the friendships I have created with other guides and guests that have completely changed my original path of pursuing a position in the medical field and moving into education. The lifelong lessons, friendships, and therapies have all been reasons that continue to bring me back year after year.

  • Hometown: Grants Pass, Oregon
  • Favorite rapid or stretch: Lower Rogue River or Main Salmon
  • Favorite part of a trip: Movie night! This is where all of the photos and videos we have taken along the river are shown. It's amazing to see the laughs, cheers, and hollers that come with our trip thus far.
  • Certifications: CPR and AED, Swiftwater Rescue Technician, 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!

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

Mountain ridge divider

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