California ready for epic whitewater season
When one of our crew members fell overboard five minutes after our boat departed from the banks of the South Fork of the American River in California, one thing was clear: This was no passive, Disneyland-like ride. This is whitewater rafting. And while it’s a little laborintensive and heart-pumping, it’s also a whole lot of fun.
Luckily for inexperienced rafters like myself, the guides at O.A.R.S., the rafting company that led our expedition, prepare guests well for what they call “involuntary swimming” and other disasters. And once you get used to the practice of yanking your fellow passenger back into the boat, it’s easy to enjoy the magic of being carried by the swift-moving water through the Sierra foothills.
We headed out from O.A.R.S.’ American River Outpost in Lotus, east of Sacramento, and paddled through to the “Gorge” section of the river, a waterway punctuated by Class III rapids interspersed with moments of calm. After an exceedingly wet winter, the sun is out, melting the Sierra snow and sending it straight into California’s rivers.
The record-breaking snowpack and high water have prompted a few changes in a rafting world that was grappling with drought just last year. O.A.R.S. and several other outfitters have bumped up their recommended minimum age from 7 to 12 years old, at least until later in the season. Rafting companies are keeping a close watch on water levels; they may cancel trips, if the rivers flow too fast and high for safety.
The South Fork trip is a good one for families and beginners. Most of our middle school-age passengers had no trouble powering their boats and following guides’ orders.
O.A.R.S. offers daily guided trips on the South Fork from April through September, with options that range from half-day weekday trips ($109) to 13-mile, full-day trips ($149) and 21-mile trips ($179); www.oars.com.