Sundance Community Adventure trips for First Descents Alumni
Sundance Kayak School proudly presents First Descents Community Adventure Trips on the Rogue River in Oregon!
In 2024, Sundance launched its first FD Alumni White Water Kayak Retreat on the Rogue River. This retreat was offered by popular request to all First Descents program alumni regardless of the original program that they attended. Unlike traditional First Descents programs, these retreats are paid for by participants and allow alumni to bring a plus 1 guest to experience the Rogue River together and share the special Rogue River experience with significant others. The FD alumni retreat offers the same cozy lodging accommodations and professional on water experience as our traditional FD programs.
Our first alumni retreat was a huge success! We hosted alumni, their parents and significant others for 4 days of kayaking excitement, community, food and relaxation based in the legendary Riverhouse lodge on the Rogue River. We had so much fun that In 2025, Sundance is excited to announce we are offering a second option exclusive for FD Alumni.
Our new Multi-day wilderness river trip is an epic river expedition on the Wild and Scenic Rogue River Canyon. 5 days and 4 nights, a 36 mile, wilderness whitewater river experience on one of the best multi-day river trips in North America.
This is the one you’ve all been waiting for! If you have ever attended an FD program on the Rogue River and heard about the spectacular wilderness canyon just downstream, maybe you wondered “what if I just kept going past the takeout?” This is that trip! -Gnomeo
Sundance Kayak School is a proud partner with First Descents. Since our first program in 2013, we’ve gotten to teach hundreds of FD participants and staff how to whitewater kayak on the Rogue River in Oregon and these programs have been some of the most rewarding we’ve ever been a part of. In 2025 Sundance will be running seven classic FD kayaking programs, as well as 2 all-inclusive Sundance offerings for FD Alumni including a 4 day kayak school at the Riverhouse Lodge and a 4 day rafting trip on the Wild and Scenic Rogue river canyon.
Our relationship with FD has excelled over the years due to our close mission base. FD seeks to provide life changing outdoor adventures for young adults impacted by cancer and MS, and Sundance seeks to make the world a better place through river recreation and the personal growth that comes from learning a whitewater sport.
About First Descents Community Adventures
Out Living It means seizing every opportunity to get outside, challenge ourselves, be fully present, persevere and feel alive.
At First Descents, we believe the best way to embrace our Out Living It ethos is to connect with a community of like-minded people. Community Adventures are locally led meetups that merge the thrill of outdoor adventure with the power of human connection in a welcoming and inclusive space. Anyone aged 18+ can join at any stage of their FD journey to experience the profound sense of belonging and growth that comes with meaningful interactions.
Our goal is to empower you to live a life of adventure and stoke while connecting with and supporting those around you!
Community Adventures are led by First Descents community members. It could be a day hike, a weekend backpacking trip, a half-day of whitewater rafting, or any adventure-forward, approved activity that brings FD community members together.
Wild and Scenic River Trip for First Descents Alumni
Length: 5 Days
2025 Dates:
- September 6th – 10th
Includes: Meals, camping equipment, shuttles, raft support, world-class guiding and required river gear.
FD Alumni Whitewater Kayak Retreat
Length: 4 Days
2025 Dates:
- August 25th – 28th
Includes: World-class instruction, lodging, meals, and equipment.
For more information about community adventures all over the country, visit the First Descents website Community Adventures Page.