White water rafting
"It's a long time since I've seen so many people having such fun and laughter over 2.5 hours! What a fantastic day". In my innocence I had thought that I would stay dry all the way down the river until we reached the final rapids, after which I suspecting we would all be ducked in the water. I was completely WRONG however, as within minutes of starting the trip our raft captain was asking if anyone would like to fall into the river, or jump in, just to test our wet suits! We also needed to practise how to pull our partner back into the raft by means of his/her life jacket straps, so it was pretty well a must for us all. Next we had to stand on the bow of the raft, announce who we were whilst our fellow rafters furiously paddled, left side forward - right side back. This was just the start of the games - all stand together on the raft edge and walk all the way around, only using the person in front's paddle for balance, now that was a challenge!
"It's a long time since I've seen so many people having such fun and laughter over 2.5 hours! What a fantastic day". In my innocence I had thought that I would stay dry all the way down the river until we reached the final rapids, after which I suspecting we would all be ducked in the water. I was completely WRONG however, as within minutes of starting the trip our raft captain was asking if anyone would like to fall into the river, or jump in, just to test our wet suits! We also needed to practise how to pull our partner back into the raft by means of his/her life jacket straps, so it was pretty well a must for us all. Next we had to stand on the bow of the raft, announce who we were whilst our fellow rafters furiously paddled, left side forward - right side back. This was just the start of the games - all stand together on the raft edge and walk all the way around, only using the person in front's paddle for balance, now that was a challenge!
This was followed by attacks on the other rafts and rafters with a view to putting them in the water, especially the raft captains, as there was a price on their heads of a chocolate bar, if you managed to duck them. Needless to say most folks were in the water quite a few times :) All this and more before the rapids and falls that were to be negotiated at Grandtully. The power of the water and the thrill of the falls was awesome, an experience never to be forgotten. I'm so glad I took part.
Have a look at the fun video!
Matthew McKinnon - Chairman