We (my husband and I) did the Bighorn Sheep Canyon full day trip with our (amazing) guide Austin. Also in our boat was a dad and his 12 year old daughter. None of us had ever rafted before. From start to finish we felt like we were in confident and competent hands - Austin explained everything in detail from how to use the paddle for the different strokes, to how to rescue someone if they fell in (no one did), and what to expect on the upcoming rapids. Interspersed he shared information about the canyon and Colorado, shared stories about other rafting adventures, and had us all laughing at his rye humor. We chose this pariticular tour as two relativly athletic, competent adults who didn't want to be bored but didn't have experience-this tour delivered perfectly. As parents we would not have taken our kids (11 and 8) even though the tour allows, but the 12 year old who was with us did awesome-so, go with your gut deciding if your kids can handle it or give them a call for a recommendation. Definately recommended, we would go back.