Book Now

Water Is Life

Written by

WATER IS LIFE

By: Kassie Robbins

My Water Story

My name is Kassie Robbins, I am 37 years old. My life has been filled with water adventures from a young age, particularly river adventures. My mother and father met in Salt Lake City at the University of Utah in some round about way this meeting and their eventual marriage has led to my love of rivers and river rafting.  

Water Is Life

 Parents

My mother was born in the heart of the river loving community of Vernal, Utah.  She grew up in the Vernal with the Hatch Family.  Her family rafted through the canyons close by. Her older brother Lory guided for Western River Expeditions for a couple summers. My father was thrown on a 28-foot pontoon boat and learned to row by fire on the Gates of Lodore with his new family.

My dad grew up in Ogden, Utah and is a rock guy. He studied geophysics in school. This landed him a job working with some cool folks, one of those being Robert Tubbs.  Robert and my father both decided to buy brand new orange Rogue bucket boats in the early 80’s.  It was an easy sell for both my parents.   Afterwards, my dad took his first trip down the Grand Canyon.  He was enamored by the gorgeous geology and became highly fascinated by the corridors of rivers throughout the world.  

Childhood

Fast forward to my parent’s union with the new raft and young family we were towed along for the ride.  My first river trip was at the age of 3 still wearing diapers. My parents were troopers with 4 kids ranging from 9 to infant.    My life has been nothing short of an adventure full of rivers and excitement.  My soul was called to the rivers.  

I feel so blessed to have had the experience of riding the waves of the Colorado River System.  I have had an opportunity to love nature in a very personal way.  My soul was drawn in and at 16 years old my dream of becoming a river guide was created after seeing a guided river trip on the Green River in Whirlpool Canyon.  The boats were lined up at Jones Hole river camp 1.  It was Don Hatch River Expeditions.  I thought to myself I want to do that for a job.  It has since been one of my greatest legacies I get to carry on to my children.  

River Guide

At 19 years old, I drove my little orange CJ7 Jeep to Moab, Utah in the summer of 2003 with hopes of figuring out housing or not and beginning my life as a guide.  I had no plan other than working at Adrift Adventures and hoping to see as much river time as possible. 

For two summers I ran through Westwater Canyon, Desolation-Gray Canyon, and Cataract Canyon, as well as the Moab Daily Section.  This is where I wanted to be!  This was the life!  I was boating, listening to good music, eating good food, and meeting some cool people. 

This opportunity helped me to understand the water issue and the drought of the desert and water scarcity and limitations.  I remember more seasoned guides talking about the low water we were experiencing and wondering what that meant to me and what I could do.  I figured that I needed to learn more.  

At one point I was running through Cataract Canyon and the walls of sediment we were traversing through were once under Lake Powell.  These embankments were being cut through with real time erosion as the river was making its way down the canyon.  The embankments were sediment deposits from the drying up low lake levels.  This was the first time I had seen this problem in real life.  The river was not putting in as much as we were using out of the Glen Canyon Dam.  It has only gotten worse since 2004. 


Water and Utah

Water shapes Utah and the geologic uplift creates the perfect opportunity for mountains and plateaus to be eroded.  I have spent the last 14 years guiding and personally rafting in Dinosaur National Monument.  I have worked with various companies and have found my home with Dinosaur River Expeditions. 

During this time, I have learned about the dams and the good and bad those bring.  Dams generate power and supply cities with drinking water, grow our food and factories make goods all while overuse and pollution of water by the same ones receiving it.  20% of the world’s electric power is generated by dams.  

I also wouldn’t have a job that gives me the most amazing office-space for the whole summer season without a dam.  It also breaks my heart to know we have covered so many amazing things, from ancient Indian dwellings and burials to beautiful canyons never to be explored in its natural state again, to collect water in these reservoirs.   

We can learn from our past and try to move forward being aware of the future Water needs.  Water conservation is a topic that many want to skirt around because of the political ramifications that come with it.  Water shortages are real and happening right before our eyes.  Utah is in the desert.  Less than half of Utah’s small amount 13 inches of annual precipitation falls as rain.  

“There are two ways to die in the desert – thirst and drowning.”

-Craig Childs – Author

 

In Utah, 82% of water goes to crops for agriculture and livestock, 8% to commercial use, 6% to residential outdoor use, and 4% to indoor residential use.  This means most of the water in Utah is for farming.  The first step in gaining understanding is finding a way to become aware of the water issues.  Then you can make good decisions on what you can do in your corner.  Utah is not the only place dealing with water issues and what to do.  

What Can We do?

If you are in Vernal, Utah before July 31, 2021, take a trip to the Uintah County Heritage Museum and go check out the FREE H20 Today Exhibit on loan from the Smithsonian.  There is a lot of great information where you can learn how water is tied into almost everything we do.  Did you know it takes 600 gallons of water to make 1 pound of cheese?

Water Is Life

I love highwater as a river runner for a couple reasons, one of those being big fun splashy rapids, and another because I know we have more water coming into the reservoirs because we are running on low low low levels for the needs of our growing populations and communities.  Let’s do our part and become educated and do our part to help conserve.  

 

My soul is at peace when I am on the river.  What kind of water story are you living and how has it influenced your life?

River Rafting With Kids

Written by

What to Expect While Rafting the Upper Green River with your Kids?

As a mother of three rambunctious little kids getting outside is a necessity in the summer. We love playing in the dirt and going swimming on hot summer days. We are lucky to live in Vernal, Utah with so many beautiful outdoor opportunities close to town. We have Dinosaur National Monument, multiple state parks, lots of incredible desert and the gorgeous Uinta mountains all outside our backdoor. One of our families most favorite things to do is visit the Flaming Gorge area and go whitewater river rafting. We really enjoy going on Section A of the Green River, launching our raft right below the dam. A day on the river gives us the chance to play in the dirt and get wet! Utah and Colorado have a lot of white water river rafting opportunities, but for a great Utah one day raft trip this is a wonderful place to go.

Safety

I have been guiding on whitewater sections for over 15 years. Safety is my number one priority when it comes to playing on the river. We wear personal flotation devices and talk about the important safety precautions needed while being near bodies of water, especially moving water.  We do a safety talk and check for understanding. My kids have been going with me on this section of river below Flaming Gorge Dam since they were tiny tiny. This particular area on the Green River is a great spot to introduce newbies to the adventure of river travel.  

Feel Goods

I have two little boys who love to be involved with all things rafting and river. Our little girl loves the rush of fun. We make sure to bring our water bottles, swimsuits, sunscreen, fishing supplies, rain gear and water guns. We row down the river and splash the other boats as we go by, the kids laugh and duck for cover.  

Having a picnic on the side of the river at one of the beaches is one of the kid’s favorite things to do when we go. Though the yummy lunch is great, the kids are actually really looking forward to being able to run the beach, throw rocks, inspect bugs, bury their feet in the sand and try to catch minnows in their hat. 

My middle son, age 6, loves using his hat to swipe through the water swirling in the eddy at the lunch spot trying to catch as many minnows as he can. His efforts often get countered by his 3-year old sister who runs into the water laughing, splashing and throwing sticks! My oldest son, age 8, usually pulls out his fishing pole and patiently watches the beautiful Rainbow Trout hovering in the water. He is hopeful that it will bite!

Rapids

Let’s not forget the exhilarating rollercoaster ride through the swift water.  My kids love the thrill of the faster moving water with white caps rolling backwards. They hoot and holler, “Go big Mom, hit that one, wahoo!”

My kids know what it means to T-UP.  It means to straighten the boat up, so it forms a T to the wave rolling backward. It is so the boat pushes through the big wave and stays up right! 

Scenery

This section of the Green River has a beautiful crisp clear color because the water is being released from the bottom of the Flaming Gorge Dam. The dark purple Precambrian Uinta Mountain Group block canyon walls are staring down at you from up high. The beautiful ponderosa pine trees create shady break spots. The sun glistens on the water. At times we see Great Blue Herons lurking on rocks and waiting to be startled to flight. Sometimes a deer or two will pop out of the tall green grass off the banks of the river. Kids love seeing the different animals making their way through the canyon on their own time.

Lessons Learned

I am naturally a venturesome person and have such a great desire to pass along this adventure of rafting to my children for them to enjoy as they grow up. We spend a lot of time on the water and in the outdoors and I try to teach my kids the Leave No Trace principles to help maintain the beauty of the environment.

From picking up our crumbs after eating lunch to being gentle to the surroundings. My kids know that we are supposed to leave things as we found them. 

After a few beginner trips down this fun and mellow section, my kids now feel like they need to row the boat. We let them with my assistance! I help them learn how to read the water and use the oars. They especially love being able to row through the little rapids. It makes them feel accomplished and builds their confidence as I guide them through the process.

What Can You do?

If you are looking to take your kids on a river trip in the summer. I can attest that a guided tour of the Upper Green River will be beautiful, exciting, and something you and your family will never forget. Come join us with your kids and rest easy and know you are going to have fun.  

Dinosaur River Expeditions and a Utah single day rafting trip is a great way to introduce your family to a new vacation favorite!

How do you mentally prepare for white water rafting?

Written by

When it comes to extreme sports, there’s a fine line between excited anticipation and fear. You’ve probably heard a host of things about the exhilaration of white water rafting, and maybe it’s on your bucket list. But if fear creeps in the closer you get to hopping in the raft, breathe deeply. It’s normal to be afraid of the unknown, but you can overcome. We asked people with rafting experience to share their tips for staying calm, cool and collected as you approach your big adventure.

Alex Thompson

Alex Thompson

Alex Thompson, Founder and director of Festoon House.

Knowledge is comfort

When it comes to white water rafting, knowing the basics, and even some advanced points, is your best bet if you want to become mentally prepared. If you know the levels of the sport, the different river types, clothing guidelines, safety instructions, and if you have an experienced guide, this will lessen your anxiety once you’re already there.

Acknowledge the feelings
If you have pre-trip anxieties, acknowledge them but know that you’re going to feel better once you’re actually in the experience. As you board the boat and start the sport, your fears will be replaced with awareness and readiness. So it’s okay to be scared at first, but if you’re really anxious, taking anti-anxiety meds might help.

Don’t forget to listen to your guide
Having someone experienced is important in white water rafting, especially if you’re a beginner. To mentally prepare yourself, talk to your guide beforehand and ask about his or her experiences. This will also give you some comfort. Plus, when you’re already in the water, having a guide helps a lot in terms of safety and technique.

Make sure you’re focused
Do not take any alcohol or drugs before doing this sport. It’s extremely important that you give your undivided attention to ensure safety and reduce risks.

Torben Lonne

Torben Lonne

Torben Lonne is an entrepreneur, dad, scuba diver, and ocean lover who is deeply concerned with how we are treating our planet. He runs Divein.com, an online magazine about scuba diving and how we can all make a positive difference for the environment.

Enjoy the experience

Nothing beats the adrenaline rush of going on your first white water rafting trip. It may seem frightening as you imagine rocks everywhere and the force of the water tossing your dinghy like a balloon through the water. For many people unacquainted with white water rafting, the prospect might seem scary, but it is well worth the experience.

The good news is that most destinations that offer white water rafting are perfectly safe, including for entire families. I’ve been fortunate to go white water rafting a few times, and it was hours of exhilarating fun. The first thing you need to remind yourself when mentally prepping for a white water rafting trip is that the [raft] is actually made of strong materials and resistant to bumping against rocks. So forget the idea that it’s a balloon ready to pop at any moment since it would be almost impossible for the [raft] to pop during the average white water rafting expedition.

Second, it’s all mind over matter, since most of the fear will pass once you get in the water. The sheer excitement of rushing through the water and maneuvering around will occupy your mind, leaving no room for any fear. Remember that you always have a life vest, and the tour guides are trained to handle any emergencies. For them, white water rafting is a daily routine, and you should feel confident that they know what they are doing at all times.

Overall, just try to enjoy the experience, and the fear will pass. Everyone should try white water rafting once in their lives, just make sure to heed all safety precautions on your trip.

Simon Elkjær

Simon Elkjær

Simon Elkjær, Chief Marketing Officer, avXperten.

Know what to expect

I have a love for extreme sports, and I know that some might get anxious and scared about the idea of white-water rafting. One of the best ways you can mentally prepare yourself for white water rafting, or for any new activity for that matter, is by knowing as much as you can about it before the said activity or trip.

Knowing what to expect will help you set realistic expectations and quell any possible myths you have [heard] about the sport. With that being said, it’s important to check information from experts, not get too ahead of yourself and listen to the guide who’ll be accompanying you. Though some may say what you don’t know won’t hurt you, when it comes to situations like this, it probably might hurt—a lot!

Holden Harris

Holden Harris

Holden Harris, Founder and editor at PeachTown.org.

Create an emergency plan

People sometimes have anxiety about white water rafting due to the risks and dangers involved, but there are ways to handle this. Creating an emergency plan is one of the best ways to make sure you’re ready for the experience. Knowing what to do if things go wrong can help you feel safe and secure.

John Frigo

John Frigo, Digital Marketing lead at BestPriceNutrition.Com.

Keep in mind you’re in good hands

We had a rafting place next to us so we walked over there one day and had such a great time. [We] wound up going a couple of times.

I’ve rafted once or twice in the past but don’t have a ton of experience and nobody else in my group had rafted. They typically run 3 different routes with various difficulties. We were going to go on the tamest one; however, they were only running the most intense one the day we called due to water levels. After a bit of chatter about whether we should still go, we ultimately decided to go, most of us being a bit nervous.

It wound up being a ton of fun and wasn’t as scary as we anticipated. I think one thing to remember is most of these places, the reputable ones at least, have highly trained guides who have gone on some pretty crazy rivers around the world, they live for the raft and do it day in and day out. They know exactly how to navigate the river safely so keep in mind you’re in good hands. Make sure to listen to their safety speech. Know what to do if you fall out, how to react, how to float, how to get rescued back into the boat, and you’ll be fine.

This is a crowdsourced article. Contributors are not necessarily affiliated with this website and their statements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of this website, other people, businesses, or other contributors.

Why do kids seem to love dinosaurs so much?

Written by

People from all over the world are drawn to our rafting adventures through Dinosaur National Monument. The monument boasts over 1,500 dinosaur fossils exposed on a cliff face in the exhibit hall. But what draws people—especially young people—to these mysterious creatures from many millions of years ago? We crowdsourced this question to try to get to the heart of the allure. Read on to learn more.

Alex Thompson

Alex Thompson

Alex Thompson, Founder and director of Festoon House.

Dinosaurs are cool creatures.

They’re big, they’re scary, and they have cool names. But aside from that, dinosaurs also get to do what they want — and that’s one of the reasons why many kids like them. They’re like the ultimate fantasy and they’re living the dream. Dinosaurs don’t have to follow any rules, they don’t have bedtimes, and they don’t have to eat their veggies before they can eat their dessert. For kids, that’s a pretty bad-ass way to live life.

Kids get praised when they say something about dinosaurs.

When kids mention dinosaur names like Brachiosaurus and Velociraptor, they often get praise from adults. They get things like, “You’re a genius!” or “That’s really impressive!” This reinforces their interests and makes them want to know more about dinosaurs.

Dinosaurs are magical yet real at the same time.

Kids love stories and they love fictional characters. But with dinosaurs, kids know that they existed millions of years ago. So while they see cool pictures and animations of dinosaurs, the fact that they were real definitely sparks their interest.

Mark Coster

Mark Coster BSc Ph.D.

Mark Coster BSc Ph.D., Owner and Chief Editor of STEM Toy Expert.

Names are music to a child’s ears

Everyone has seen it. A 5-year-old girl can barely talk in longer sentences but has no problem rolling those big, complicated names off her tongue. They are not just “dinos.” One has to be specific, even if it takes five minutes to spell a name. The mouthfuls such as Micropachycephalosaurus, Huehuecanauhtlus, Propliopithecus, and of course, everyone’s favorite T-Rex – those are music to a child’s ears!

This unbelievable devotion is a result of multiple factors. Ancient, long-extinct species that roamed the earth millions of years ago, some of them bigger than whales, others more ferocious than sharks – what’s there not to love? But it seems there’s more to this passion than just the story of small, bad guys and their big, gentle counterparts. Kids typically love animals because they let them explore the world in an empathetic way. Dinosaurs take this love one step further because they have to do with the deep past that none of us got to see personally.

A child that gets into these majestic creatures can really become an expert, rattling down all the names and periods. Envisioning their features, habits, struggles, and surroundings is so much fun. Plus, it opens up room for other important conversations: what kind of natural world they lived in and how it was different from today’s world. All of that instills a child with confidence and brings their enthusiasm to an even deeper level.

Moreover, with all those fascinating fossils and skeletons, who can say they weren’t real? Lying at the intersection of science and mystery, dinosaurs grow into a symbol of power, freedom, and passage of time. A child can’t articulate it, but they can still feel and admire it!

Janet Ruth Heller

Janet Ruth Heller, Ph.D.

Janet Ruth Heller, Ph.D. taught English and American literature, composition, creative writing, linguistics, and women’s studies courses for 35 years at 8 colleges and universities. Find her at Janetruthheller.com

Dinosaurs are unusual, large, and powerful

Children like dinosaurs because such creatures are unusual, large, and powerful. Children are small and lack power in our society, so they get attracted to dinosaurs, which are the opposite.

Also, children get a lot of exposure to dinosaurs in the media. There are television shows about dinosaurs, such as PBS’s The Dinosaur Train. There are also movies about dinosaurs, such as the Jurassic Park series. Such media get youngsters interested in dinosaurs.

Museums often have displays of dinosaurs. When I was growing up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, my father would often take my siblings and me to the Milwaukee Public Museum, which had re-assembled dinosaur skeletons. We could imagine what these creatures looked like when they were alive.

Uneaka Daniels

Uneaka Daniels

Uneaka Daniels is a 30-year veteran teacher who has taught kindergarten to 4th grade. She currently is a Reading Specialist who enjoys sharing all kinds of books with her students. Find her at Theuniqueblogger.com

Dinosaurs are mystical creatures

Children seem to love dinosaurs so much because there are animals they have never seen and have a mystical appeal to them. The pictures that they have seen of dinosaurs usually show large animals set in environments such as forests and on bare land.

Once they are able to touch replicas of these animals or visit museums such as the Smithsonian [National Museum of Natural History] in Washington D. C. they become totally infatuated. Dinosaurs give them an opportunity to use their imagination to create an unknown world with these animals.

This is a crowdsourced article. Contributors are not necessarily affiliated with this website and their statements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of this website, other people, businesses, or other contributors.

What outdoor activities make great dates for adventure-loving couples?

Written by

RNature has a way of bringing couples together. No interruptions, no distractions. Just the beauty around you and a chance to focus on your loved one. We asked outdoor lovers to weigh in with their favorite outdoor activities for couples. Read on for ideas, and make sure that you check out our whitewater rafting adventures, too. The thrill of the trip against the backdrop of the stunning Dinosaur National Monument will bring you closer and help you create a treasured memory.

Max Alderman

Max Alderman

Max Alderman, Co-founder of Scubanerds.com. He is an avid traveler who has traveled all over the world and fell in love with scuba diving.

Scuba diving

With 51% of Americans admitting they are terrified of sharks, what better way to get over your fears [than scuba diving] alongside your lover. There is nothing more romantic than getting outside of your comfort zone and getting over your fears together. It is important that you pick a dive operator with a stellar background, as the conservation and protection of the sharks are fundamentally tied back to the operator that you go with. It is also important to make sure that you are completely calm before going down to swim with the sharks, as they can sense fear. This is a great way to calm down your partner, and let them know that you are in this dive together. It will allow you to show a different side of yourself that your partner would not typically see in the day-to-day workings of your relationship.

Exploring and being adventurous as a couple is what keeps the spark alive, and there is nothing more thrilling than having a 13ft great white shark brush past you and your partner. You will always remember “that day you went shark diving”.

Tatiana Sorokina

Tatiana Sorokina

Tatiana Sorokina is an award-winning travel blogger at Family Road Trip Guru.

Treasure hunting

Treasure hunting in line with the theme of the evening: “You are my treasure.” Depending on location, it can be tide pooling, searching for rare seashells, diamonds and other beautiful minerals, and hunting in various state parks and beaches famous for those activities, such as Diamond Crater State Park, etc.

Michael Humphreys

Michael Humphreys

Michael Humphreys, Founder & CEO of Z Grills Australia.

Go somewhere you’ve never been before

Basically, any outdoor activity that involves a couple working and moving together is a great [couples activity]. Some examples include kayaking, mountain or wall climbing, paragliding, jet skiing, and hiking. Still, this will depend on what kind of activities the couple can do and prefers.

When doing some blood-pumping activities, try to go somewhere new instead of going to the usual spot where you’ve been going. Why not go scuba diving in another country or climbing a mountain you’ve never trekked on? This adds more to the excitement!

Bertie Cowan

Bertie Cowan

Bertie Cowan, Founder of Effortless Outdoors, an avid hiker, camper, and a lover of everything outdoor-related.

Horseback ride along the beach

When I am not off on one of my adventures I am home planning for the next one. Here are a few suggestions for dates for fun-loving adventurers like myself:

  • There is nothing more romantic than being alone with your significant other on the water. Renting a canoe and heading off downstream armed with a blanket is the perfect way to spend the day. Take along a portable grill and enjoy hot food cooked on the fire served with a glass of champagne.
  • Camping under the stars sparks romance in every heart. Take a nighttime hike to find your perfect location. Set a fire, curl up and share toasted marshmallows.
  • If you are not far from the sea, try sharing a horseback ride along the beach. Bareback riding would make the date even more special. For those not familiar with riding, you will definitely need to soothe aching muscles with a couples massage afterward.
    • Laurel Robbins

    Laurel Robbins

    Laurel Robbins is an avid hiker and founder of Monkeys and Mountains Adventure Travel.

    Gourmet mountain-top picnic

    I’d recommend adventure-loving couples do an easy hike to a mountain with panoramic views. Then, have a gourmet mountain-top picnic to reward their efforts and to take in the stunning scenery. My favorite mountain-top picnics include olives, chocolate-covered strawberries, home-made chocolate in heart shapes, and a small bottle of champagne to celebrate, all of which easily fit in a backpack. It’s an easy way to make your hike feel more special. It’s also a great way to surprise your partner.

    Kate Moore

    Kate Moore

    Kate Moore is a travel blogger at ParkedInParadise.com

    Spend the weekend in a camper van conversion

    Renting a camper van conversion for the weekend is the perfect way for couples to experience the outdoors and grow closer in a tiny home.

    Campers allow you to park overnight right next to nature so you can be the first ones to hit the trails in the morning. You get an awesome camping experience, while still going to sleep in a comfortable bed. In the morning, you can brew coffee in the camper kitchen and relax in the secluded outdoors.

    My husband and I have gone on many camper van dates. I love the fact that you don’t have to pay for a separate hotel and car rental, and you can even spend the night at some amazing outdoor locations for free!

    Campers are fully mobile, so you can explore the city or National Parks during the day and settle down beneath the stars at night.

    Matt Bailey

    Matt Bailey

    Matt Bailey is the co-founder and video host of MustDoCanada.com.

    Ice Climbing

    For those in Canada or any winter destination, frozen waterfalls are always popular to see. They’re beautiful and unique, like something out of the movie “Frozen.” But for those seeking adventure, why not make it a date and hire a guide to climb them.

    In the Canadian Rockies, there are all sorts of frozen waterfalls that are popular for climbing, and the guides make it safe and comfortable. It’s hard work to make it to the top but with a harness, you’re safe to take stops and rest as you climb. It’s a great way to have an adventure, be in nature, and see some incredible ice formations in one of the most beautiful destinations on Earth. Afterward, warm up with a hot chocolate or a bottle of wine next to the fireplace.

    Anupama Singh

    Anupama Singh

    Anupama Singh, CEO of Fabulously.

    A good plan and preparation

    There are many ways to celebrate [your relationship in the outdoors]. You just need a good plan and good preparation for it. Let’s look at some of the things you can do to add adventure and excitement to your celebration of togetherness:

  • Plan for a bike ride in the daytime. You can choose a beautiful sunset location and have a bike ride with your partner to reach the destination.
  • You can choose to stay in a tent at night and enjoy the warmth together.
  • You can visit a romantic hiking destination together
  • You can go for a long drive without deciding the destination

    • These outdoor activities will make your time together exciting and memorable.

    Jeanine Romo

    Jeanine Romo

    Jeanine Romo is a solo world traveler who loves outdoor adventure. She is a podcast host, travel blogger, and content creator. Find her at Lewildexplorer.com

    Hike to a secluded hot spring

    One outdoor activity that will be a great date for adventure-loving couples is to plan a hike to a secluded hot spring. They can bring a beverage in a non-glass container and enjoy nature. If they are spending the night nearby, they can enjoy the springs at night, under the stars. This is a romantic and memorable activity that anyone can enjoy, even with the cold winter weather.

    This is a crowdsourced article. Contributors are not necessarily affiliated with this website and their statements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of this website, other people, businesses, or other contributors.

    Critical Supplies to Take When River Rafting

    Written by

    River rafting is a prime way to reconnect with nature, spend time with loved ones away from distractions, and inject adventure into your life. The difference between a good trip and a bad trip, however, ties back to preparation. Before you head out on the water, read these tips from people who have learned from experience (and sometimes regrets) what not to forget.

    Shannon Serpette

    Shannon Serpette

    Shannon Serpette, Chief Editor at Mom Loves Best.

    Here are a few essentials

    River rafting is a great opportunity for parents to spend some time with their children in an outdoor setting away from electronics. I took my own children recently on a river rafting trip with another family, and I learned I wasn’t as prepared as I thought I was.

    Our trip was supposed to be four hours, but so many things went wrong that the entire trip actually lasted just over six hours. We had a few essentials with us, but there were other things we should have brought as well. Here is what I recommend having on hand:

    Water

    Water is essential, especially if you’re out in the hot sun or your trip is an extended one.

    Sunblock

    You might think you won’t need sunblock if your trip is going to be shorter, but you should still bring a bottle. Your trip may not go as quickly as planned or you may be splashed more than anticipated, leading to your sunblock wearing off faster. Ideally, pick one that’s eco-friendly.

    Phone

    Bring your phone with you in a water-proof case. You never know when you might need it in case of emergencies.

    Snacks

    Having some food on hand can make everyone happier. Plus, it can keep your energy up for navigating down the river.

    Life jacket

    You may think you’re too cool to need one, but you’re wrong. Everyone should wear a life jacket.

    Sunglasses

    These can stop you from squinting the whole time you’re on the river. You’d also be smart to buy a cord, like Chums, that help your sunglasses stay attached to you.

    Simon Hansen

    Simon Hansen

    Simon Hansen, Founder and Homebrew Expert at homebrewadvice.com, a company dedicated to providing quality content on the art of homebrewing and winemaking.

    Don’t forget the sunscreen

    What most people forget to bring when doing outdoor activities such as river rafting is sunscreen. Contrary to what people think, simply not being exposed to sunlight doesn’t mean that one’s safe from the risks of sunburn and UV light exposure. Sunlight bounces off of surfaces such as ice and water. Forgetting to apply sunscreen before river rafting means more than just getting a bad and uneven tan, you risk being exposed to harmful light as well.

    

    Bob Hoffmann

    Bob Hoffmann, editor-in-chief at BonfireBob.com, a blog focusing on camping, fishing and the great outdoors.

    Thermos flasks

    I would have to recommend bringing a proper Thermos flask that can latch on to your backpack for quick access at all times. Even if you are surrounded by water while rafting, it’s always good to stay hydrated. You can also fill up the flask in small streams and always have a water supply for the day.

    Thermos flasks are also good to keep your coffee hot during the morning chill when you wake up after a night of camping, or to keep your soup warm later at night. So I would recommend bringing a Thermos for its versatility for both rafting and camping afterward, not to mention it’s more eco-friendly than bringing plastic bottles.

    This is a crowdsourced article. Contributors are not necessarily affiliated with this website and their statements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of this website, other people, businesses, or other contributors.

    Conquering Your White Water Fears

    Written by

    White Water River Rafting 

    Brush Those Fears Away With a Few Great Tips

     

    Preparing to go down the river for the very first time brings forth a range of emotions. Fear of the rapids, confusion of what to bring or wear, anxiety of a new experience, or just terrifying in general. Almost every person feels this way at the beginning, but their feelings quickly alter after being out on the water for just a day. What once was a fear becomes a craving for more of that thrill and excitement. Don’t let the fears behind white water rafting stop you from an amazing experience. Here are some tips and tricks to help wash those fears away.

    • Schedule that river trip!

    Taking the chance to go out on that white water river trip is the first step. If you are hesitant about how you are going to go, don’t worry, no extra skills are needed for rafting. All you need to do is enjoy the ride. Day trips are a great start as well to get your feet a little wet. We have a spectacular one day Utah rafting trip on the Green River perfect for a first timer. Not so hesitant, check out our our phenomenal 4 and 5 day trips through Dinosaur National Monument. 

    • Just Breathe

    Seeing a rapid coming your way could be quite the frightening view. Taking deep breaths and going to a “happy place” gets the nerves out quickly. Inhale the calming river vibes and exhaling the anxiety. After that first rapid gets you wet you will be ready and anticipating more.

    • Trust your guide.

    Your river guide will do their best to navigate the swift river currents as safely as possible. These women and men are trained in both guiding, first aid and different swift water rescue procedures. The river can be unpredictable, your guides are ready for whatever the white water has to throw at them. You are in good hands.

    • Have some fun!

    Have a water fight, make a joke, or sing a song. Getting into a good mood and having some fun will get your mind off of the negative thoughts. If you are planning on not getting wet, well that is inevitable, so get ready for some waves coming your way. Getting a little splashed only makes for a better ride and a lot more fun!

    Conquering Your White Water Fears

    • Do some research.

    The internet is full of great advice on all aspects of white water rafting. There are a lot of great blogs and websites that will help guide you in the right direction. Calling a rafting company and asking questions is also a great way to get good information. Try the locally owned outfitters first for the area you are thinking about trying out a river trip. They will have the best up to date first hand knowledge of the regions river and conditions. Dinosaur River Expeditions is Vernal, Utah’s only locally owned and operated rafting outfitter. Looking for a trip in this region we are the ones to call.

    Getting several different perspectives helps ease some of the worries that are brought to new rafters. Feeling more prepared physically and mentally is a great way to make the fears go away. Before each trip a safety talk is also provided for the customers and crew. Listening and paying attention to that talk as well as any other instructions will keep you ready at all times. 

    Conquer your white water rafting fears and go on that river rafting trip! The experience is beyond words and addicting. Once you get past those fears and negative thoughts, the beautiful canyon and river will become a sanctuary. It provides an outlet from the busy world and daily life stresses. Being disconnected from phones and electronics creates time to self reflect and grow closer to nature. Don’t let fear stop you from the experiences that white water rafting gives. It brings peace and happiness to all that come into contact go rafting and splash those fears away!

    Visit Utah Film Trip

    Written by

    Each raft trip we guide along the Green and Yampa Rivers are unique and special in their own way. Whether this be the great people that you meet, the animals you see, scenery, rapids or any number of things along the way each trip is truly special. One trip that stood out for me during the 2019 summer season was a film trip with Visit Utah. Visit Utah is the state of Utah’s travel and tourism marketing department. Visit Utah reached out to us to help guide and host a film trip with the sole purpose of getting high quality video and photography to market Dinosaur National Monument and river rafting along the Green River Gates of Lodore. Visit Utah is promoting lesser known areas of Utah to tourists looking to see the spectacular sights we have here. They are also looking to promote local guide and outfitters in these lesser known areas. As Vernal, Utah’s only locally owned and operated outfitter we were the chosen company. The end results of this co op after six months of editing and refining the video and photos is nothing less than stunning and world class. Visit Utah and there team did a fantastic job of capturing the essence of Dinosaur Monument and what it maybe like to take a river rafting trip along the route of the Green River. This section of the Green River through the Gates of Lodore canyon begins its journey in Colorado’s Brown Park region. With that said most commercial rafting trips begin and end their adventures in Vernal, Utah.

    The trip started out as usual with a pre trip meeting at our Vernal, Utah office meeting the guests and film crew, getting them oriented as to what to expect the next four days and providing them with dry bags for day gear and camp time gear. This meeting also provided us an opportunity to learn about what the KNHO film crew would need from us to successfully accomplish their vision while traversing the river canyon. We learned a lot at this meeting and were able to prepare with adequate dry boxes and storage systems for the multitude of cameras, laptops, chargers, solar panels and assorted gear that was required to obtain the high quality footage they took.

    The guests were an incredible family that were full of life and excitement wanting to experience as much of the river trip as possible. Nushin (mom) and her three children Layla, Noah and Eesa were chosen from an online audition process to be the focus family in the final film. This family was a great choice, their sense of adventure lent itself perfectly to all the possibilities found on a multi day rafting trip. Each person was excited to hike, swim, try their hand at inflatable kayaks or stand up paddle boarding. Which all lined up perfectly with the story that the producer had envisioned for the films story line. Nushin followed up after the four day trip with a great write up of her and her families experience visiting Dinosaur National Monument and going on their first big river rafting excursion.

    Check out her write up here. https://www.visitutah.com/articles/utah-family-rafting-dinosaur-national-monument/

    Visit Utah Film Trip
    4 day family guided rafting trip through the Gates of Lodore in Dinosaur National Monument near Vernal, Utah. https://www.jeremiahwattphotography.com/

    The film crew was a fun group of characters (in a good way, they all had awesome personalities) with some neat backgrounds in the film arts. Sandra Salvas was the trips producer and organized the components for the film crew. Mike Eldredge of KNHO was the films director and a camera man, Austin Balls was the second camera man and Tony Hagerdorn was the photographer. This crew like I mentioned before knew their stuff. The equipment they brought along was Hollywood quality filming gear, single lenses that cost upwards of $10,000.00, super powerful laptops to download each days footage, really cool solar powered generator from Utah’s own Goal Zero. We knew they were good, because we had the opportunity to view previous works on Utah adventures where they captured the essence of mountain biking the Bears Ear National Monument area, horse back riding in Monument Valley, snow skiing the Wasatch Mountain range. All of the film we viewed in advance was beautifully done.

    As always, we the crew departed Vernal in the early dark am hours for Brown’s Park Colorado where we would start our four day journey. After a 2 hour drive we arrived at the Gates of Lodore put in where we unloaded the rig truck and trailer load of gear and began preparing the rafts for the guests and film crew to arrive. This process is not quick and can be quite laborious. It takes a lot of gear and the gear can be heavy, cumbersome to move around on a sandy beach and awkward. This part of the trip has to occur to make all the magic happen, without fully rigged rafts it is tough to take a rafting trip. When all the heavy lifting is done there is always a little downtime between having the rafts ready and when the guests arrive. This is guide time where they get to take care of themselves. Brushing teeth, putting on sunscreen, finishing coffee and breakfast the basics that keep them healthy and functioning well. Guide time becomes very valuable as the summer progresses and the wear and tear of sun, sand and water take their toll on a body.

    Once the guests arrive everything goes fairly quick from loading the last bits of gear to securing life jackets and safety speech. You are off the van and on to a river adventure in a small whirlwind of time. This is where for me as a guide of 25 years, the trip took a turn and became really interesting. The interesting turn was the artistic aspect that was brought along by the film crew. As an artist and art teacher it was fascinating to work with the crew in setting up the perfect shots, finding the vantage point that really highlighted the scenery and wilderness found in Dinosaur National Monument. These guys are pro’s, their work is all over Hollywood, the internet, You Tube channels with millions of views. They knew what type of imagery they wanted and were meticulous in obtaining it. The film crew had their own boat that was able to leap frog the rafts and set up in advance to take video and photos. At times the film boat would be an hour or so ahead of us while the film crew would take hikes up above the canyon floor. Sometimes hiking 500 vertical feet or so above us to get some of the most incredible aerial views I have ever seen of Lodore Canyon. This process became rather quick and seamless as we all became a tight crew working on this film project together.

    Throughout the filming process, Sandra and her crew amazed us constantly with high tech and low tech camera gear. All the while they were excellent at answering our layman questions as to what this equipment was and why they chose different cameras, lenses or apparatus for particular shots. The tools that really amazed me were all of the Go Pro sports camera accessories. I have several Go Pro cameras and dabble with taking video and photos with some success. The accessories they brought along were game changers in taking action footage. A camera mount you hold in your teeth, this one gets perfect point of view video. A camera housing that takes perfect video at the water level. This half round contraption allowed the camera to have clear focus under and above the water at the same time. All cool items that showed their use when the video was edited out and the awesome shots that they got using these cool tools.

    Overall the filming trip had great weather, water levels were perfect, group dynamics were spot on and it was wonderful experience for all of us. The end results are beautiful photographs and extremely high quality video that is fun to watch. After six months of waiting patiently to see the end product we could not be more proud of the whole teams collaboration to create a wonderful artistic work. Thank you must go out to the entire Visit Utah team and Nushin and her family from the Dinosaur River Expeditions crew.

    Protect your Skin: Shining Light on River Guide Wisdom

    Written by

    Nothing can ruin your dream vacation like a bad sunburn.  Not to mention the long-term effects associated with that kind of skin damage.  If you are going on a river trip, then you will be exposed to the elements for anywhere from a day to a couple of weeks so you should plan accordingly.  Your river guides spend all summer being bombarded by solar radiation, so if you should need advice or an example of how to deal with the elements look no further. Having guided the rivers here in Dinosaur National Monument and the local Vernal, Utah area for many years I have gained some valuable insight into sun protection when out in the elements adventuring on these amazing white water rivers.

    The iconic image of a river guide may be a bronzed scantily clad emissary of the sun, and it is true that with so much exposure to the sun you will inevitably brown and get some nice tan lines, but I for one am vigilant with applying and reapplying sunscreen.  I use stronger stuff, usually SPF 30 at least.  Look for the multi spectrum coverage, preferably non-greasy and water resistant.  Since its going on my precious skin I also try to go for natural ingredients and therefor end up spending a little more for what I want, but I’m worth it. Goodhouse Keeping put together a great list of the 11 best natural sunscreens for 2019 take a look at their top choices. Besides nice sunscreen I like to use lip balm with an SPF rating as well.  I keep it close and use it a lot. 

    Your vestments are your most reliable protection from the sun.  This is your armor.  I like to wear long sleeves, with a collar I can pop up to keep the sun off my neck, and to look good.  This is a business casual ensemble however, with swim shorts and sandals being the lower half.  Just remember to lotion up the bare legs and feet.  Pants made from quick drying fabrics provide a nice break from the sun, when it’s not too hot.  I have also been known to wear leggings for the same purpose.  Fashion and function.  A sarong is another great clothing option for covering the legs and it can double as a beach blanket, light sheet or a warming layer when it cools down a little bit. Our friends at North West River supply have a great collection of river guide approved clothing for sun protection. 

    For the love of your face, don’t forget to take a hat.  Maybe take two or three.  You don’t want to be without a hat, and it is a real bummer to lose your only one to the river.  I like to wear a big straw hat most of the time.  Its full wide brim protects more angles covering my face and neck. Tula Hats make some great wide brimmed sun hats in many styles, they are also tough I have worn my almost daily for several summer now. Besides my Huck Finn topper I also take a baseball cap or two.  You must remember that the sun is also hitting you from below as it reflects off the water, so I might also wear a buff or bandana around my neck pulled over my ears.  Another great tool to have in your box is to have a sun hoodie.  They provide great coverage, work well with ball caps, and they look and feel good. 

    Now that our skin is covered let’s not forget to shade the all-important windows.  Sunglasses are crucial to your protected persona.  The list of benefits is long.  They make you look good, they cut down on glare making it easier to see the beautiful landscape that you find yourself in, they reduce eye fatigue and the chance of headaches and they decrease your risk for future vision and eye health issues.  Did I mention they make you look good?  The best part is that you don’t necessarily have to break the bank on nice shades as you can find good polarized lenses almost anywhere.  This is also good because sunglasses are another item that you may want to plan for redundancies, lest you lose or break your first pair. 

    Now if you have taken this advice you should be doing well, but there are a couple of other tricks to give you an edge in minimizing your solar exposure.  Seek shade when possible.  Lounge under a tree or prepare lunch beneath an overhung cliff.  If space allows then bring a beach umbrella or a shade canopy.  You could always hide in your tent at a layover camp but in the summer, this could be a place of stifling heat.  Instead, carry in your kit a small sheet or piece of cloth that you can cover up with and wet when it is hot this is where that sarong comes in handy.   

    Your skin is precious.  It does well to protect you from threats to your health and comfort, but it needs your help.  You must do your part to take care of it and it will continue to take care of you.  You’ll be able to enjoy your dream vacation down the river without the discomfort of a sun burn and you’ll be able to enjoy the peace of mind that your long-term health will see you through many more adventures down the river and around the sun.

    We look forward to seeing you on the river.  

    Disconnecting

    Written by

    Have you ever had that moment of panic when you can’t feel your phone in your pocket, or can’t find it in your purse? Our devices have become ubiquitous. Odds are you’re reading this on some device or other. We can check our bank statements. We can reach our loved ones from almost anywhere, not only hear their voices but see their faces; our kids off at college, or our parents living in the next state over. These things have made our lives much easier and our world much smaller. There is the ever constant news stream, which has become increasingly more difficult to parse through. There are the photos and videos from friends and influence’s. There are the work emails that can now be received from almost anywhere.

    Yes, good or ill, our devices are here to stay. But, if you’re reading this, (and you have made it this far), you’ve probably found they can be a distraction, detrimental even. In fact, we’re beginning to find that as we increasingly interface with our world through a screen, we’re not practicing some crucial skills. We’re less empathetic, and less willing to try and understand things from viewpoints that differ from our own. It seems a little gloomy. How do we get back to real human interaction? How do we escape work emails, the stream of social media, and the constant news feed? We can get outside.

    Though our devices may be ubiquitous, WiFi and cell phone service are not. Get far enough off the beaten path, and your place of work can’t find you to ask if you’ve finished those reports or met with the accounting department. In the backcountry the space you move through is now larger than life, even though it’s such a small slice of the world. It’s now infinitely bigger than it could have been on your favorite social media site.

    The benefits of getting away from our devices and getting outside become even more apparent when we do it with our friends and family. When going into the wilderness on a backcountry river rafting trip preparedness is key. Good preparation is incumbent on good communication. Therein is where real human interaction takes place. When making a plan with one another we are practicing those crucial social skills that make us more empathetic and better able to view the world from multiple viewpoints. It seems mundane in practice, but it’s importance and benefits are widespread. Especially for the developing minds of our children. How does it work? Pretty simple actually. When we discuss a plan, whether it be as simple as a day hike or as complex as a Utah or Colorado multi day river rafting adventure, we each approach what we expect to do differently. Only once there is agreement on a plan do we enact it. And until that point is reached, the discussion of options forces us to look at the plan from the perspective of our companions. We’re practicing our social skills, failing and succeeding together in real time.

    Obviously you don’t have to get into the backcountry to do these things. But getting outside happens to be a great place to facilitate these things, as it presents unique challenges, has spotty service and no wifi. So grab your friends and family, ditch those electronic devices and have that human experience in a beautiful place. A multi day river rafting adventure on the Yampa River or Green River Gates of Lodore through Dinosaur National Monument is a perfect place to disconnect from that electronic world and reconnect with your family and friends.

    X