This was my first time river rafting and I can say that it was easier and less dangerous than I imagined. I am not in great physical shape but I had no issues with completing the course without any strains or muscle pain. For people who are a nervous about trying river rafting I can say the worst part is getting splashed & soaked by very cold water (it takes your breath away). Aside from that you can expect a fun, enjoyable, and even a relaxing experience. I was worried about falling out of the boat, but this turned out to not be an issue.
River Drifters has been preferred by my coworkers for years because the guides put maximum effort into making sure you have fun. They do their best to make the time pass during the slow times of the tour such as the bus ride. They talk about the history of the area, tell jokes, and engage in interesting conversation.In addition to taking on the Class 1-3 rapids, the guide provided many extra activities and games during the stretches between rapids. We got to change positions in the boat frequently which was fun. There are several opportunities to jump in the water and go for a float in your life vest alongside the boat f you want. After the trip the guides will hang out near the Life Vest Return and it's a good opportunity for you to retrieve your wallet and tip your guide if you want.
My friend advised me that the Full Day Trip covers the same section of the river except that they stop for lunch and for a side expedition. My friend also advised that the Full Day Trip may be a better option because after you get back to your car you will ready to depart for home. For the Half Day Trip you will want to have lunch before returning home so both trips effectively take almost the same amount of time. Because, stopping to order lunch at a local restaurant takes more time than taking the lunch break River Drifters provides.
I STRONGLY ADVISE you to follow ALL the instructions on their website regarding how to prepare for your trip. Wear quick-dry clothing as they advise, bring sunscreen, bring a water bottle, a hat, and definitely bring a towel & change of dry clothes to wear after you get back to their facility. I considered ignoring some of these rules but I am happy I did not. In fact, I forgot to bring extra shoes as advised and had to drive 3 hours home with soaking wet feet. Read their instructions on their website and follow them to get maximum enjoyment!
They recently relocated their facility on a hill outside of town. This is nice because they have a big parking lot for your team to meet up.
After the trip, they have tablet computers in the gift shop where you can buy photos from your trip. However, you can easily access these photo from their website after you get home. The photos are available immediately after you get back to the River Drifter's office. My one complaint is that the pictures are too expensive. The pictures they take are excellent, but come at a premium price. Try to get your group to share the costs.