More than four decades have passed since a whitewater rafting trip through the Grand Canyon captured the imagination of OARS president and founder, George Wendt. His journey inspired him to establish the first exclusively oar-powered rafting outfitter permitted to run the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon back in 1969. Based in Angels Camp, the company is now the largest and most geographically diverse river outfitter in the West with destinations and unparalleled experiences on over 35 rivers and coastlines of the world. To date, OARS has positively affected the lives of over 500,000 travelers and the company is routinely recognized as a “best in class” outfitter based on education, sustainability, quality of service, spirit of adventure and references.