Finally, Sun everyday

The weather forecast for the next week shows no rain. After a very wet June this is a welcome change. With all that rain keeping the river up there is some very good rafting conditions on the Red Deer River. No matter what the weather you are going to get wet anyway, but it is so much nicer when the sun is out.

So get out and enjoy our fleeting summer – there are plenty of seats available this coming long weekend or for a more personal trip come out midweek.

White board comments from some happy paddlers

If you’re wondering what our guests have to say about Otter Rafting Adventures we can consult the white boards which are strategically mounted in our rafting center for making heart felt comments. Below you will find both from the men's and ladies rooms.

Rafting - Great for team building

Thank you to the TransAlta group for coming out rafting yesterday. We know you had a great day.  Rafting is the perfect outing for team building.

“Teambuilding is important in any environment, its brings out the best in a team to ensure self development, positive communication, leadership skills and the ability to work closely together as a team to problem solve.”

”Work environments tend to focus on individuals and personal goals, with reward & recognition singling out the achievements of individual employees. "How to create effective teams is a challenge in every organization”

Having a Blast

The high water is hanging in there. The guides have a group out on the water today. They will be having a blast at these water levels.

People have asked me if the river is much different when it’s higher. As the water levels change, the number and size of rapids change. All changes in volume are relative to the current volume. When the water volumes are lower, any changes in water levels are significant. When it is high like today, it isn’t a lot different if it makes small changes to it’s volume except for the size of features.

There are many rapids on our Red Deer River with the most significant being Big Rock, Gooseberry (diagonal ledge), S-Bends and the Nationals.

Now, the Big Rock barely has a pillow on it showing that it is there. The wave train that follows it and the turbulence of it is a result of all the pressure as the water pours through the openings that the rock creates. As the two currents converge after going on either side of the rock many irregular shaped waves are created which oscillate in height.

The Diagonal Ledge is one large weir with a couple holes in it with a significant hole in the middle of it dominating the features. It requires a tight line for a safe route between two holes which offers very little forgiveness for a mistake.

The S-bends, where we stop for lunch, has a wave where we could park the bus in it. As the water volume changes it just gets deeper. It can easily flip a raft so we skirt it. We might just touch the edge of it  - enough to tempt fate!

The Nationals are 10 foot standing waves. It is one big rollercoaster with the final wave even bigger and more abrupt as the rushing water piles into the slower moving water at the base of the rapid. As the raft hits this last wave the raft slows down abruptly – will you make it over the wave? or through it?

There are several other rapids requiring respect as well, too many to mention. This is the type of water most people miss not rafting in June. 

For the ride of your life, get out on the river before this high water is gone to experience the power of water and enjoying a different way of loving mother nature .

The Water is High and Absolutely Crazy!

This past weekend we’ve had the best rafting condition in several years. The water is high and absolutely amazing! For one couple, Saturday’s excitement wasn’t enough and they tried to change their plans to go Sunday as well. Didn’t work out but they’ll be back in a few weeks.

Who said rafting isn’t addicting? Especially when the conditions are crazy!

This high water season won’t last for ever, so if you want to give it a try – we have space available this coming weekend. Give me a call for some white water rafting you’ll talk about for years!!

Here is a picture from Saturday. When it’s wild and fast it is difficult to get a good picture. Still, you can see the guy at the front is hanging on to the rope!! What a wild trip! This is the kind of water everyone should try once in their life!

Book now for the memory of a lifetime!

1-800-661-7379

The “Divas” rafting Again!

Saturday was another great day on the water! The “Divas” were out rafting again for their annual trip. It has been a ritual going on for more than 15 years! Even the final picture holding their guide!
And they weren’t disappointed (next time they want gloves for June rafting)! They said it was the "highest water ever" that they had been on! There is lots of snow in the mountains so the river will last a while. And with all the rain showers, they help to keep that river up and raging! Remember you are going to get wet anyway – might as well enjoy it!
If you've never tried 'high water' - than now is the time!

If the thought of 'high water' makes your stomach clench and your forehead wet and you know you really want to but are hesitating..........take a look at the picture below and see how happy the "Divas" were after their great trip down the Upper Red Deer River! You can face the challenge too!
This is water you don’t want to miss!
Give us a call and book your trip now!

1-800-661-7379

Catch the high water!

We were on the river again on Saturday. The river has dropped some from last week. The floating trees cancelled a trip, they are so dangerous.

Everyone had a great day. The day started cool and overcast but once everyone was on the river the sky began to break up and by lunch the sun was out. What a perfect combination. Spring run-off and the sunshine.

It was just as well. Travis and the guys who came out on a stag outing, had a swim. The footage of their spill will really look good when it is shown at the wedding! It’s a trip they won’t ever forget!

There is plenty of snow in those mountains. Come out and catch the high water this year. You will have a blast!