I will start by saying my 3/5 rating has nothing to do with the staff, equipment, or anything related to Defiance Rafting Co. I thought everyone there was very nice, and the equipment and experience they provide were all fine. The guides are nice folks, the rapids are fun, and the scenery is beautiful. Dont fall for spending the $8 on those sunglasses rope things. Your glasses wont go flying off your head. It's not as intense as they make it out to be.
That being said, this is a 2.5 hour trip. Thats a long time. My girlfriend and I were grouped up with a few other gals, one of which had a couple kids, aged around 8 and 6. The 6 year old must have had ADHD or autism, or something. Im trying to be as sensitive and PC as possible here people, but it was a nightmare. This kid was bouncing around the raft, screaming, yelling, constantly talking, etc. You get the picture.
I blame the mother more than anyone for punishing us with her nightmare of a kid when all we wanted was a fun rafting experience. We were literally trapped on a boat for 2.5 hours with an out of control kid. So parents, like anything else, don't bring your annoying children places that are going to piss off other people who are just trying to enjoy themselves. Arrange for your own raft, or whatever you need to do to not ruin other peoples experiences.
And I wish I knew this ahead of time, but you can bring beers with you if you want to. Nobody told me that, or else I would have. And after realizing the situation I was in with the day ruining child we were grouped up with, all I wanted was to crush beers to numb the misery.
Response from Host
Jul 2020
Thanks for sharing your experience. And for taking the leap and sharing your letdown. While we are prideful of being an inclusive company and facilitating access to fun, adventure, and relaxation for all desiring demographics, we can also acknowledge the aggravation imposed in your scenario. At Defiance we don't want that access by one party come at the expense of another. Come see us again a little earlier in the season when the water is up and feel free to request to be put in a raft with other adults; usually that's an accommodation that can be met. Or even better, book a High-Five Adventure and you can guarantee your company. Take care and thanks again! – Gregory