Great Tips for Planning a Family Reunion!

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

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!

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 . . .

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 . . .

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

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!

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

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!

It's All for the People...

It took me a few years to realize that the service industry is where I'm most comfortable. I realize this each day i continue working here at Pro. I take great pride in showing people a good time, in sharing laughs, havinmg great days and better nights.
Being a guide is so much more than safely bringing people down the river, at the root of it all is the wholistic recreational experience, the experience that brings positive change to an individuals life. (re-creation and recreation are the same thing)
So the other night I'm out recreating with all the guests, making sure they recieve any assistance per need. Of course, what many of them seemed to need was for me to hang out with them, tell them more about the river, eat, drink, and be merry. and of course show them the way to the swimming hole later on( Bless the river Gods!). This is my job, but this is also what I do, it's my way of saying thanks to these people for not only working but doing what they do.
People come here seeking a good time with nature, two things I really love, alongside meeting new individuals of all cultures, creeds and societal standing. These are my reasons for becoming a river guide, becuse in doing this I am also having a recreational experience. It's more than I ever expected and I do it all for the people.

My first trip as a PRO River Guide

My first commercial trip was June 22, 2004. I remember it quite well. My stomache was full of butterflies all day long. It turned out to be a sunny day! I was so happy i made the eddy at put in, challenge one was done only a few more to go. We continue down the Kennebec River and smash on through Magic. YYIPIPPEE! What a great day it was, and one ill never forget. Thanks guys for a great first summer.

My First Guided Run

I came to Pro seeking my whitewater guides license. I went through training, got my license and eagerly awaited my first trip. Naturally I expected my first trip to be at 4800 cfs.
and then Life happend.
Ed calls and says: "8000, you in?"
and with knots instantly in my stomache, I accepted the chance to prove myself as a guide on the kennebec.
Needless to say I was nervous as hell.
Lucky for me my crew had all been rafting before and were quite a group of paddlers, all in sync and right on time.
after a fair run at carry brook Ed informed my crew that it was my first commercial trip and that tradition says they havve to throw me in the water before the trip was over.
at about cold stream they were whispering to each other, conspiring against me...I chuckled to myself. then nothing happend...about a half mile later the two Dans in my boat asked to switch seats. dan from the front came back, acted like they were fumbling to switch and then BAM! into the water they tackled me.
What a great first run, and one i will never forget.

Highwater Reigns on Penobscot, Kennebec and Dead Rivers!

Awesome day on the Kennebec at 8,000 cfs. Paddle digging into the waves coming over the bow. and Wow, hold on, Maytag Hole unbelievable. Lost a couple people and recovered with hoots and hollers! come on up to the Kennebec ... it's cranking

Did You Know? Whitewater Rafting is Fashionable!

The ever-popular FashionTribes Travel Blog named Pro River Runners whitewater rafting a great way to "Cool Off this Summer in Maine with a Spot of Whitewater Rafting & Roughing it in the Wilderness Camping"...

Canoeing & Kayaking Growing in Popularity

It's true! We're more than just rafters... In Maine, we offer canoe trips and easy kayaking trips - read what this article says about the popularity of canoeing -

"Whitewater has become the popular province of kayakers and rafting guides in the past 30 years, but some enthusiasts still prefer small, open boats. Easy to swamp, durable, tricky with a partner, less claustrophobic, it's old-style adventure on a rough river.

An Outdoor Industry Association survey showed 20.8 million Americans went canoeing last year, down from 22.2 million in 2004, while 12.6 million went kayaking, up 20 percent. Also, 10.6 million people went rafting, up 1 million."

Welcome to the Professional River Runners Blog!

Welcome to our new blog, where you'll hear all the river related gossip you can stomach from the gang at PRO - comments from the owners, the guides and the guests.