rafting

Can I just say right now that I have a huge fear of open water? I guess it’s the fear that the giant fish swimming below my feet might get hungry and eat me…I don’t know. Either way the Outing Club on campus offered this amazing trip to go whitewater rafting on the Black River in Watertown, NY. The company was Whitewater Challengers and they were amazing, all of the guides were very nice and made it a fun ride.

Whenever I’m home I go by, cross over, and go near the Black River all the time because it’s only about 30 minutes from my house but I have never done anything like this before. I especially loved the fact that I had to sign my life away before I could even get suited up. Once I got my life vest and helmet on, we loaded into a bus to take us down to the river. The groups jumped into the rafts and took a few practice rides in the calm water to learn the stroke calls and directions that the guide would be calling out. We were out on the water for at least 3 hours on a beautiful sunny day; the water was actually moderately warm. I’m pretty sure I was the only person in my raft who didn’t accidentally fall off the raft or get pushed off so I didn’t get as soaked as everyone else.

The after rafting barbeque put on by the guides was probably the highlight of the trip just because it wasn’t campus food. The scorching burn I had on my arms and thighs was my souvenir for the next week but overall, it was an amazing experience and I would recommend it to anyone.

 

thinking about taking a trip?

For great information and contact information please visit the Whitewater Challengers website. They provide guides for other rivers besides the Black River and you can also arrange for camping and hiking trips.

If you're thinking about taking a trip anywhere in North America E-Raft.com has links to companies wherever you may want to go.