River and Rock Adventures Blog

NORTH FORK-MIDDLE FORK COMBO TRIPS

2011-03-14T16:06:00.000-07:00

It’s that time, that sleepy space between the dormant stage of the river guide, and the slow awakening as springtime rafting beckons. This year something special is happening, thanks to an incredible snow pack and some fabulous rain, you can enjoy two of the finest rivers in Northern California, the North Fork and the Middle Fork of the American River all in the same thrilling weekend. Due to the fact that it is undammed, the North Fork generally is runnable for a very short period of time. Yet this season you will have the opportunity to raft both the North Fork and the Middle Fork.

The North Fork of the American River offers a run of continuous class 3 and 4 rapids for the first 5 miles. It is one of the most pristine rivers in the area offering a true wilderness experience; protected in part by its usually short running season it is a very special opportunity we have this year to run it together with the Middle Fork. The Middle Fork has its own special adventures. Upon embarking on the Middle Fork you can expect to be exhilarated as you are splashed awake by Alarm Clock, the first class 3 of the day, a mere minuet after departure, or as you drop down though tunnel chute a big class 4 drop, that actually takes you though a mining tunnel, all in less than an hour. The trip is far from over there, but lets just say that these two rivers together make for an unforgettable weekend of adventure and fun. Treat yourself to a two-day trip, and experience a rare opportunity to enjoy both of these rivers back to back. Not only will you enjoy two days of pristine wilderness, thrilling whitewater and spectacular views of the American River Canyon, but also you will be treated to the fine cooking skills of the River and Rock Adventures crew. With first class appetizers, such as guacamole boats, made fresh and on the spot, and shrimp w/cocktail sauce, lets just say that it’s a far cry from hot dogs around the campfire. Entrees include, tri-tip, cowboy potatoes and bbq chicken, to name a few. If you are lucky, or request it they don’t charge extra, they will make you their signature pineapple upside down cake for dessert, moist and freshly baked in dutch ovens it will leave you wanting more. The point is don’t be scared away by the idea of instant camp food, you wont find any here.

There is nothing better than a talented entertaining staff to show you the beauty of the river. The River and Rock Guides are all about exploiting the synergy of the current, boat and people. They finesse their crafts through drops, holes and waves, all the while entertaining their guests, each one has his or her style, these men and women are dedicated professionals with a wide range of expertise and experiences, as a team they make for an exciting and entertaining experience for all. So don’t wait, treat yourself to the finest whitewater experience in northern California, with a North Fork-Middle Fork Combo, come and see what the buzz is all about.

Springtime Class III White Water Rafting Guide School

2011-03-02T22:36:00.000-08:00

River and Rock Adventures offers a spring-time white water rafting guide school for boaters who are aspiring to become commercial white water rafting guides for our company or another, and for recreational boaters who just want to learn how to guide class III white water rivers. Our guide school takes place on the South Fork of the American River, right out of our base camp location at Rivers Bend. Our spring guide school takes place over three consecutive weekends, so anyone can attend, even if it is not possible to break free during weekdays. Some of the core material taught includes:

Basic white water rafting theory
How to read white water
Paddling/Guiding techniques
River Dynamics and Hydraulics
Ropes and knots
Swift-water rescue
River etiquette
El Dorado County rules and regulations
Equipment maintenance
Boat care and repair
Some Basic First Aid / CPR (outside certification required)
Outdoor Cooking
Customer Service

Springtime Guide school

3 Weekends long

April 9-10, 16-17, and 23-24

Examining a River Guide

2011-03-02T09:37:00.000-08:00

By: Sedale Turbovsky

rafting |ˈrafti ng | |røftɪŋ|

noun

The sport or pastime of traveling down a river on a raft.

Nestled in the heart of gold country lies Coloma, a mere 45 minuets outside of Sacramento this sleepy town lies dormant most of the year. Yet as winter looses its grip and spring begins to emerge Coloma begins to transform as well. Visit in June and it’s grown to at least double its population, a concentrating force has drawn rafters from all over the world, to work the pristine American river. The forks of the American river are some of the most rafted in the country, hosting more than 100,000 outdoor enthusiasts, travelers and weekend warriors annually. Apart from the excellent rafting and kayaking opportunities, there is something special in having the opportunity to rub shoulders with a special breed of professionals. They come from all the corners of the world to share their passion with you. These dedicated friends of the river are to be your guides, your traveling companions on your journey down the river. There is much spoken of rafting itself, but have you ever stopped to think, what it is that drives these people to pull up stakes and live by the river.

Now at first glance it might seem the answer is the nonstop partying that goes on in Coloma, indeed if you have the opportunity to visit you will see Coloma’s landmark institutions full to capacity on the weekends. By nature an easygoing group of people, there is always a place for one more at the Coloma Club, or if you prefer live entertainment as opposed to karaoke, you can always check out Marcos Cafe or The River Shack, establishments that generally host local artists on the weekends. I personally have always appreciated the ambient that is maintained in this tiny bohemian paradise, the right environment to just relax, brought together by the common experiences had during a day of rafting. All of this is indeed an attractive environment, yet at the end of the night, these guides return to camp, to start it all over again; actually that does sounds pretty awesome. Well reason number one then, a sort of perpetual party and lighthearted atmosphere that significantly reduces stress and offers a myriad of possibilities to entertain you. Yet that alone is not the only attraction for these intrepid river rats.

Have you ever dreamed of doing exactly what you love, and getting paid for it? For many in this world that is a distant possibility, yet there are a lucky few that achieve this kind of nirvana. Imagine waking up every morning to the peaceful sound of the river, breathing in the fresh morning air and walking, not commuting, to work. Your clock is often the first rays of the sun, and all the people that you have to take care of actually are stoked to be there. The boss calls you dude and they actually encourage shorts and a t-shirt, the best part is that it’s not part of some new age business plan, its just rafting. Then imagine that your job description includes playing in the river, visiting pristine wilderness camping sites, camping, and bbq on the beach. It sort of makes up for the early morning food prep, washing dirty wetsuits, you don’t want to imagine what that’s like, and endless hours organizing gear. Enjoyment can be found in any job, but living this way certainly makes it easier.

Now I wouldn't want you to go away thinking that due to all the partying and informality that you may end up with Johnny from the block as your guide, although you may. These men and women do go through formal training, CPR, first aid and whitewater rescue as well as guide school. Guide school includes training in reading water, river dynamics, ropes and knots as well as boat care, customer service, outdoor cooking and river etiquette. Yet for many these classes are just the beginning, from personal experience the satisfaction derived from learning and living the experience of being a river guide fosters a love for the outdoors and a passion that drives many to share it with others. So the next time you embark on a river voyage, or if you have yet to take a trip, ask the guide, how did you ended up here. I promise that the story he or she tells will be interesting, if not entertaining.

SPRING RAFTING

2011-01-11T13:06:00.001-08:00

That's right it is time to start thinking about rafting we are offering a great new trip this year the middle fork- north fork combo weekend. Two days of class IV rafting at its best and 4 meals plus one night of camping only 310.00 fill a boat with 6 people and get 10% off if you mention you saw this on our blog. We have three weekends available starting with May 21st and 22nd, May 28th and 29th and June 4th and 5th

North Fork American

2010-04-29T20:07:00.000-07:00

We just ran our first North Fork American river trip. Spectacular scenery, great rapids and no crowds. This river will only be around a few more weeks book now you don't want to miss this!

New Blog Location

2010-03-10T22:33:00.000-08:00

Hey guys! We had to move the location of our blog. If you previously had it bookmarked at the old address, you'll now find it at riverandrockadventures1.blogspot.com

North Fork Season

2010-03-10T21:54:00.001-08:00

Hey- we should have great water this year for the North Fork Season.

NORTH FORK SEASON

2010-03-10T13:38:00.000-08:00

Join us on the North Fork of the American river this spring. There is lots of snow pack and we should have a great year. We have openings on Saturday April 24th, May 8th, May 15th and May 22nd. Keep track of North fork river flows at.

http://cdec.water.ca.gov/river/americanStages.html

Call us at 866-748-7625 and book your trip now.

Good Snowpack in the Moutains

2010-02-20T13:48:00.000-08:00

Hey Guys- it looks like we're going to have good water this year. The snow levels look great and we're looking forward to a long season, including a good North Fork season in the Spring! Stay tuned for more info.

GUIDE SCHOOL

2010-02-09T17:13:00.000-08:00

just two months left until guide school starts and we have only 7 spots so book soon it is the greatest summer job.

Whether you're looking for summertime work as a white water rafting guide on the American River or just want to learn how to take your family white water rafting, River and Rock Adventures' guide school is the perfect solution. Our easy three-weekend schedule makes setting aside the time easy, and our cost is hard to beat. Our friendly and talented staff of guides will be around to help train you with not only techniques they have learned from River and Rock Adventures, but in some cases with different ideas and techniques learned from around the globe. There is no prerequisite to attend, though First Aid and CPR certification will be required of anyone before they would be allowed to guide commercially. People of all experience levels are encouraged to attend, first time rafters or experienced boaters alike. We'll teach you everything you need to know.

2010 GUIDE SCHOOL

2010-01-08T16:48:00.000-08:00

It is time to start thinking about your future as a river guide. Our guide school will be held on three weekends April 10,11 - 17,18 - 24,25.

River and Rock Adventures offers a spring-time white water rafting guide school for boaters who are aspiring to become commercial white water rafting guides for our company or another, and for recreational boaters who just want to learn how to guide class III white water rivers. Our guide school takes place on the South Fork of the American River, right out of our base camp location in the American River Resort. Our spring guide school takes place over three consecutive weekends, so anyone can attend, even if it is not possible to break free during weekdays. Some of the core material taught includes:

Basic white water rafting theory
How to read white water
Paddling/Guiding techniques
River Dynamics and Hydraulics
Ropes and knots
Swift-water rescue
River etiquette
El Dorado County rules and regulations
Equipment maintenance
Boat care and repair
Some Basic First Aid / CPR (outside certification required)
Outdoor Cooking
Customer Service

Call us at 866-748-7625

2009-06-30T10:50:00.000-07:00

I can't think of a better way to celebrate the 4th of July than with River and Rock Adventures on the Middle Fork of the American river. Join us on the 4th or 5th for great class IV rafting one night of free camping and a free BBQ dinner on Saturday the 4th. Call us at 866-748-7625 and book now for only 145.00 per person.

2009-05-08T07:33:00.000-07:00

Come out and join us today, Saturday and Sunday at the Reno River Festival we will have a booth there all weekend. The water is great due to our recent rainstorms and the surf holes will provide some great entertainment. See you out there.

2009-05-05T15:20:00.000-07:00

We are going to have 2 amazing weeks of Outdoor Ed at the end of May. We are looking forward to the arrival of Mary Collins Elementary at Cherry Valley School and The Aptos Academy!!

2009-05-03T14:58:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the River and Rock Adventures Blog Site, your source for updated info on American River White Water rafting in Northern California. Check back here for news about the company and the rivers we run, as well as updated discounts for informed customers!