OK, yes, I did go with the cheapest option, but it turns out they're only cheaper because they're smaller and because they don't waste $$ on gear that looks corporate matchy-matchy.
These people are a blast! You can tell they love what they do. They're good with young and old...keeping you engaged (and safe!) by making you laugh. We went at almost the end of the season, and they still made the trip just enough of a rush. Something big or small goes wrong on every trip, and when it did here, the Lost Paddle pros handled it with grace and skill.