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SupaSta
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  Quote SupaSta Replybullet Topic: Rafting outfit?
    Posted: 18 Jul 2008 at 9:06pm
Got a couple of noobie friends who want to go on a reafting trip down the Sky or Wenatchee.
 
What's the best outfitter for a couple of river virgins?
 
Dan
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Wog67
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  Quote Wog67 Replybullet Posted: 19 Jul 2008 at 10:55am
There are several outfits, I know Otter raft is a guide, prob many on this site are. Might PM him and ask.


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SupaSta
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  Quote SupaSta Replybullet Posted: 19 Jul 2008 at 2:35pm
You're right, you can't hardly throw a paddle without hitting a raft guide around here
 
I've been asked for a recommendation.  But since I've got no experience with guided raft trips in Washington, I'd like to hear from folks who've had exceptional experiences.
 
C'mon guys, have any or you been down the river with a really good guide, or do you know anyone who really liked their guide?  Let's hear some some praises for those guys schleppin' rubber.
 
Thanks,
Dan
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SupaSta
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  Quote SupaSta Replybullet Posted: 20 Jul 2008 at 11:33am
Really?  Nobody's got anything good to say about our local outfitters? 
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dave
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  Quote dave Replybullet Posted: 20 Jul 2008 at 12:15pm
I have seen those people on the river before, but I cant remember any names of those kind of people.......I guess they take tourist down the river? 
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  Quote water wacko Replybullet Posted: 20 Jul 2008 at 9:31pm
SRK, OAC, River Riders, Blue Sky, Chinook all run trips on the Sky and Wenatchee. Both are low, but the Wenatchee is more like a class II float at this level. The Sky will be more fun.
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." ~Howard Thurman
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  Quote franzhorner Replybullet Posted: 20 Jul 2008 at 9:59pm
I think Shane Turnbull is the quintessential river guide. He's been doing it since the 70's. There's a reason why he has done it so long and that is because he genuinely enjoys and loves the river. He lives the river. As an oarsman or a paddle guide no one is better. Chinook isn't a fancy outfit in that the gear is all matching and the bus is real nice but in its character. No ones got style like Chinook. They will try to surf their customers everywhere and take a much longer time getting down the river because its fun. The other afore mentioned outfitters are all very good and safe but mostly they point it downriver and go go go!!    Chinook is doing some great lunch's right now too, at a cabin with a river front beach in the middle of the trip. Chinook's got Captain Ron as well!
Just one opinion from a river guide...I really can't say anything bad about any of the outfitters available while I even guide for a few others than Chinook sometimes....
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  Quote James Replybullet Posted: 21 Jul 2008 at 10:51am
IMHO :

The successful adventure of going down a river is a combination of several key items, and oddly enough Gnarly Whitewater does not need to be one of them. First I would say that the most important piece of the puzzle is life and the real understanding of what a river brings. So many outfits see this as an industry where as to capture revenue while sharing a past time that is fun. These outfits have rules to capture safety and maximize on the balance of Fun and Profitability, and while this is great you completely miss out on the passion and nature that is the river.

Guides like Shane and Captain Ron don't fit into these molds. When you get into these rafts your experience is different because of the rules and understanding that the guide has for the river. Simply stated, although I think its great for raft guides to bustle customers down the river, the true experience comes when your matched up with a Guide that does not want to show you down the river, But rather introduce you to the river!

You simply don't find those types of Guides at any old rafting company, and quite often they are bouncing from one to another in an attempt to make one more day on the river rather than a day on land!

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  Quote Fish Replybullet Posted: 21 Jul 2008 at 12:07pm
Hey Dan,
Having worked for many outfitters in the area for over a decade, i would recommend as  Horner did,  Shane Turnbull at Chinook Expeditions.   Instead of a river trip, your friends will receive a river journey, a much different experience...

chinookexpeditions.com
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  Quote jP Replybullet Posted: 21 Jul 2008 at 1:52pm
YO!! Let me add my recomendation:  I'd like to recommend two guides not mentioned anywhere in this discussion: Shane Turnbull and Cap'N Ron. Wait... let me preview everyone else's posts... WAIT!! I was wrong! someone did mention those guys!!

But seriously, I know it may start to appear as if all of us on this fiorum have a biase toward those guys, but I really agree with their comments. I've guided with a few of washington's old guard, and Chinook retains the spirit of river running that is sadly all but lost in today's world of confused humans trying too hard to make a buck and look cool while they're doing it.

I'm disappointed that there aren't more whitewater vets around guiding in Washington. There are many reasons for this that could launch a big thread of opinions and hot air.
Suffice to say that the river (wherever one goes on this planet of rivers) is chock full of Rookie Raft guides who can barely get themselves down the river, much less provide a safe, fun, and memorable trip the way the seasoned, salty riverguides  can.

Book with Chinook, that's my vote.
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  Quote SupaSta Replybullet Posted: 21 Jul 2008 at 7:00pm

Sweet!  Thanks guys, that's what I was looking for.  I really appreciate your insight.

Dan
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  Quote Jeff Replybullet Posted: 21 Jul 2008 at 7:51pm
I don't know the aforementioned guides, but I do know those recomending them, and I would value their advice!  Just my two cents worth here, I would recommend Wave Trek (OAC) just 'cuz they are my friends and a really great group of people who know the Sky quite well. 
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  Quote dave Replybullet Posted: 21 Jul 2008 at 7:57pm
Ummm, I would get a Kayak and learn how to do that instead. It is money much more well spent! 
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  Quote oopsiflipped Replybullet Posted: 22 Jul 2008 at 10:29am
I thought you might be asking about outfits to wear rafting.
 
Some favorites - polyester leisure suit, cut off jeans and work boots, or water wings and goggles with a banana hammock (neon)
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  Quote jP Replybullet Posted: 23 Jul 2008 at 5:45pm
Yeah, Wave Trek is great, too. No doubt about it.
 
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