BANKS — Whitewater rafting is an exciting adventure that the entire family can enjoy -- and Idaho provides the perfect setting for all abilities, thanks to the Payette River system.
Bear Valley Rafting is preparing for a busy season by conducting swift-water rescue training.
“It’s crucial. The river is an uncontrolled environment. Things can happen. It’s not super-likely, but we want to be ready if they do,” said Ryan Holmes, a senior guide who has been with Bear Valley for seven seasons.
On Monday, the guides practiced flipping rafts back over, swimming through rapids, and performing rescues with a throw rope.
These guides have so much experience and know this river system so well, it's unlikely they will need to use these skills -- but they want to practice for worst-case scenarios, just in case.
There are several places in the Payette River to raft to satisfy all skill levels -- from those who want to experience either a heart-stopping adrenaline rush, or more relaxing floats that can accommodate those who have no experience on the river can enjoy.
To learn how to swim through rapids and to see these guides in action, check out the video. If you are interested in learning more about a whitewater rafting experience, click here.
Cascade Raft and Kayak is another guide service that has been taking people down the Payette River for more than 30 years -- they offer swift water rescue classes for recreational boaters.
