7 Reasons You Need to Go Whitewater Rafting Right Now

Sure, your summer calendar is already overbooked with BBQs and beach trips. That’s cool. But if you want to take your summer from pretty fun to best-ever status, you’re going to want to make sure you can sneak in a whitewater rafting trip (or four!). Here’s why…

1) It’s a good old-fashioned adventure

In case you weren’t aware, whitewater rafting can be one of the most adrenaline-pumping, thrill-seeking activities out there. From watching the horizon line disappear out of sight, signaling that you’re about to drop 15 feet in 6 seconds, to paddling for your life through Class IV+ rapids, it’s a wild ride. But you don’t have to go that big to get the rush. No matter what size rapids you’re tackling, you’ll definitely meet your summer excitement quota.

2) It’s quality time to bond with your buds

What better way to bond with your amigos, than by battling huge rapids and quite possibly saving each other’s butts from falling out of the boat? While you’re rafting, you’re spending all day, every day with your crew. I’m talking breakfast, rapids. Lunch, rapids. Dinner, camp, and then possibly staring at the stars together before more rapids the next day. The point is, it’s a lot of QT with your friends (or family for that matter), and you’re all probably in dire need of giving your texting relationship a big time out.

3) There’s the opportunity to look fear in the face

…and say, “You’re a big disgrace.” Kidding, but not really. If you are scared to raft, scared to try something new, or whatever it is that keeps you up at night, then this is the perfect opportunity to kick that fear in the butt. Take it from someone who knows, there is no better feeling than to accomplish something that scared the living bejeebus out of you. That’s called courage, my friend.

4) It’s a good bang for your buck

Rafting trips come off kind of pricey at first glance, but when you start to break it down, turns out they’re actually pretty reasonable considering it’s a full day or more of entertainment. Not to mention, all trips come complete with expert guides, gourmet food spreads (with at least 4 different types of mustard if you go with the right outfitter – hint, hint) and lots of new memories to go home with. Yeah that’s pretty priceless.

5) It’s a fun way to sneak in some exercise

One of the best feelings in the whole world is the satisfaction of climbing into bed after a long day of physical activity.  With all that paddling, sunshine and swimming (hopefully not involuntary!) that comes along with any rafting trip, I can promise you that any pent up energy you might have will be put to good use. By the end of the day, you’ll be chowing down on your well-earned dinner, and face planting into your bed with a smile on your face.

6) You can be one with nature

Let’s be honest, our day-to-day lives are overrun with technology. Everyone and their unborn children are posting on Facebook about what they had for dinner, while simultaneously Snapchatting all the steps it took to make said dinner. This is your chance to leave all that hoopla behind, and just simply be surrounded by the beauty of our planet. It’s time to get away from all the craziness, unwind from the stress of your job and escape from the hustle and bustle. No phones, no computers, no service. Just think how much your future self will thank you, once you’re well rested and back on good terms with your old pal, Mother Nature.

7) Because when’s the last time you felt pure joy?

There’s just something about being out on the river, the rollercoaster of rapids, the splashing of  cold water in your face, and the beauty of a wild river canyon that brings pure joy to the soul. And that’s something everyone needs more of, right?