What makes a good Raftin' company

Some Raftin' companies just don't get it. Some companies pursue the love of money over the love and respect for the Rivers in which they operate. Some organizations have found a way to find an equal balance between profits and passion. Other companies are strictly in it for the love and experience and do just enough business so the guides can have the joy of Whitewater (these are the hippies). Even though the same River route is commercially run by many companies the Gusts can have a distinctly different trip based on the company in which they choose.

There are a whole crap load of factors that make a Raftin' trip. The three most important are as follows. First off, Safety, second, the guide, and third, the outfitter. These factors stem from the type of outfitter one chooses. The small time outfit who goes raftin' for the love and not the money may have sub par gear and equipment and your guide may smell. Raftin' outfits that are profit oriented on the River have unhappy guides and sloppy trips and your guide may smell. The companies who realize the balance of profits and passion for whitewater tend to provide the safest, most clean, most fun trips available on the River and your guide may smell. That being said there is a good possibility that the same River run can provide different experiences for different folks depending on which outfit they chose. Well balanced companies have the best guides, gear, and atmosphere in whitewater for obvious reasons.

Companies who demonstrate these characteristics are easy to spot on the River. The guides run clean lines, the gusts are smiling throughout the day and if the need be they can react to a situation with confidence and courage. (At that point the smell of the guide becomes part of the trip.) Many times I have gotten complements on the River or after Raftin' drinks in the bar. Complements stem from actions that other guides see on the River and are always great to hear. The best complement I think I have heard was from a guide from ARC (another good Raftin' co) who made a mention that ARO runs consistent clean lines and has respectful and skilled guides.

Be sure to check out your surroundings when you raft with ARO and you may notice some outfitters that seem 'all over the place' out there and you might catch a glimpse of how great of a difference it is when an outfitter has the right balance between profit and passion on the river.