OkTripAdvi 5
15 Aug 2021
We book rafting tours with H2O every summer and always have a fantastic experience. H2O is a solid long-standing company focusing on thrill without compromising safety, and we highly recommend them. They have adventures on several rivers, but we typically visit the American River.
The lunch food is always fresh and presented in an appetizing spread.
Look forward to the magic brownies at the end!
This year we had ANN as our guide and were blown away. Ann has been rafting for ~35 years and is a river beast!
Reasons to request Ann as your guide:
- She is a true O.G. and has rafting experience and skills on the American river like no other. She appears a subject-matter expert and often trains new guides.
- Safety always comes first with Ann. Over her lifetime she has seen and experienced river emergencies first-hand, and even saved her friend's life on a personal non-commercial river trip many years ago. Ann will always make sound judgement calls to protect you and your family. Plus, Ann is a retired firefighter and medic so you know you're in the best hands!
- Ann knows all the clever water tricks: surfing, raft wheelies, spins, rodeo style bow riding, stand-up raft riding... not just that but she isn't too lazy or burned out to enthusiastically teach you these tricks. In the 5+ years I've taken guided rafting trips, I've never had a guide employ such a repertoire of fun tricks and raft games.
- You get a free lesson in basic rescue/reconnaissance. When other rafts of people flip, you get to try out catching and collecting the swimmers in the fallout. As well you get to learn how to best climb independently into the raft from the water, which is not super easy.
- History and stories. Ann knows the history and landmarks along the American River, so you gain knowledge in between the moments of adrenaline. Also, Ann has incredible river and survival stories she is happy to share.
- If you love corny jokes, just ask. Ann is a memory bank of silly material that you can borrow to entertain or torture your friends with.
So, try out H2O and request Ann for the best all-around experience. Though it isn't mentioned, don't forget to TIP YOUR GUIDES, as rafting companies and their employees are truly enduring challenges monetarily as a labor of love, much to the great enjoyment and benefit of those of us who appreciate a chance to escape the stressful rat-race, and retreat to a world of nature, surrounded by rushing waters, subtle wildlife, trees, and warm breezes.
The cascades of clear water will both test, thrill, and invigorate you, while you can rest assured that safety, essentials, and nutrition are fully arranged. You might just get hooked, like us.
