As most of you already know from our Facebook page, we are in the process of testing a new exciting rafting adventure to offer in conjunction with our hugely successful Badger Run Rafting Adventure. We are looking for energetic thrill seekers that are ready to take white water rafting to the next level!
The Canyon Run rafting trip is a completely intense experience that takes all the most thrilling elements of the Badger Run, makes them bigger, and packs them into a very short stretch of the river. We start the trip across from the old mill in Grand Falls, and immediately plunge into the incredible Class Three Mill Bridge rapid. This one rapid is bigger than anything we run on the Badger Run, and it’s only the beginning! We’ll often paddle back and run the rapid a few times; each time we re-enter the rapid we run at least a 50/50 chance of flipping the boat and taking a good swim. Like all white-water, the key is not to panic, we’ll have at least two safely kayaks following the raft closely (besides, flipping the raft is part of the experience on this run!).
After we’ve had our fill of the bridge rapid, we turn the corner and play on some class one and two surfing holes. Keeping the surf on these waves requires precision and a lot of paddle power, so we don’t always make it (but regardless it’s a HUGE splash).
We have a very short breather before heading into the largest rapid of the trip, the CLASS FOUR Canyon Rapid (that’s right, Class 4!). The Canyon Rapid is formed by a dramatic narrowing of the river creating MASSIVE waves coming from seemingly every direction all at once. This is truly the thrill of a lifetime, and not for the faint of heart! (check out this video of the Canyon!)
Once we’ve cleared the Canyon we paddle hard to plough into another Class 2 surf hole, guaranteed for another big splash, and take a quick break to discuss our plan to hit our final rapid, the legendary Virgin Wave.
The Virgin Wave is a giant Class Three surf hole. If you enjoyed the class one surf hole at Rose’s Roost (riding the bull), you will LOVE the Virgin Wave! Hitting the Virgin requires precision and power, and absolutely requires everyone to work as a team, but when we hit the surf it is like nothing you’ve ever experienced! The best part is that when we get washed out (or flip, as is often the case) we can walk the raft up the shore and hit it again… and again! Here is a video of us surfing the Virgin for a heart-stopping 22 seconds!
We’re unofficially running select thrill seekers down the Canyon on a few nights this week. It’s an informal trip that starts about 6:30pm and finishes usually around 9pm. You will be part of the team of paddlers that is helping us perfect this run to hopefully launch next summer! There are a few important qualifications for rafters hoping to come out for our trial runs:
- - Must be 18 years or older
- - Must have completed our Badger Run rafting tour, and have tried the Badger Chute swim and “Riding the Bull” (this helps show us you’re ready to take it to the next level)
- - Must be reasonably fit, and have no medical conditions that prevent paddling
- - Must be ready to get really, really wet! The raft *will* flip and/or dump everyone out, it’s not a matter of “if”, just a matter of how many times!
- - Must complete a disclaimer and allow us permission to use any photos or videos taken on the tour to be used for training and marketing purposes
- - Must be ready for the thrill of a lifetime!
If you are interested, please email us at info@riverfrontchalets.ca or call us at 709-486-0892 for more information.
Cheers,
Jason Nault
Administration, Marketing & Web Design
Riverfront Chalets & Rafting Newfoundland
Office: 709-486-0892
