Here's the low-down. We pulled into Jackson LATE Monday night (like 10:30 p.m.) hoping to squeeze in a rafting trip the next morning. I called the phone number listed and left a voice mail and was in the process of telling my kids I wasn't sure it was going to work out when all of the sudden my phone rang. It was Bud from Dave Hanson's. Honestly I was shockedI got a call back so late and was extremely impressed at how friendly and accommodating he was. Bud was EXTREMELY understanding of our situation including my broken foot (in one of those stupid boots) and my own prior poor planning. Within minutes we were booked for a trip the next day and not once did Bud make me feel like anything less than an appreciated customer.
That evening we received a confirmation email with instructions on where to be, when, and how to make the most of our trip. The next morning when we arrived at the appointed hour (at their downtown location), we were immediately met with a small army of of smiling and equally accommodating employees. You could tell that every employee enjoyed his/her job and that each shared the same philosophy--make the customer comfortable and make sure they feel valued and have a great (and safe) time. Shortly after getting outfitted in our wetsuits (a requirement imposed by my wife . . . keep reading) Bud walked in the door and called me by name (I think he recognized my boot!).
After a 30 min ride or so by bus (felt very safe!), we were off on an adventure of a lifetime. We were assigned "Alex" as our guide. We LOVED him and I highly recommend him (seconded by my entire family. . . . including my teenagers!). I'm note sure how he did it but Alex made sure my wife stayed as dry as possible (hint: wetsuit is a must if you "hate being cold" like she does. Also, sitting in the BACK of the raft) while at the same time making sure we hit EVERY rapid square on such that my two boys (who chose to sit in the front of the raft) got absolutely soaked! There was NEVER a moment I felt like Alex was not in complete control or that he was not aware of the fun and safety of my family! Amongst the fun and rapids, Alex pointed out TONS of wild-life including 6 or so Bald Eagles, several Ospray, a Marmot, and a deer.
We floated down the river with 2 other Dave Hansen rafts but obviously saw rafts from other companies as well. From my very honest perspective, it looked like the Dave Hansen rafts were having more fun and were more engaged with the guides--ours certainly was! Kudos to Bud, Alex and the entire gang at Dave Hansen's.
We couldn't leave without snapping a photo! That's Bud! (We're sad we didn't have a GoPro or we would have taken a photo of Alex as well).