Whitewater Rafting with Professional River Runners

2010-04-10T09:37:00.000-07:00

The rivers are full out and the recent rain has brought the levels up. A taste of spring the other weekend is bringing serious spring fever! Let's go rafting!

The End of Tyranny

2007-04-04T09:40:00.000-07:00

"Quietly you say to me the time has come for you to be alive again...summer's coming and I'd like a review" -Trey Anastasio, Alive Again

well my friends, if you've kept current with my posts, you will know that since September the slavery known as modern living has retaken it's hold on me. Tapped in the concrete jungle I've spent the last seven months back at college working towards a piece of paper that costs way too much money in the first place.
But it's April In Maine now( as with the rest of the world), and the rivers are freeing up, the snow is melting and the Mud is taking claim over the once frozen ground. Far, far away in the distance there is a rumbling taking hold of the back of my brain that can only be one thing: the sound of raging, churning whitewater.
To me, still a wet behind the ears second year guide, this can mean only one thing: it's almost time to start living again. There's a certain illusion of freedom that comes with being a guide, an illusion that provides a much healthier, saner way of living than one can find in the city and suburbs. An illusion one can only find deep in the woods or in a small town surrounded by wild lands.
The tyranny of winter is ending, and the freedom which I so crave is so close I can feel it surround me when I close my eyes.
See you on the River soon enough.

Raft Sledding

2007-02-14T18:24:00.000-08:00

What do we raft guides do for fun in the winter? We take the rafts out of storage and slide down steep frozen water covered hills (a.k.a. snow rafting). This fast sport can be problematic -- uncontrollable speed with heavy PVC rafts, heels digging into the firm ice to stop heavy raft from careening into the trees send shock waves up the ankles & knees, and finally, abandoning raft by leaping off the side before it crashes into the trees and persnicity burdocks produces ice burns on cheeks and hands. Result: heavy raft stuck at bottom of hill in trees, riders strewn everywhere and hysterically laughing (but ice burned) guides high-fiving this new adventure.

A good day on the river...a day of Two's

2006-08-16T14:21:00.000-07:00

They say a bad day on the river beats a good day anywhere else. But Good days on the river, of which I've had a few, are the days a guide always remember and talk about.
Today was one of those days. one crew of 3 had already been a paddlin' with us a ferw days ago and were anxious and pumped to be going again. The other family really made the day for me though. a family of six, they showed up late for check in, which of course was forgiven.
Everyone paddled hard and together which is always a plus.
so to my "day of two's" subtitle...

My second swimmer today
Twin sisters ( that's a two;) )
the second time I've missed magic
dumped katie in the water ( twice)
missed two easy surfs
hit two of the three sisters
sold two videos.

at any rate today was one of my best days out here yet, and tommorrow being my last day for a few weeks, I'm anxiously awaiting May of '07 and next summer when these crazy Joisey (new jersey) folks come back for some more liquid fun!

SWIMMERS!!

2006-08-10T16:56:00.000-07:00

It has to happen to every guide I'm told. The other day it happend to me, my first swimmers...at magic falls. After a crushing hit and getting a bit backsurfed we came out of the hole with two less people. one was immeadiately retrieved and the other, well the other went for a bit of an extended swim, all the way back to the boat which i was triying for all i was worth to move away from hell hole. I yelled to her to swim to me, which she did, and with chutzpah! little did I know that miss Amy is a competitive swimmer in Auburn, Maine...and one of the best in the state at that.
We pulled her to the safety of the boat unscathed, at which point she let out a victorious yell...and at which point I followed suit letting out in yell in relief that she was not hurt.
It just goes to show you not to underestimate the mighty Kennebec or the will of the River Gods.

Intermission...

2006-08-07T14:57:00.000-07:00

It seems only yesterday I was a wet behind the ears guide trainee. Now it's August and I find myself wondering where the last two months went.
What a time I am having and will hopefully continue to have working here at Pro. Sadly however, summer is almost over and I will have to return to the "concrete jungle." back to the constricted fenced yards and reassuming my role as a "Slave to the Traffic Light."
There's a part of me that can't wait to get back there and share all of my experiences with friends and family and another part that longs to remain here in the north woods rafting my days away.
People always ask as alaina and kathy metioned what i do the other 9 months of the year, I like to think of it as an intermission between acts of a play, eagerly awaitinig the next scene to find out what's gonna happen next. so I go on an intermission break back to college.
I find myself wondering what I will do without the river, how will i sleep at night without it's soothing flow to lull me to dreamland? Will the I even be able to reajust to civilization? I'm sure I'll make it, inevitably...but till then i will be couting down till next may when I'm back full time on the river to awken to a day of fun, laughter and adrenaline surges.
It's been a great first season and i hope next year is even better however, there is nothing more dangerous than a second year guide ;) so remember that if you find yourself in my boat.

Never Let the Weather Get You Down

2006-08-03T11:19:00.000-07:00

Yet another great overnight on the Kennebec River August 1st and 2nd. After a beautiful day of duckie-ing down the East Outlet the Borecki and Holmes party were just about ready to go to bed when the lightning began.

It's not every night in Maine that you get to see constant lightning for hours. Typically lightning comes in extensive intervals and doesn't last all that long. Sitting out at the dock and watching the lightning was an abxolutely amazing experience and we're glad those two parties could join us and our viewing.

After we all had decided to reitire, the rain starting puring down. With lightning crashing outside of our tents and the rain pitter-pattering on the rain flies it was a great night to be camping out on the island. That next morning the sun shone like never before and it turned out to be a beautiful day on the river.

Had the rain gotten our guests down the experienece could have been miserable. Thank you Borecki and Holmes parties for making the experience enjoyable and not letting the weather get you down.

-alaina and neil

Keepin' busy in the winter

2006-07-31T16:43:00.000-07:00

I've been asked by many customers "so uh, what do you do in the winter?" and I think it's time to shed a little light on this subject.

Whitewater rafting guides come from all different walks of life. Of the many that I have met, the ones that are young enough to get away with it raft in the summer and ski in the winter. Many of us make the great commute from The Forks, Maine to anywhere out west. The best thing about being out there is realizing that, since we all enjoy the same thing, you often run into other rafting guides that have come from the forks. One of my friends was out in Salt Lake City, Utah at a bar on a busy Saturday night when all of a sudden one of his best friends from The Forks walked in! For those of us that are involved in this lifestyle, you realize that it's just one little network in this great big world.

Others are teachers, medical assistants, college students, college dropouts, US Coast Guardsmen, and others are just simply travellers.

So next time you ask your raft guide what they do in the winter, keep your mind open, there are many different possibilities and many people that are passionate about rivers. It's this passion that allows even those with 'real jobs' to have a great summer job that they truly enjoy.

2006-07-27T16:17:00.000-07:00

It's hot everywhere in the world, but the water's nice and cool up here in the forks! come cool off with us on the Kennebec or Penobscot Rivers!

Oh! and remember, the more you keep your air conditioner on, the more electricity the dam has to create which means higher water up here! Keep 'em cranked!

Kennebec River Turbine Test - 8,000 CFS

2006-07-19T15:21:00.000-07:00

Coming up and over Big Mama though at 8,000 CFS she looks a lot more like Massive Mama

And judging by these faces this mama ain't the one that tucked you into bed as a kid

Ted's boat coming into maytag a gnarly hole that looks as though she's about to eat his boat and crew alive

WHAT A NASTY HIT!!

Sure enough, Maytag wins again!

Come out and play on the Kennebec's Eight-Grand days

Rafting in Israel

2006-07-17T03:47:00.000-07:00

I am writing from sunny Tel Aviv. Last week, I took the family on a nice float trip down a tributary of the Jordan river. Nothing exreme, just a bump and grind down a pretty river, decent current, a bit of splashing. And of course, dunking nieces and nephews in the water.

A very different trip than the lower Jordan, which is a fast paced, highly technical, VERY exciting trip. Guiding two seasons on the Jordan a couple years back gave me a different perspective on rafting, and helped me develop some advanced skills. When the kids are a little older, I'll take them there.

Being here on a family visit takes me off of Maine rivers for about a month in the middle of the season, which is pretty weird for me. Looking forward to being back.

Harold

Overnight Delight!

2006-07-10T16:52:00.000-07:00

I hear all the guides here at Pro talk about how awesome the overnight camping and rafting trips, that they are in fact our forte. After experiencing my first one this past weekend, I know what they are all talking about.

The first day is great, with the ducky kayaks on the East Outlet of the Kennebec River and into Indian Pond, which was running at 3000 cfs. We had an awesome time surfing at swimmers hole. Next is a sandwich buffet at a campsite and on to the private island for happy hour and a lobster feed. With everyone stuffed and happy we sat around the campfire playing guitar and singing songs...That's my idea of good times, but the best was yet to come. Day two of this trip was Big water on the Kennebec River. 8,000 cfs!!!!!
With a nice hit at Big hit at Big Mamma, the river decided to teach me a little lesson. A wave after Big Kahuna backsurfed me and produced half a swimmer. lucky for her she knew how to follow instructions and took my advice of grabbing on the person in front of her to stay in the raft. I quickly pulled her to saftey for which she was grateful.
A few T-storms in the afternoon proved an adventure filled float out and lunch at Base...Natures Fury!!!!!WOOOO!!!

I say if your gonna come do this, do it right...book now for some overnight delight!

HIT OF THE WEEK on the Kennebec River

2006-07-09T11:59:00.000-07:00

Cecil wins this week's "hit of the week" with the Clark party paddling through Magic Falls on the Kennebec River July 4th.

A close to perfect picture with only one mishap: 1 T-Grip violation.

Oh wait, we don't call a "hold on" paddling through Magic, make that two minor mishaps.

Maine Rafting Guide of the Month - Bob Mallar

2006-07-08T12:14:00.000-07:00

Bob, a long-term Professional River Runners whitewater rafting guide, gets a little recognition in No Umbrella, Maine's Offbeat Outdoor Website:

Guide Of The Month

Recreation Dept. Recreates on a White Water Rafting Trip

2006-07-07T15:17:00.000-07:00

As a whitewater rafting guide on the Kennebec River, highwater is always greatly appreciated. Today came as somewhat of a surprise, with all of the rain that we've gotten in the past couple of days I should have known that the Kennebec would be flowing higher than the standard 4800 CFS. This morning I heard '6400' and was thinking: "i have to take down a group of kids at highwater today? Guess we'll see what happens"

I'll admit I was a bit nervous, while I know Magic washes out, my greatest concern was taking a boatful of young girls through Big Mama and not flipping at any of the sisters. As soon as I met these girls, I was somewhat relieved.

I would have to say that my favorite part of the day was 'rallying the troops' as they say. These girls were so full of spunk it was very easy to get them excited about going down the river. Little did they know, I was somewhat nervous and was playing each of the sisters through my head over and over again praying to the river gods that I didn't lose one of them before the Alleyway.

Gotta love those river gods, my run today was a great one and I know that all of the girls had a great time - and so did I.

Thanks to the staff for bringing your kids up here. I had a blast and I hope you all did too.

The King of Preservation

2006-07-06T15:13:00.000-07:00

John Muir once tied himself to the top of a sequoia tree during a hurricane just for the experience. For those of you who don't know, John Muir is THE father of preservation and Yosemite National Park. He believed like the transcendentalists that we as humans are a part of nature and that it is part of us. His philosophies started the change from conquering the wilderness to actually taking pride in great tracts of wildland. He also believed that emerging one's self in nature makes individuals tough.
I like Muir's ideas on wildland. I do my best to follow in his footsteps ( and those of others such as Aldo Leopold, Bob Marshall, and Arthur Carhart) to help people see see the delicate balance we have to maintain with nature, the responsibilities that we have toward it, and the best possible ways to have a damn good time.

So with that in mind, if I ask any of you to pick up litter I see you drop, or to be careful not to make a fire too big, or not to throw granola wrappers and orange peels in the river don't take it personally, it's just me doing my part to save The Woods.

Freedom!

2006-07-04T12:49:00.000-07:00

Oh say can you see
a giant wave in front of me
while so heartily we paddle
from big mamma down to dead stream

and the raft guide's back there
yelling out paddle commands
takes us through the big water
How Iwish I was still there.

oh say does that mighty Kennebec river still rage
through the land of the free
and the home of the insane!

Great Tips for Planning a Family Reunion!

2006-06-27T15:30:00.000-07:00

The more I get sucked into the blogosphere, the more I find fantastic tips from others' travel experiences, that I hope are helpful for those of you planning a whitewater rafting or group event with us, such as family reunions.

On the TripHub group travel blog, I just came across Planning a Successful Family Reunion -- Part I. Hope it helps you plan your family reunion!

Kennebec River Named one of the Top 10 Whitewater Rafting Spots in US

2006-06-27T13:52:00.000-07:00

The Kennebec River, located in The Forks, Maine was just named one of the United States' most popular whitewater rafting rivers. According to America Outdoors, a trade association representing more than 550 outdoor recreation companies, and its consumer site, Adventure Vacation, the list reflects popularity primarily based on individual visits.

The Kennebec River has something for everyone, with Class II - V whitewater rapids. Sadly, though, the mighty Kennebec River landed tenth on the list- but of course, that's just the way it is, since the State of Maine regulates rafting use on the river. That's why rafts fill up so quickly- still, there are slower days throughout the summer that we can use your help to boost up visits and move up to the top of that list - book your seats now!

Rollin' on the Rivah!

2006-06-27T12:25:00.000-07:00

Saturday the 24th...
sky was gray turned sunny day
the crew
the raft
the guide
ready for a river ride.
Hi I'm Ryan...
and you all are?
what's that?
just call you Jewel?
then we shall be...
TEAM JEWEL!
who will save your soul?
will you swim that hole?
my dear god I just don't know...
paddle hard, let's Rock 'n' Roll

The day you stop learning on the river . . .

2006-06-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

I was told by those more experienced than myself that, "the day you stop learning on the river is the day to stop rafting" and that phrase is in my thoughts every time I'm putting a boat into the water. For those people that have been whitewater rafting with Pro several times, I'm sure you can relate that the river is an amazing force, and for those that have not been let it be understood that every little change in the river features, whether it be water levels or a rock falling into the gorge causing a new wave, gives you something new to think about. Not to mention the fact that if you feel as though you're getting to know a river quite well, there are thousands others all across the globe for the brave to try out. In my experience I have learned that 'the day you stop learning on the river is the day you stop respecting it" and it's that respect for rivers that allows for safe trips and good times.

Where the Magic Happens . . .

2006-06-24T10:33:00.000-07:00

As a first year whitewater rafting guide, you're bound to make mistakes. Rivers are strong and fast with waves that pulse just as everything else on the face of the planet has a pulse, it's own rhythm that is never duplicated.

However, PRO has such a great training progam that most of your mistakes are made with people in the boat that are there to watch you make mistakes, then point and laugh as you're swimming the Alleyway.

I had my first commercial trip on the Kennebec River on June 18th with a great crew from Hungary. I was amazed when I realized that they can paddle and couldn't wait to hit Magic Hole. When we finally were lined up for the biggest hit on the Kennebec there was no stopping us.

As we crashed into the wave I felt the boat and my rafters lurch forward the way a car would if the driver were tapping on the brakes, and it was at that moment I knew I was hooked. The river is an amazing force and I don't think I'll ever grow out of paddling and witnessing the raw power the earth is capable of exerting.

Tagged Under: Rafting

PRO Poem

2006-06-23T11:17:00.000-07:00

Smiles, Laughter and giggle with cheer
We go down the river with no fear

Warm, Sunny or even cold
Young, tall, some are old

Holes, waves, hydraulics and dams
Red boats, big boats, little boats too

The Kennebec, Dead, Penobscot, Hudson and Moose
We do them all
Why dont you join us, we'll give it our all

Fantastic Family Rafting & Adventure Vacation Tips!

2006-06-20T14:45:00.000-07:00

Massachusetts based blogger Ken Savage, writes "The best Maine family adventure vacation we have ever had was whitewater rafting in Maine."

Involve Your Kids In Planning a whitewater Rafting trip in Maine
Getting your child(ren) excited about specific aspects of the trip will help engage them during the trip itself. If you are so inclined, take some time before you travel to show them maps, list animals that may be encountered on your trip, and discuss what type of activities will be included on the trip, etc. Above all else, consider each child’s abilities and personality to ensure they have a fun and rewarding adventure without getting in over their heads.

Here at PRO, we host a lot of family rafting trips, and we know how hard it can be to keep kids of all ages interested, so it's important to tailor the activities to satisfy everyone. Alternative activities such as fossil hunting, Moose safaris, old-fashioned picnics & short hikes are always a good idea. So we agree, Ken - this is a great way to make sure kids are just as excited about a whitewater rafting and camping vacation as the parents are, before you go.

A vacation to the mountains of Maine is also an opportunity to reduce the amount of electronic entertainment the kids use. Setting the expectations on when , where and how much the kids can use their Ipods or Gameboys before you leave is useful. We often find parents pleasantly surprised how receptive their children are to old-fashioned family time: a walk to the waterfall, sitting around the campfire (this is a favorite!), skipping rocks, climbing trees, game of tag football or frisbee golf, etc. Deep inside kids crave this one-on-one. And a vacation to Maine offers that.

Tagged Under: Family Vacations, Rafting

An Ode to Whitewater Rafting

2006-06-20T14:34:00.000-07:00

The best decision I ever made...

There’s folks that run from here to there
With deadlines, stress, and shite
And then there’s some that run their lines
Down waters, black and white…

There’s runners, I have heard some say,
Of rapids, waves and holes
Of haystacks, keepers, lowhead dams,
Of drops and kayak rolls

I ran once, both here and there
With sand and sun and boats-
And traded all those happily
For rivers, moose and floats

Of many things I’ve run or said,
This phrase holds most true:
“The river is truly who I am,
not solely what I do…”

Riverjules

Cel phones? Don’t need ‘em! Palm Pilots? What’s those?
I have all that I need when the Kennebec flows!