I’ve always been a bit of an adrenaline junkie, so when I heard about black river rafting in Upstate NY, I knew I had to try it. I did some research and found a few different companies that offered rafting trips, and I finally decided to go with Black River Rafting. I’m so glad I did!
Getting There
I drove up to Watertown, NY, the night before my rafting trip and stayed at a hotel near the river. In the morning, I drove to the rafting company’s put-in point, which was about 30 minutes outside of town. I arrived at the put-in point around 8⁚30am and checked in with the staff. They gave me a wetsuit, life jacket, and helmet, and then we loaded up into the rafts.
The drive from Watertown to the put-in point was very scenic. I passed by rolling hills, lush forests, and sparkling rivers. The roads were well-maintained and easy to navigate. I would recommend allowing yourself plenty of time to get to the put-in point, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area.
Once I arrived at the put-in point, I was immediately impressed by the professionalism and friendliness of the staff. They made sure that I had everything I needed and that I was comfortable with the equipment. They also gave me a thorough safety briefing before we got on the river.
I was very impressed with the Black River Rafting company. They were professional, friendly, and safety-conscious. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a black river rafting trip in Upstate NY.
The Rafting Experience
The rafting experience was amazing! The river was high and fast, and the rapids were exhilarating. I had never been white water rafting before, but I felt safe and secure the entire time. The guides were very experienced and knowledgeable, and they did a great job of navigating the rapids and keeping us safe.
The scenery along the river was beautiful. We passed by towering cliffs, lush forests, and sparkling waterfalls. I even saw a few bald eagles soaring overhead. The wildlife was abundant, and I saw deer, turkeys, and even a black bear.
I would highly recommend black river rafting in Upstate NY to anyone looking for an exciting and unforgettable experience. It was one of the most fun and challenging things I have ever done, and I can’t wait to do it again.
Here are some of the highlights of my rafting experience⁚
- Navigating the Class IV rapids was an adrenaline rush.
- Seeing the beautiful scenery along the river was breathtaking.
- Spotting the wildlife was a special treat.
- Learning from the experienced guides was invaluable.
If you are looking for an adventure, I highly recommend black river rafting in Upstate NY. It is an experience that you will never forget.
What to Bring
When you go black river rafting in Upstate NY, there are a few essential items that you should bring with you⁚
- Appropriate clothing⁚ You will get wet, so it is important to wear clothes that you don’t mind getting wet. I recommend wearing a swimsuit or quick-drying shorts and a t-shirt. You may also want to wear a wetsuit or drysuit if the water is cold.
- Footwear⁚ You will need to wear shoes that can get wet and that will protect your feet from the rocks and debris in the river. I recommend wearing water shoes or old sneakers.
- Sunscreen⁚ The sun can be strong on the river, so it is important to wear sunscreen to protect your skin.
- Insect repellent⁚ There are a lot of mosquitoes and other insects in the area, so it is important to wear insect repellent to keep them away.
- Water bottle⁚ It is important to stay hydrated, so bring a water bottle with you on the trip.
- Snacks⁚ You may want to bring some snacks with you to eat during the trip.
- Camera⁚ If you want to capture the memories of your trip, bring a camera with you.
In addition to the essential items, you may also want to bring the following items⁚
- Towel⁚ You will need a towel to dry off after the trip.
- Change of clothes⁚ You may want to bring a change of clothes to wear after the trip.
- First-aid kit⁚ It is always a good idea to bring a first-aid kit with you on any outdoor adventure.
By bringing the appropriate items with you, you can ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable black river rafting experience.
Tips for Choosing a Rafting Company
When choosing a rafting company for your black river rafting trip in Upstate NY, there are a few things you should keep in mind⁚
- Experience⁚ How long has the company been in business? Do they have a good safety record? I recommend choosing a company that has been in business for several years and has a good reputation for safety.
- Guides⁚ What are the qualifications of the guides? Are they certified? Do they have experience rafting the Black River? I recommend choosing a company with experienced guides who are certified by a reputable organization.
- Equipment⁚ What type of equipment does the company use? Is it well-maintained? I recommend choosing a company that uses high-quality equipment that is well-maintained.
- Price⁚ How much does the trip cost? Are there any discounts available? I recommend comparing prices from different companies before making a decision.
- Group size⁚ What is the maximum group size for the trip? I recommend choosing a company that offers small group sizes so that you can get more personalized attention from the guides.
- Location⁚ Where is the rafting trip located? Is it convenient for you to get to? I recommend choosing a company that is located in a convenient location.
By following these tips, you can choose a rafting company that will provide you with a safe and enjoyable black river rafting experience.
My Overall Experience
My overall experience black river rafting in Upstate NY was amazing! The guides were friendly and knowledgeable, the equipment was top-notch, and the scenery was breathtaking. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone looking for an exciting and unforgettable adventure.
I especially enjoyed the rapids. They were challenging but not too difficult, and I felt safe the entire time. I also loved the scenery. The Black River is surrounded by beautiful mountains and forests, and I saw all sorts of wildlife, including deer, eagles, and even a bear!
Overall, I had an incredible time black river rafting in Upstate NY. It was an experience that I will never forget, and I would definitely do it again.
Here are some specific highlights from my trip⁚
- The guides were very friendly and helpful. They made sure that everyone in the group was safe and comfortable, and they were always happy to answer any questions.
- The equipment was top-notch. The rafts were sturdy and well-maintained, and the life jackets were comfortable and secure.
- The scenery was breathtaking. The Black River is surrounded by beautiful mountains and forests, and I saw all sorts of wildlife, including deer, eagles, and even a bear!
- The rapids were challenging but not too difficult. I felt safe the entire time, and I had a lot of fun navigating the whitewater.
If you are looking for an exciting and unforgettable adventure, I highly recommend black river rafting in Upstate NY. It is an experience that you will never forget!
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