Orange Torpedo Trips - Our History
The unique personality of Orange Torpedo Trips comes from our history as explorers of new places and innovators of new types of boats. We are who we are today because we started a little different than the rest— we've prided ourselves on staying that way.
The history of Orange Torpedo Trips starts in the late 1960s with adventurer and entrepreneur Jerry Bentley on the Rogue River. Jerry saw some little inflatable kayaks and the potential they had for creating great memories. After a couple of exploration runs with his family, he was convinced of the idea. In 1969, after a year of working to persuade Seyvlor (the boat manufacturer) that it was a good idea, Jerry was on his way.
In the early years, Jerry worked with the initial guides to perfect the inflatable kayak guiding style and maximize guest safety. These were adventurous years— the sport of rafting as we know it today was young and still considered as risky by many. Adding inflatable kayaks to these already exciting endeavors made the whole experience a more thrilling time. As the years passed Jerry expanded from just the Rogue River to operate on rivers all over the West Coast.
Eventually, Jerry decided that it was time to retire from the commercial rafting business, and the company was purchased by Don Stevens. Don continued to expand the company and the trip offerings. These were the shining years in the history of the company; OTT expanded and established a level of professionalism that has set us apart ever since. Don also established White Water Cowboys, our partner equipment rental and retail business.
OTT is now owned by a former guide who is passionate about staying true to our history as river pioneers and being an inflatable kayak outfitter, while also continuing to explore new trips and new river crafts and run the best family river adventures anywhere. Continuing our spirit of adventure, OTT recently completed the first guided inflatable kayak trip of the Sun Kosi River in Nepal in 2013. Moving forward, we are excited to continue sharing memories of years past with old friends and creating new ones with new families and adventurers.