After watching the Ocoee River rafting videos online, I was concerned that our middle-aged fluffy physiques and lack of rafting experience would be a problem on the full river rafting journey. Fortunately, someone was watching out for us and paired us up with the slightly crazy, exceedingly patient, always intense, and uber experienced guide, Ryan B. Wow, what a great day on the river! We floated (and maybe swam) through all of the ridiculously named Ocoee rapids on the upper river before we stopped for a sandwich, chips, fruit, and cookie lunch. The second leg of the trip through the middle river was fast and exhilarating. Near the end of the run we even got to park up on top of a “newly placed boulder” in the middle of the river. Luckily, Ryan B showed us his superhuman power and not only got us safely off of the rock, but guided us backwards down the following rapids! From the time we set the raft in the water until the time we carried it to the bus, we had a blast! Do yourself a favor and book your journey with Ryan B.
For those concerned about the weather, we started in clear 90F, rafted through a super cell storm, and finished in overcast 75F. We saw it all and would do it again today. The storm made the journey awesomely unforgettable and added a huge adrenaline rush.