Take a Voyage

Journey back in time and discover historical and geological wonders.  We will teach the fundamentals of river travel by raft and kayak on the Missouri River.  Nature provides the perfect setting for shared experiences with friends and family of any age.  On the first day of this skill building course participants will be taught river safety, reading water, timing in current, paddle strokes, rowing an oar boat, over night trip logistics, and Leave No Trace ethics. Kayak skills such as river safety, techniques, paddle strokes, and boat control will be taught.  One the second day we will travel a different stretch of river.  Mild whitewater will be introduced and participants will have the opportunity to practice more advanced river travel techniques. Paddle into adventure!

Course Details:

Day 1:

• 9:00 am – 10:00 am:  Meet and drive to the Missouri River. 
• 10:00 am – 10:30 am:  Outfit rafts and kayaks.  Participants will be introduced to equipment and river safety.  Kayak orientation will be given to all those who express interest. 
• 10:30 am – 12:00 pm:  Raft and kayak skills will be taught on the water such as paddle strokes and boat control.  The concept of reading water will be introduced. 
• 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm:  Lunch on the river bank
• 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm:  Continue to travel down stream while refining river skills and enjoying the wild Montana landscape.  
• 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm:  Break down boats and head back to Helena

Day 2:

• 9:00 am – 10:00 am:  Meet and drive to the Missouri River. We will be exploring a different stretch of the river than the day before. 
• 10:00 am – 10:30 am:  Outfit rafts and kayaks.  Review knowledge of equipment and river safety.  Additional kayak orientation will be given to all those who express interest. 
• 10:30 am – 12:00 pm:  More advanced raft and kayak skills will be taught on a different stretch of river.  Paddle strokes, timing in current and boat control will be practiced.  The concept of reading water will be further taught and mild whitewater will be introduced.
• 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm:  Lunch on the river bank
• 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm:  Continue to travel the river down stream while refining skills.    
• 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm:  Break down boats and head back to Helena

Cost: $215

Includes lunch and all equipment.

Instructors: Mariah Davis and Ayrne Meyer

Mariah Davis has been working in the outdoor recreation industry for 14 years and  has  obtained a variety of experiences.  She has been involved in after-school programs and camps and has organized outdoor adventure programs for various groups.  Mariah has a degree from Appalachian State University in Recreation Management with a concentration in Outdoor Experiential Education and a minor in Physical Geography.  Some of her emergency medical training and certifications consist of Wilderness First Responder, Outdoor Emergency Care, American Red Cross Lifeguard, and Emergency Medical Technician.  She has experience in facilitating recreation for those with special needs and disabilities, as well as experience in risk management and assessment.  Professionally, Mariah has guided on many rivers across the country, taught kayak lessons, guided cave explorations, and facilitated top-rope climbing and multi-pitch ascents.  She is an ACA (American Canoe Association) certified white water kayak instructor , a PSI (Professional Ski Instructor) certified snow board instructor, has worked on professional ski patrol, and has volunteered for  National Ski Patrol.  Mariah is in many outdoor pursuits and is passionate about introducing others to the wonderful world of adventure, and the importance of protecting the environment.  She and her 5 year-old daughter, Jasmine,  have experienced many epic adventures, most recently completing a 29 day, 571 mile raft journey down the Yellowstone River. Mariah's goal is to make certain all people, especially children, have an opportunity to get outside and connect with nature.  Mariah enjoys sharing her outdoor educational knowledge with others in the greater Helena community.  She is the founder of Adventures Unlimited.

Ayrne Meyer was raised by outdoor enthusiasts, nature has always been Ayrne's playground. From the Rocky Mountain region to travels abroad, Ayrne's exposure to local surroundings and distant cultures have fueled the explorer and artist within.  Ayrne is an avid traveler but feels her most memorable experiences were born through exploring her native state of Montana.  Mother of Enrya, 5,  and Lukas, 2,  residing in Helena, her true passion is encouraging artistic expression through nature inspiration and introducing her children to the beauty and wonder of hidden natural places through outdoor adventures. "I feel complete when I immerse myself in the great outdoors."  Ayrne believes nature is an integral part of our lives as human beings.  "My family and I are always evolving on a personal and creative level through our direct connection with nature." Berry gathering, hiking, bathing in naturally warm pools, and floating rivers nurture Ayrne's need to connect with the larger force which provides us with life-sustaining resources.  Ayrne is a Board Member of Adventures Unlimited.