Not all rafting companies are equal.
Five of us booked a 2 day rafting trip with River Runners. None of us had done anything but very gentle rafting before, so we were all quite nervous but excited. The River Runners set-up is relaxed and very friendly. You immediately feel your part of the family and in very capable hands.
After getting changed we were taken down to the river where we got our briefing. Our guide Josh was relaxed but very clear about what we had to do and how things would go down out on the water.
Day one saw us go through the section called the Numbers (7 rapids in close succession) - a real baptism of fire (or should that be water?). This is proper whitewater and really exciting. After lunch Silver Dam provided another big hit of adrenaline before we camped at the start of Brown's canyon for the night. We were joined by our camp chief Zak and his cute dog Otter. I have to say the food we had (pasta, cherry pie, and the breakfast tacos the next morning were delicious and just what we needed ahead of the next day's paddling. The guys were helpful and great company as we shared stories round the campfire. We were lucky we had a clear, warm night which meant we could camp beneath the stars.
Day 2 was shorter as we meandered through the breathtaking Browns Canyon. There was plenty of action but also time to talk and take-in the scenery.
Over a pint of the fantastic local beer we all agreed how much we'd enjoyed our first rafting experience. What made it special? Firstly having a knowledgeable professional guide who knew the waters allowed us to enjoy the experience much more. The experience was a genuine taste of the wilderness and put us in a great state of mind. It was a unanimous five stars!
There are many companies operating on the water, several of which we saw capsized or in trouble - this company is the class act.