A Testimonial from a Reluctant Rafter

This is a testimonial written by a guest who visited us in early July.

Last month, I was kidnapped by my coworkers, tossed in the back of a minivan, and driven 3.5 hours against my will to East Tennessee. I’ll be honest, I did NOT want to go on this trip. For whatever reason I’ve never enjoyed the outdoors — I just sweat too easily and burn too quickly, and there were at least 100 things I’d rather do than go white water rafting.

It takes a big man to admit he was wrong, and that’s exactly what I was. The guides’ personalities are infectious. Kyle, Sterling, and the rest of the staff kept us laughing from the minute I stepped out of the van. They walked me through every step of the process with a calm and a patience I’d only ever seen from my own mother. Listening to the safety instructions, selecting the gear, and riding the bus to the top of the river — all of what should've been mundane and boring parts of the trip were incredibly entertaining and fun. By the time we actually got to the river, I was actually excited about rafting.

Perhaps the most unexpected part of the whole experience was how much I bonded with my coworkers. We’d worked together everyday (and shared more than a few beers after work), but a shared experience like white water rafting brought us together in an entirely new way. I watched my boss fall out of the raft, only to be rescued with ease and poise by our guide. I saw my colleagues struggle, laugh and scream with excitement. I got to know each of them on a different level, and I’m thankful for that.

If you’re on the fence — if you think maybe it’s not worth the drive, not worth the effort, or not worth the price — take it from me. I was a dissenter. A naysayer. A skeptic. But I have been converted. Thank you, Outdoor Rafting Adventures, for introducing me to white water rafting. Thank you for introducing me to the outdoors. I can’t wait to come back.

Want to book your own white water rafting experience? Call 866-333-RAFT or click here make a reservation online.