Family Friendly Adventure Expeditions
If you have children and you were to tell them that this year, you were all going to go on an Colorado adventure. They would probably laugh, snicker, and scoff at the idea. Assuming perhaps that it meant the usual trek through the hills, or a bike ride through some trails. But would you blame them if that were actually the case? Has our meaning of adventure lost its allure? Or have we simply overused the word to cover anything that is outside the norm of everyday life? Adventure once meant a daring and unusual experience that required enthusiasm from those participating. It took a bit of enterprise and planning, it also took some courage. Not that danger had to be inherent, but the possibility of danger does add to the excitement. Now for a family trip, you would want to lessen any possibilities of danger. But precautions can be made for any form of expedition, even to the extent that you can almost alleviate any potential for trouble to arise. Countless families go rock climbing, camping, trail riding, even hunting together. All of these have some form of danger involved in their activity. However, none of those could be considered an adventure if they have done them before, especially if it is in the same area that you have always been to. Remember that adventure must contain a few key components if it is to be adventurous. It first must be a daring and unusual experience. The daring aspect of it may be easy to cover as many activities are daring, but for it to be unusual means that you must not be familiar with it. This is hard as it leads to the second point which is that it must take a bit of planning and enterprise. This is where enthusiasm rises from, the idea of doing something you have not done before and preparing yourself to do that. This then leads into the last point which is that it must take courage. Courage doesn’t have to mean you must risk life and limb. But simply that you have the courage to try something you have yet to experience, to plan it out, and set your mind to completing it. You can’t go on an adventure if where you are going you have already ventured. Thats why its an addition to venturing… an adventure. So when a child doesn’t feel the weekend trail ride in the mountains is as fun as it once was. It’s probably less the fact that they’re getting older and more that there is no thrill in it any more. There is no other time in life where people are more adventurous, and can possibly be so, than when they are children. They epitomize the spirit of adventure, which undoubtedly is still in all of us. We just lose touch with it as we age and fall into the routine of everyday life. But I would assume that we all miss that care free adventurous spirit we once possessed, and would not want our children to lose theirs as well. To help avoid this, ensure that your next trip is an adventure in the purest form. Perhaps take a family friendly rafting trip to a river you have not been to, or go spelunking and explore a cave that you had not known of. If you want to keep the spirit of adventure alive in your children, you must help it to grow as anything else. Also, if you care to reawaken your own spirit, all you have to do is try. If you would care to go on a Colorado rafting vacation, or raft the Colorado River, visit www.inaraft.com to see what options are available. Rafting the Colorado river has never been made more simple.
7 Safety Tips for Whitewater Rafting
Before taking a whitewater rafting trip this summer, be sure you go through this safety check list. Many of the things seem obvious to an experienced rafter. Though to the inexperienced, if any of these things are forgotten you may well be uncomfortable in the least, and at worst, may be putting yourself into unnecessary danger. Life Vests and Helmets: As far as safety equipment, these two top the list. You want a helmet that fits securely when strapped and doesn’t shift around on your head. You want a life vest that is comfortable, but not to loose. Properly fitting equipment is not only necessary for safety, but if the life vest or helmet does not fit as it should, it may restrict movement which obstructs paddling. The Buddy System: You should never go rafting alone, regardless of how tame the river may seem to be. The buddy system is self explanatory, if you plan on taking a day trip,an extra pair of eyes and hands are always welcome. Especially when doing something even remotely close to dangerous. Notify Friends and Family: Sometimes even having a rafting buddy present isn’t enough. Be sure to tell your friends and family of the river and course you intend to explore. As well as the day you plan on returning and the courses of action you want them to take if you do not arrive on that date. This can easily save your life if done, most people who perish in the wild do so because they could not be found. Make sure you avoid this problem from the start. Control your Paddles: There are two problems that can occur with the paddles during a trip. One is that when you become tired, you may be inclined to let your paddles drag in the water. This is a problem because that drag can cause the raft to drift or turn to one side. This may not be a big problem in calm waters, but if rapids are present it becomes dangerous. If you feel you cannot paddle due to exhaustion, rest them on the side of the raft but keep them out of the water. Along those same lines, you dont want to knock people with your paddles as it could harm them or at worst knock them into the river. This may be difficult when going through rough rapids, but keeping it in mind is better than not being aware at all. Stay Hydrated: There is no greater or more silent danger than dehydration. It can cause great discomfort if left untreated, and eventually will lead to death. Various trips in Colorado and throughout the southwest can easily lead you to be dehydrated. The climate is dry, and if active outdoor, you will lose tremendous amounts of water. You also have to be careful not to over-hydrate, the body can only absorb a quarter of a liter every 20 minutes. If you drink more than this, you will feel similar symptoms to that of being dehydrated. Headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Proper Foot Wear: While rafting, proper foot wear may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But at some point you have to put the raft into the water as well as take it out of it. So they will help in this sense. But if you get bucked out after a rapid, you want to head down the river feet first. Shoes will help protect your feet in this instance. Also, walking in a river can be slippery and jagged, which shoes will help to protect against as well. Check Equipment: Be sure to check that your gear is in proper functioning condition. Also make sure that all loads are secured as you would not want them to break free. This could result in harm to rafters, or at least the loss of gear to the river. Be sure your helmet and life vest is also not damaged in a way that it might inhibit it from working properly. In all, rafting is both fun and exhilarating. But if you do not take the necessary precautions, you may expose yourself to unnecessary dangers. For more information on whitewater rafting, and for the adventurous type, multi-day rafting trips, please visit InARaft.com for more information.
Facebook 2-Day Giveaway Winners Are Ready to Raft!
Last summer Wilderness Aware Rafting ran a contest to giveaway a Free 2-Day Arkansas River rafting adventure to the group that posted the best story as to why they should win. Sara Kranz and her friends won the trip after posting a fantastic and touching story about friendship and adventure. Now the group is gearing up for their trip and wanted to catch up everyone on their plans. From: Sara Kranz, ie “the Instigator” Hermosa Beach, CA The countdown is on! July 6th and 7th, 2012, our group of “home grown friends” will be embarking on an adventure of a lifetime! Unfortunately, Andrea will not be with us in person due to an unexpected turn of life events (damn those life events :), however she will be near and dear to us in spirit.Watch for upcoming blogs, as we have a “surprise” for her to see… lol! The trickery does not end just because you are not there to defend yourself! As for who is taking Andrea’s place, we have Tracy McGoldrick flying in from Texas. Tracy is a dear friend of mine, and we go way back; we both lived in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin at the same time, and Tracy is married to one of my husbands’ best friends from college (did you get that? No worries, as this is only 1 of a million intertwining events that have occurred in our lives.) Tracy is an outdoor enthusiast, but has never been white-water rafting. She will fill you in more during her “blog post”. As for me, I cannot wait to hit the wild rapids with my closest friends in tow, laughing till it hurts (it usually hurts badly!) Sharing life stories, reminiscing about the past, discussing the present, and laughing about the future is what we do best! I am up for anything, quite honestly, so pictures beware, you never know what you may see! Hopefully Wilderness Aware can “handle” our group of crazy women, as we are more than ready to make memories that we will never forget! THANK YOU, Wilderness Aware, for making this happen! From: Kim Linz The trip is so close I can hardly believe it. It is pretty chilly today in Southern California, so it is hard to believe I will be rafting in the sun (hopefully) with my favorite girls in 6 short weeks. From our application you know I am a cancer survivor. What you may not know is that I still live with cancer and take chemo daily. Despite this I am an avid hiker, runner, and biker. I do not let my illness slow me down. After a scare this fall and surgery that had me believing I might not be able to make this trip, I am recovered and more ready than ever! I am an elementary school principal. I still have 4 weeks of school left before I leave for this exciting trip and work is keeping me crazy. I put the countdown for summer up in my office window today and have the countdown for this trip on my mirror at home. My students and their families know that I am leaving soon after summer starts for this trip and I am getting a lot of advice! I have never been white water rafting, but love the water. Everyone tells me this will be the trip of a life time! I am sad Andrea won’t be joining us, but am excited to have Tracy jump on board. I think we have a great group that will laugh the entire time. I hope you are ready for us because I can’t wait! See you in July! From: Tracy McGoldrick Cheers! As you may have read, I am the newest recruit for the July rafting ‘extravaganza’! Or shall we re-name it: Rafting-palooza? I say this because there will be not only wild waters but wild times over these few days together. A bit of background: As Sara noted, we met because our husbands were college roommates. The interesting part is that I have not met the other 2 gals- and this truly echo’s my current mantra and journey in life. At 42 years of age, I had never moved out of my zip code (except 3 years away at college). My husband and I had been aching for a change (weather related mostly) and we took a risk as a family (three young kids) and moved cross country to McKinney, Texas one year ago! I have never looked back. I find the new friendships, business connections (oh, did I note that I started my own business venture 6 months ago?), and everyday newness refreshing ~ just plain ole’ good-for-my-soul. So, with this new adventure put at my feet (thank you, Sara), I say namaste and bring it on! My mantra: I believe life is about enjoying and believing what you do…whether that be family or professional.
Last chance to take advantage of our Season Wrap-Up Discount!
If you haven’t had a chance yet to partake in one of our popular Salt River rafting trips, don’t despair! You still have to time to take advantage of the Arizona rafting season with our Season Wrap-Up Discount. We want to see you on the Salt River this spring, so Wilderness Aware is taking 10% off your Arizona rafting trip if you book before April 22. Read on for some more information on our popular Arizona rafting trips, and take advantage of our remaining availability for this great trip discount! If you have a big sense of adventure but you’re pressed for time, sign up for a $95 half-day rafting extravaganza winding through Mule Hoof Bend in the Upper Salt River Canyon. You’ll navigate Class III and IV rapids in the canyon, watch for wildlife sightings, and partake in the beautiful scenery and camaraderie—not a bad way to spend a morning. Make every hour in your half-day count with this whitewater adventure at a discounted price. If you have a little more time to spare, meet us an easy drive away from Phoenix or Tucson for a full-day whitewater adventure for just $129. We’ll explore the wonders of the Upper Salt River Canyon, including the stunning limestone cliffs that serve as a refuge for endangered Southern Bald Eagles. In between rafting Class III and IV rapids in Maytag Chute, Mother Rock, and Exhibition Rapid, your guides will prepare a fajita feast for you and your companions, made before your eyes using fresh and delicious ingredients. Check your schedule and take a day off for one of our Salt River rafting trips—and make memories that will last a lifetime. With flexible timeframes and affordable prices, our discounted Salt River rafting trips are the perfect way to get out on the water and welcome summer. Join us out on the river for a full or half day of Arizona whitewater rafting, and don’t forget to bring a friend and your sense of adventure! For more information on our Salt River rafting discount trips or our other Colorado rafting trips, visit www.www.inaraft.com.
Discounts on half and full-day Arizona Salt River rafting!
Looking for an Arizona rafting adventure? Now’s the perfect time. Starting now, Wilderness Aware is offering Salt River rafting trips at $129 for a full day and $95 for a half-day. No matter how tight your schedule or your budget, we want to make sure you get the chance to join us on the river for a few hours or a full day of sun, wildlife, and whitewater. Don’t miss this chance to get out of the office and make memories on one of Arizona’s most beautiful rivers. As one of our most popular trips, Salt River rafting adventures have something for everyone. And with both a half-day and a full-day option, we have your schedule covered. If you only have a few hours away, sign up for a $95 half-day adventure winding through Mule Hoof Bend in the Upper Salt River Canyon. Between navigating Class III and IV rapids in the canyon, keeping an eye out for wildlife sightings, and enjoying the beautiful scenery and camaraderie, you’ll have your hands full with this whitewater adventure at a discounted price. If you can take a day out of your week or weekend, meet us an easy drive away from Phoenix or Tucson for a whitewater adventure at half the price. We’ll explore the wonders of the Upper Salt River Canyon, including the stunning limestone cliffs that serve as a refuge for endangered Southern Bald Eagles. We’ll take a break midway through a day of rafting Class III and IV rapids in Maytag Chute, Mother Rock, and Exhibition Rapid for a fajita lunch, made for you by your expert guides using fresh and delicious ingredients. When you just have a day to spare, our Salt River rafting trips are the most convenient way to make memories that will last a lifetime. With a timeframe you can work into your schedule and a price you can afford, our discounted Salt River rafting trips are the perfect antidote for leftover winter blahs. Grab a friend and your sense of adventure, and join us out on the river for a full or half day of Arizona whitewater rafting. For more information on our Salt River discount trips or our other Colorado white water rafting trips, visit www.www.inaraft.com.
This spring, raft Arizona’s Salt River for less!
Want to get in on some Arizona white water rafting? You’re in luck. Wilderness Aware has been running Colorado and Arizona whitewater rafting trips since the seventies, and we want to take you on the ride of your life. And now is a great time to book your spring rafting trip—with our Spring has Sprung discount, you can save 15% on your trip when you raft with us in Arizona before April 8. And if that’s not a good enough reason to come enjoy that Southwestern sunshine, here’s a few more. Something for everyone. No matter what your skill level, we have the right Salt River rafting trip for you. Whether you’re looking forward to a relaxing day-long getaway or want to explore this Southwest treasure over a five-day wilderness trip, Wilderness Aware can deliver. Let us introduce you to the canyon’s beaches, unique geology, and variety of plants, animals, and birds by way of one of the nation’s most beautiful rivers. Join our most popular trip starting near the Highway 60 bridge between Globe and Show Low, a day-long whitewater rafting adventure you won’t soon forget. Or stay longer with one of our overnight Salt River Rafting trips. No matter how much time you have, it’s enough to hit the Salt River. See the best of the best. The scenery that rolls by you while rafting the Salt River is exceptional. The river carries you through rocky, secluded canyons and past oak and juniper woodlands, before taking you down into stunning views of Lower Sonoran Desert vegetation. Feast your eyes on ancient Saguaro cacti and relish the sun on your face as you head into one of our beautiful, secluded campsites—accessible only by the river. Consider a multi-day Arizona whitewater rafting trip that will allow you to take in the diverse scenery over a period of days instead of hours. Get your Spring Break on. Tired of the spring break crowd at the beach? Let us make this spring break something special by taking your group on a Salt River rafting adventure. From March 3 to April 15, we will take groups with a minimum of 8 people on an exclusive whitewater rafting adventure lasting five days. You’ll keep the tan and the unforgettable memories, but skip the boozy crowds and overcrowded beaches. You and your friends—or frat, or sorority, or French club—will thank us. For more information on Arizona rafting (or one of our other specialties, like Colorado rafting and Royal Gorge rafting), visit www.www.inaraft.com. Don’t forget to book an Arizona rafting trip now and save big with our Spring has Sprung rafting trip discount. We can’t wait to see you in the water!
Need more time on the water? Check out our multi-day rafting getaways!
At Wilderness Aware Rafting, we believe that too much of a good thing can be completely amazing. That’s why we offer multi-day rafting getaways for when a few hours of rafting Colorado just won’t cut it. With trips offering a wide range of scenery and classes of rapids, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect getaway for you or your group. Keep reading more information on our multi-day rafting trips, and give us a call at 719.395.2112 if you want to know even more about these one-of-a-kind adventures. It’s hard to pin down exactly what makes these trips so special, but there’s something about having more than one day to really let the beauty of nature and slower pace of travel sink in. Our guides handle everything for you, from meals to safety and activities off the raft, which means you can sit back, relax, and enjoy rafting in Colorado. If you’re worried about your backcountry experience being comfort-free, don’t worry: our guides make the experience enjoyable as well as pared-down, with treats like bringing you hot drinks in the morning or preparing hot meals with fresh ingredients from scratch. If you want to take a trip where the rapids are fewer so you can spend more time focusing on the scenery, consider our trips on the Upper Colorado. As a two-day trip, this option is perfect for families or those new to backcountry camping and rafting. With ample opportunities for sunbathing and swimming, this trip is bound to improve your tan as well as give you a much-needed retreat from the daily grind. Or, if you’d like to combine your rafting adventure with a world-class fishing experience, our Gunnison River trip may be for you. You get to choose how much fun you can handle with both 2-day and 3-day options, but any way you slice it, we save you hundreds of dollars over other guided fishing trips. With rapids ranging from Class II to Class IV, this trip will deliver all the rafting, fishing, and adventure you’re looking for from your Colorado white water rafting getaway. If one, two, or three days just isn’t enough, check out our 5-day Arkansas River Camping Adventure! This trip combines all of the best whitewater sections the Arkansas River has to offer and is the longest rafting trip offered on the Arkansas River by any Buena Vista whitewater rafting company. This is our favorite Arkansas River trip, and for good reason—it’s the perfect option for anyone looking to take a week off and really get to know this beautiful and one-of-a-kind river. Depending on group interest and ability, there’s also the option to indulge in a little Royal Gorge rafting at the trip’s end. Book your Colorado white water rafting trip now, or visit us at www.www.inaraft.com for more information on Colorado rafting. Now is a great time to start planning your ultimate summer vacation, so don’t wait!
Take advantage of our Facebook/Google+ Whitewater Rafting Discount!
Disneyland is fun, but let’s be honest—everyone loves to “one up” their friends (even if you aren’t willing to admit it) on a unique summer vacation. And what better way to do it than by having a Colorado white water rafting adventure? When you come home from your Colorado rafting trip, you’ll get to show off photos of you soaked and having a blast—not to mention your new extensive knowledge of Colorado geology, history, and wildlife-related trivia. (And with any luck, you’ll have a cheesy joke or two to boot.) You’ll hold the unofficial title of “Best Summer Vacationer” until next year, when your friends convince you to bring them along too. If you’re ready to be under the stars and let the sounds of the river lull you to sleep, this deal just got even better. This discount allows you to have your first pick of trip dates, which means in no time you could be rafting Colorado. Whether it’s a five-day epic adventure on the Arkansas River or a relaxing two days on the Upper Colorado, Wilderness Aware Rafting has the experience and resources to make your multi-day trip an adventure of a lifetime. Why worry about keeping up with the Joneses when you can pass them? This year, let Wilderness Aware Rafting help you show your friends you’re more than a workaholic by rafting in Colorado with our discount. Simply “like” us on Facebook and post a few words about how excited you are, or join us on Google Plus and share our page, and you can use the promo code “SOCIALPOST” while booking a trip and receive a 10% discount on any whitewater rafting trip. Remember, book by March 15th to take advantage of this awesome offer! Remember that this offer only applies to the adult rate on new rafting and biking reservations, and it cannot be combined with other discounts or group rates. If you have any questions, or are ready to make your friends envious of your ingenuity, schedule your trip using this discount. You can do this by giving us a call at 800-462-7238 or book online and enter SOCIALPOST. For more information on white water rafting in Colorado—whether it’s Royal Gorge rafting or other Colorado land-based adventures—visit www.www.inaraft.com. See you in the water!
Stay Classy In The Water – See Which Rapids Are Right For You
It’s a cold, hard fact: whitewater rafting in Colorado is a fantasy shared by many. Whether you haven’t yet had the chance to get on the river or you’re a seasoned professional, you may find that as summer draws nearer it’s hard to keep rafting in Colorado off your mind. But before you hit the waves, it’s vital to understand what class of rapids you’re prepared for. In whitewater rafting, if you take on a river that’s outside your skill level as a rafter, you can quickly get in over your head—so before you head out on your Arizona rafting adventure, read on for a quick brush-up on what class is right for you. If you are looking for a mild float down the river you may consider Class I rapids. They allow you to take in the beautiful surrounding scenery and catch some sun without having to focus too much on paddling. This is a perfect place to start with more mature family members or young kids who are just looking to get their feet wet. Class II rapids – at this level, you can expect quicker water with occasional rocks and wave trains. Class II sections might require maneuvering, which means they’re a great way to start learning your paddling commands. If this is your first time rafting and you want to see some moderately difficult rapids look to Class III rapids. With irregular waves and obstacles to maneuver around, this classification provides a great ride while still being suitable for all levels of experience. Get ready for a great time! When you bump it up a notch to Class IV, you’ll meet long and powerful rapids, with standing waves and hydraulics—all which require quick, linked maneuvers in order to navigate through it. At Class V, those with advanced whitewater rafting experience can take on long, continuous violent rapids, filled with obstructions and the potential for large drops and steep gradient that require mandatory precise maneuvers. Rapids ranking, Class VI are considered unrunnable. This is due to irregularly water surges, obstacles that make the passage unclear, potentially huge drops, and other hazards that may or may not be visible. These sections are dangerous even for expert paddlers, and come with the warning of “danger to life or limb”— not to be taken lightly. Use these guidelines when picking your trip. With rafting vacations covering five of these classes, you’re bound to find the perfect river for you. Whether you’re looking for Colorado Springs whitewater rafting or Salt River rafting trips, our expert guides will keep you afloat and having the time of your life. For more information about Colorado white water rafting, visit us at www.www.inaraft.com.
Summer Whitewater Rafting Discount!
We know that one of your resolutions for this New Year was to get out on the river this summer for some Colorado white water rafting—so we decided to make it even easier for you. Starting now, book a Colorado white water rafting adventure before February 1st, and we’ll take 10% off your trip with our Summer Whitewater Discount! So when you’re braving traffic in the midst of a snowstorm or shoveling your driveway before leaving for work, don’t despair. Take that time to plan your debut into Dolores River rafting, or imagine the way that Colorado sun will feel on your face while you sail over those Royal Gorge rapids. Your friends may mock you for daydreaming about rafting Colorado while the weather forecast predicts record-setting snowfall, but when summer rolls around you’ll get the last laugh. (You can even invite them along, if you feel like taking the high road.) If you want to pick a multi-day trip, this deal just got even better. This discount allows you to keep your trip dates as flexible as possible, which means in a matter of months you could be rafting the Arkansas River from top to bottom, or exploring Browns Canyon one day and Lower Bighorn Sheep Canyon the next. Whether it’s a five-day wilderness adventure on the Arkansas River or fly fishing in the Gunnison River Gorge, Wilderness Aware Rafting has the experience and resources to make your trip the adventure of a lifetime. And for those who want to keep their feet on the ground this summer, don’t forget this discount also applies to our downhill mountain biking adventures! Book a trip this month and you could be basking in the alpine beauty of the Rockies while heading down the Continental Divide, or exploring a mountain biking trail meandering along the historic Midland Railroad Grade. Remember: this offer applies to the adult rate on new rafting and biking reservations only, and it can’t be combined with other discounts or group rates. If you have any questions, or want to take the plunge and schedule your trip using this discount, give us a call at 800-462-7238. You can also book online and enter our Summer Whitewater Discount promo code, WINTERFUN. With our Colorado whitewater rafting discount, book a rafting trip, save some cash, and feel free to pat yourself on the back for keeping the most important New Year’s resolution on your list. For more information on Buena Vista whitewater rafting, or to check out our Colorado white water rafting trips, visit us at www.www.inaraft.com. See you in the water!
