River

Taking a NOLS River Expedition

Wondering what a NOLS river course is like? Get the inside scoop from instructors and students.

couple in a raft on the river take a selfie while making goofy faces

5 Things I Learned from Going on a Paddling Expedition with My Spouse

Going on an expedition is one thing—going with your spouse can be something else entirely.

The Poetry of Experience

Looking back with a critical eye, I can see the poetry of the experience I had in Alaska. Dramatic, refreshing, limit-pushing poetry.

Students raft down a river in a desert canyon

First Aid Kit Advice for River Travel

When it comes to rafting down rivers, especially on multi-day adventures, we can usually go ahead and build our own comprehensive first aid kit.

First Aid Kit Advice for River Travel

Group of NOLS students paddling rafts and kayaks — Photo by Kirk Rasmussen.

First, we have to remind ourselves there is no perfect first aid kit. We need to preplan and consider the environment, the terrain, the climate, the skill set of companions, the number of days, number of people, and remoteness of our expedition.