WET AND WILD IN CAGAYAN DE ORO
BUGSAY RIVER RAFTING IS NAMED AFTER THE “BUGSAY” OR PADDLE. Rightly so, since the paddle is all you have as you and your team brave the rapids. The guide’s number one rule was to never let go of the paddle – no small feat when your instinct tells you to
The adrenaline-pumping white water rafting adventure is offered in three packages – the Lower Section for beginners is great for families or groups of varying ability and confidence. Along the 12-km stretch the group will encounter some 14 class two and class three rapids, spanning some three hours. The Middle Section is a bit more advanced and is suitable for the more adventurous and experienced paddlers. It is 16 kms long, with 21 class two and class three rapids and can last for three to four hours. Finally, the most advanced package is the experienced paddlers-only Upper Section which is 16 kms, with 14 class three and class five rapids.
The best time to try rafting is in the morning. Transportation is provided by Bugsay and the jeep ride from the city takes some 45 minutes to the beginner’s jump off point, while the ride back is just about 15 minutes.
Stepping into the shallows to learn the paddling commands, we could already feel the strength of the current. According to our guides, the youngest to ever ride was a 2-year-old child and the eldest an 82-year-old!
Despite apprehensions, we were put at ease by the two able guides that steered the group of eight from the back of the boat. Bugsay’s experienced guides are trained by the International Rafting Federation. They are also knowledgeable in first aid, as trained by Red Cross International.
Just seeing the raging river is enough to give you a little rush of excitement – and fear. Before anyone could back out, we were off. The parts of the river with rough rapids required coordination with our team, while the calm parts gave us time to marvel at the lush surroundings along the river that intersects Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon. Feeling the cool air is so refreshing – until you get smacked in the face by the river at a sudden rough drop!
Bugsay Rafting also offers a lunch served boodle fight style, which rafters can stop to enjoy on a small island in the middle of the trip. Overnight camping is also possible on the small river island for real nature enthusiasts.
Three to four hours of rowing may seem tiresome, especially for the non-athletic, but you hardly notice it from the excitement and fun along the whole stretch of river. We visited only days after incessant rains flooded CDO, so the water level was high – which was a good thing, our guides assured us. It made for a faster and more thrilling ride, which we completed in only around two and a half hours. Both the floods that week and the rapids were displays of the power of nature. Conquering the rapids left the group tired but content, with a healthy respect for nature but also a sense of triumph and confidence that we can face anything that nature – and life – has to offer.
For inquiries, visit http:// cdorafting.com/ or email cdobugsayrafting@yahoo.com