First time experience for me, and 3rd for my boyfriend. We're grateful to guide Brad for the safety and what-to-expect talk beforehand, but even with that in mind, it was a scary moment when both of us ended up in the water at Maneater Rapids! Because we'd been properly prepped (and dressed for safety) and with Brad's calm demeanor, determination and strength, we made it back to the boat and he hauled us aboard (no easy feat!!). I was a bit banged up, so we were grateful to forego the 2nd pass on Shoshone's rapids, instead doing the calmer float the rest of the way back to GCR. The staff at Defiance, before and after the trip, were very easy going and flexible, even coming up with an option when it became clear that we wouldn't have enough manpower to carry a larger raft. After our excursion, staff offered first aid, and also took the time to follow up later that day and the next to make sure we were ok. The photos available for purchase at the end of the ride were a bit pricey, but soooo worth being able to see what it looked like from shore!! We're still talking about what an amazing experience this was, how grateful we are that Brad got us back in the boat alive, and laughing at the photo of the 2 upside down feet sticking out of the river next to the raft! Thank you, Brad!!
Response from Host
Feb 2020
Thank you so much for circling back, Elisa. You and your boyfriend were troopers. You'd be hardpressed to find anyone saying that swimming through a rapid equates to a good time; especially when it's your first time! You were great. It's awesome to hear you enjoyed the back two-thirds of the trip through Glenwood Canyon. And you're absolutely spot-on with Brad. Thanks for hanging with us. Come see us for another round and we'll see if we can stick the landing this time ;-) Take care! – Gregory