NESQUEHONING — One of the problems — if not the biggest problem — of checking items off one’s bucket list is that many times buckets of money are needed in order to rack up those check marks.
That’s not the case, however, for local adventurers whose wish list contains a whitewater experience. For some in the area, making that dream come true is minutes away at Whitewater Rafting Adventures in Nesquehoning. Three levels of trips are offered from different departure points on the scenic Lehigh River, and if more excitement is needed, there is a zip line that would have Maxwell Pig going “wee, wee, wee” all the way home, along with paintball and biking.
“It’s amazing that people as far away as New York City and New England seem to be more aware of what we have here than a lot of people do who live within a 50-mile radius of our operation,” manager Steve Bretzik said. “Even with all the advertising, it seems the biggest thing we have going for us is that once people come they tell their friends and they come back.
“We can design a trip down the Lehigh River that will be enjoyed by everyone, no matter what they’re looking for. Our whitewater trips are as adventurous as one wants to experience, but people have to understand we’re not operating a ride at an amusement park, so to get the most out of any of our trips, enough time should be allotted to fully enjoy and appreciate the experience.
“Whitewater Rafting Adventures is the premier rafting and adventure outfitter on the Lehigh River, is family owned and operated and for more than 30 years has provided the best equipment needed for our clients to take advantage of everything the Lehigh River has to offer. Our guides know the river, and their goal is to always make sure rafters are safe and have a fun, memorable adventure.”
A group from the Pine Grove Middle School comprised of 60-80 students and chaperones are annual visitors to Whitewater Rafting Adventures. This year, members of the student council, chorus and Parent-Teacher Organization attended the outing and after the mandatory orientation session boarded buses for the ride to Jim Thorpe to begin their 4-hour trip downriver to takeout at Bowmanstown.
“We began doing this about eight years ago, and the student council and PTO do it as a treat for the kids,” student council advisor Mike Griffiths said. “They really look forward to this and having an adventure on the river.”
One of the chaperones was middle school teacher and former basketball coach Pam Ryan, who was attending for the first time with the student council. She had, however, previously made the trip downriver with Whitewater Rafting Adventures.
“About five years, when I was coaching basketball, I brought the team up here in the summer,” Ryan said. “I was looking for a bonding experience for the players, and they really enjoyed themselves.”
Guides in kayaks accompany rafters, but the crews of six are in charge of their rafts and are divided into five paddlers and one “captain” who is responsible for directing the crew and steering by using his paddle as a rudder. First-timers and those with limited experience are advised to choose between one of two trips that depart from Glen Onoko in the lower Lehigh Gorge at Jim Thorpe.
One of these trips runs an 11-mile section of the Lehigh and the other runs an 8-mile section of the river. Both are available on all scheduled dam release dates and are recommended for families with children who want the excitement of whitewater without the challenge of Class III rapids.
Experienced paddlers have made the “Wet and Wild Trip” the most popular offered by Whitewater Rafting Adventures. This 13-mile trip begins in Lehigh Gorge State Park and features 18 Class II and III rapids, including Snaggletooth and the Cookie Monster. This is the ultimate whitewater trip and is available most summer weekends and on scheduled whitewater dam release dates.
Wetsuits are available and life jackets are provided for all whitewater trips since, even on the hottest summer days, an unplanned dip in the Lehigh River can be a shock to one’s system. All of which makes taking a refreshing shower after a trip all the more attractive, and those complimentary hot dogs never tasted better.
For information on Whitewater Rafting Adven tures, access the website at www.adventurerafting.com, email info@adventurerafting.com or call (800) 876-0285.