We had the best time ever. Our guide was very knowledgeable and serious about the art of guiding a raft through various types of water. We all had a paddle and she taught us signals before we got to the rapids. Then as we went through the rapids, she called out orders of how we were supposed to paddle--forward strokes, backward strokes, paddle extra hard, etc. We had plenty of rest time too. There is room in the boat for a couple of people/children to sit if they're not able to paddle, as well. This was at the end of August, where the water was at a pretty low level--but this did not mean there were no rapids (which is what we had worried about). If this is something you rarely (or never) have done, definitely buy the photograph no matter what the cost--we are so glad we did!