These guys love what they do!! We took our family of 4 - Mom, Dad, 17 & 14 yo - to Downstream for some rafting. They hooked us up! All the necessary equipment, all the necessary (and less fun) safety (helmets, wet suits, paddle tutelage, etc.) and lots of enthusiasm. Okay, so riding a school bus (or any other bus/shuttle) to and from the put in and pull out isn't a total blast, but we were reasonably entertained by the crew/staff each way.
Once on the river, KEVIN was our "Master Rafter" for the trip and he made it so easy for us!! Only afterward, when we leafed through the 40+ photos of our trip, did we realize how much he worked to assure we had a good time! Here I thought he was just way chill, which he was, but OBVIOUSLY he knew the river and knew how to handle our raft. Way props!! We paddled, we got wet, we dodged, we weaved, we LOVED the canyon. We earned our White Water merit badge!! Gimme some more!!
Okay, this trip was definitely for novices, which, of course, the vast majority of us are. If you're looking to go all out on a white water death teaser then this ain't your jam. We were one of 4 boats in our group, plus a couple of other companies. It wasn't crowded but there is a certain amount of safety in numbers should you or anybody else fall out of your boat in the midst of rapids. This was greatly appreciated given my aforementioned city-slicker family of 4!!!
It was, to be honest, perfect! Be safe, hop in, have a blast, hop out. KEVIN did all the heavy lifting and let us just enjoy the experience. I'd LOVE to try it again earlier in the season when the river is full with snowmelt - said the guy who almost fell out...TWICE!! And, when they ask you if you want to jump in the river off a rock, JUST DO IT!! It was July. Was it cold? HELL YES! but it was exhilarating, refreshing, fantastic and fun! DO. NOT. MISS. OUT!
Highly recommend you hang in Idaho Springs after your white water surf! Beau Jo's has great pizza (honey dippin' for the crust!! CRIPES!!) and Tommyknocker Brewery is top-shelf if you're into craft brews and mac 'n' cheese!! There is a plethora of shops in and around Idaho Springs to peak the interest of the remainder of your party whilst you imbibe!!