This Is Our Story
NOMAD WHITEWATER ADVENTURES was born from a simple idea: that the river is best experienced when we share it. What started as a dream to bring people together on the Main Salmon River has grown into a full-fledged outfitting company committed to creating unforgettable adventures.
For us, rafting isn’t just about the thrill of rapids — it’s about the friendships forged around a riverside campfire, the knowledge passed down about wilderness and whitewater, and the moments that stay with you long after the trip ends.
Nomad was built to make those experiences possible for anyone who’s ready to step into the canyon and discover what makes the Salmon so special.
● Nomad Whitewater Adventures
Meet the Founders
WE ARE dreamers and adventure chasers living the life we were designed to navigate.
Braden Hanson
CO-FounderI’VE SPENT MY LIFE chasing rivers and the experiences they create. Before starting Nomad, I guided multi-day expeditions, trained new guides, and served as a trip lead and instructor at the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, NC. My background isn’t just in rowing boats, it’s in teaching others how to thrive in the wilderness, stay safe on the water, and find joy in adventure.
I founded Nomad Whitewater Adventures because I believe adventure is better when it’s shared. My passion comes from seeing guests light up as they paddle their first rapid, hike to a hidden view, or swap stories under a star-filled Idaho sky. Every trip is an opportunity to blend safety, fun, and discovery, and I’m proud to share that with each person who joins us.
Crispin & Carmin McDonald
CO-FOUNDERSOperating a river outfitter in Western Idaho is more than a dream, it’s a calling. We grew up exploring the waters of Michigan’s AuSable River, New York’s St. Lawrence, and the Great Lakes. But nothing compares to the untamed beauty we discovered in Idaho’s wilderness. From the moment our family first traveled here, we knew this place was special, the rugged canyons, crystal waters, and endless horizons captured our hearts.
At Nomad Whitewater Adventures, our passion is sharing that experience with others. We want you to feel the same sense of wonder, freedom, and connection that drew us here. Whether you’re paddling through thrilling rapids or relaxing beneath a canopy of stars, Idaho has a way of leaving its mark.
Join us on the Main Salmon River and see for yourself what makes Idaho and Nomad unforgettable.