Rafting on the New River

Jun
19

raftkids
Post-rafting.

Yesterday, I took the kids whitewater rafting on the Lower New River. This trip has several class 4 and class 5 rapids, and I thought it would be scary. I was surprised, because it wasn’t! I need more fear in my fun. (What is wrong with me?) But, we had a great day and it was a lot of fun.

Somebody asked in the comments when I said we were going rafting–how do you stay in the raft? I did see a few people fall out in some other rafts, but no one fell out of ours. Maybe part of it is the guide? We had a very experienced guide. Part of it may also be people acting stupid. I saw people in other rafts acting kinda stupid. And part of it may just be balance and bracing yourself. Or some combination of those things. I do think it starts with having a really good guide who gives good instructions and takes you through the rapids well.

Ross will be here a few more days, then he’s back to Norfolk and off to meet his sub soon. His sub is already underway. He’s staying back to take a couple classes.

(I have no actual pics from rafting, by the way! Everything in the raft gets wet, didn’t bring my camera!)





Comments

  1. wildcat says:

    I’ve rafted on the Ocoee River, through the manmade section where they held the Olympic Kayaking in ’96. Those are some serious Class IV rapids! Having a good river guide will increase your chances of staying in the raft. But you can also help yourself. There are normally three rows of seating in the raft. Get on the second or third row, and wedge your feet as deep as you can under the seat in front of you. This is what I did, and there was no way I was going to bounce out! I was in there pretty solid! LOL

  2. NancyL says:

    While rafting on the Chattahoochee River near Atlanta many years ago, I did one of the stupid things! These were self-guided rafts, hundreds of people going from one end to the other on days the river ran high and fast. Our raft got caught up on a rock and I foolishly put my foot out to push us off – my foot went under, got scraped, and almost pulled me out. A few people have drowned over the years, but they stopped the annual Memorial Day Ramblin’ Raft Race in 1980. It was something to see!

    Nancy in Iowa

  3. Joell says:

    :woof: :woof:
    I would love to try white water rafting, I have friends that have done it.
    Now Suzanne, if you need more fear in your fun, I know of a fun little place in WV that one can go bungie jumping :bugeyed:

  4. Dghawk says:

    So glad you had a wonderful time! So. Now that you have done the New, any plans for the Gauley? With all the rain, I’m sure they will be opening the gates of Summersville Dam pretty soon.

  5. bonita says:

    They’re becoming adults, all three are smiling for the pic…or, maybe it’s just the beer! Three good looking kids, congrats.

  6. holstein woman says:

    Really cool you had a good time with your children. It is fun to have memories like that event in your lives. I’m really glad you took the time to have fun with them.

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