White Water Rafting in West Virginia

(Betsy): I am finally getting around to posting about our white water rafting trip. Thank you to everyone who reads our blog!

A few weekends ago, Scott, Lauren, Will, and I packed up our gear and headed east for a weekend of ultimate white water rafting. Lauren and I went on a trip last year, had a blast, and decided to take our beaus along this time around. The company we rafted with, Cantrell Ultimate Rafting, is one of seven rafting companies left in West Virginia. According to our river guide, Walt, there were, at one time, 27 companies. But, not unlike other businesses, the big eat the small, and only the strong survive. Cantrell is locally owned and operated, and we absolutely loved rafting with them. Definitely consider them if you are thinking about taking a trip!

Lauren and I definitely took advantage of our "expert rafting" status and had Will and Scott a little worked up and anxious on the six hour drive to Fayatteville. The conversation went a little something like this:

Betsy: "Hey Lauren, did you mention to Will that we'll be rafting over a 14-foot drop? I forgot to tell Scott..."

Lauren: "Oh. Shoot. I forgot to tell Will, too. Don't worry honey. Only a few people have died. We will be fine."

Meanwhile, Will and Scott started looking a little uneasy, but Lauren and I milked it for quite a while before admitting the trip would be pleasurable and not dangerous.

When we arrived to our cabin on Friday night, let's just say the boys were less than impressed by our rustic bungalow (coined "rusty bungalow" by Lauren and I last year). While the cabin was a step-up from tents and air mattresses, I was certainly looking forward to my own bed after two uncomfortable nights of sleeping.

Despite our rough lodging arrangements, we woke up Saturday morning enthused and energized, ready to hit the river. A five minute, scenic drive took us to the Cantrell campgrounds where we were served a great breakfast--biscuits and gravy (Don't worry, mom. They did not taste better than yours), fresh fruit, eggs, bacon, and coffee.

Shortly after breakfast, we signed release waivers and geared up for the day, avoiding, at all costs, moldy life jackets and cracked helmets. Below are pics of Will and Scott signing their lives away as well as a group shot of us in all our rafting gear:

When everyone (about 35 of us) was dressed and ready for rafting, it was time to take the bus to the river to launch the boats. Surviving the bus ride to the river is an accomplishment in itself. Being escorted by a driver (convicted, we were told, of several DUI's) in a 20-year-old bus up and down winding roads lacking any sort of side railings is not my idea of fun. Needless to say, we arrived safely, and were thrilled to begin our adventure.

The scenery along the New River is breathtaking. I felt so lucky to be experiencing God's beautiful creations once again. The mountains are incredible, and believe it or not, there is an extreme sense of peace that comes along with white water rafting--the sounds of rapids, nice breezes through the trees. I was truly in awe of the beauty.

I must say, however, that our whole trip was not peaceful. Apparently, over time, river guides have developed some sort of river code of conduct, river etiquette, that is to be followed by everyone involved to ensure an enjoyable trip. Walt, our river guide, who has been leading trips for twenty-three years, has never picked up on these rules.

Walt is around 40 years old, about 5'6, and refuses to wear shoes. What he doesn't refuse to do is chew, use profanity, and cut other boats in line when rafting. Big no-no.

As a part of the rafting experience, river guides try to take their parties "surfing." From my understanding, surfing is the act of purposely getting your boat stuck in a hole or pocket of water, only to be released by mother nature. Sometimes river guides can maneuver their way out of the pocket, but sometimes outside help is needed--a pull with a rope from strong helping hands on land.

There are only a few pockets during summer months in which boats can surf. Summer is a busy time for rafting, so there is usually a line of boats waiting their turn to take a whirl. Walt, however, didn't have time to wait in line. He had an agenda, a plan, and that plan did not include waiting for other boats to attempt the pocket.

He commanded us to begin paddling, quickly, and we did as we were told. Soon we were passing other boats who had been waiting for a shot at surfing. While we were busy paddling our hearts out and getting glared at by angry rafters on other boats, Walt was busy cussing out the other river guides, telling them he did what he wanted and he didn't care what they thought or said. To top things off, Walt purposely kept our boat surfing for about 20 minutes (other boats surfed for about 45 seconds-no joke) in order to keep other boats from taking a turn.

Lauren, Will, Scott, and I knew that Walt was completely in the wrong; however, in just a few minutes of getting to know your river guide, you develop some sort of strange bond and alliance. So, despite our confrontation with about 15 other boats, we promised Walt that we would have his back that night at the campground, where he was expecting a fight with several other river guides.

Unfortunately, I have no pictures of us actually on the water. An independent company sold video and picture dvds for an outrageous price, but because Scott and I are both being frugal right now, we opted out of paying an arm and a leg for a few pictures. No worries, the picture of Walt using his paddle to threaten other river guides will be forever ingrained in my memory.

Overall, the trip was relaxing and beautiful. There are several points on the river where you can jump out of the boat and float along, carefree. Scott and I did collide with a hidden rock (he has a giant bruise to prove it), but mostly, the trip was safe and fun. We would recommend it to everyone.

Have a great weekend!