I Would Raft My Life Away ...

I Would Raft My Life Away . . .

by Heather Korbar

Publication Date: May 1998

We left early Sunday morning for my favorite place - the New River Gorge in West Virginia. Whitewater rafting, mountain biking, paintball, rock climbing etc., West Virginia has it all for the outdoor adventurer.

When my fiance Nick and I arrived in the Gorge, the weather wasn't very promising as it was cool and rainy. When we arrived it was mid-afternoon and the camp site was like a ghost town...all the campers and workers were out for a damp day of rafting. I was beginning to fear that our trip was going to be nasty due to the weather. Then the thought occurred to me that a little rain and cool temperature was no big thing considering how much I love whitewater rafting.

Stretching our legs from the five hour trip from Louisville, we ventured down the road to check in with Diane Dinkins, manager of North American River Runners, or as they call it NARR. We finally found Diane at the restaurant busily running around planning an all day competition being run on the Gualey River the next day. Diane told us how unfortunate we had not gotten there the day before as the weather was great and we could have gotten in a game of paintball. She then informed us of our time to check-in the next morning for our rafting trip. By this time it was pouring and we decided we had better pitch camp before it got too late and too wet.

We awoke early the next day for our trip and to my surprise the sun was shining. Yahoo...we wouldn't have to raft on a cold, wet day after all! We went to the dressing area and slipped into our wetsuits and waited out front for our guide. For those who didn't own wetsuits, they could be rented along with splash suits and booties for a minimal charge. We then broke into groups and grabbed the equipment we would need for the day (paddle, helmet and life jacket). We then listened to our trip leader, Anthony Ciliberti, give us the basic safety information before leaving for the river. As we learned that Anthony had been with NARR for eleven years and had rafted the Gualey River for seven, we knew it was going to be a great trip.

Next, we loaded onto the school bus that was going to take us to the put-in. The trip to the river took a little while, so we sat and chatted among ourselves. When we were close to arriving, Anthony went over a few more safety instructions. We finally arrived at the put-in and you could hear the growling of the water gushing through the giant flumes. The old adrenaline started pumping for me at this time. As we all hurdled around our boats for our guides to give us a few more safety instructions, the sun was shining...it was warm...and I was ready to hit the river!

This was our fourth trip on the Gauley, but each one to me is like the first. This river gives a great ride, but it isn't for a beginner. There are many dangerous under-currents, and a whole lot of paddling is involved. Oh yes!...and there will be some swimming if you head into the rapid and aren't prepared. With an experienced guide this river is, in my opinion, the best in the East.

The first command of the day was to pick up the boat (my least favorite part of rafting) and head down to the river. Alright!!! We all yelled, as we put-in and were swept down stream. Nothing makes a better rafting trip then sunshine, and we had plenty of it. Most of our trips had been cold and raining, and I have to admit, great weather makes for a better trip. We were on our way to the first rapid of the day "Insignificant." This rapid is the first of the Class V rapids and in no way is a reflection of its name. What a way to get started. This rapid is almost overwhelming, however, we made it through with ease.

Later down the river the next major rapid was "Pillow Rock." This rapid is one of my favorites. As you go down the rapid, a gargantuan rock (Pillow Rock) appears on your left. If you hit the rapid just right, the left side of the boat bumps the "Pillow" and bounces your raft like a pinball.

After hitting various other rapids, including the best, "Sweets Falls" - a four foot waterfall - we headed down river to find a place to stop and eat lunch. We ate a hot lunch that consisted of a delectable pasta and various other goodies. After filling our bellies and waiting thirty minutes before getting back into the water (just joking!!), we headed back down the river.

Shortly after getting back into things, we hit a few Class III's and IV's. Nick and I got to swim through a Class II rapid...intentionally that is. We didn't fall out, but jumped out (the rebels that we are). We next came to one of my other favorite spots, "Jump Rock." This rock is a pretty good height and is worth jumping from. As I have learned from experience, keep your legs together and your mouth shut! Nick and I were the only ones in our raft to partake in this as well.

It was getting near the end of our trip when we came upon a surf. Anthony instructed us to head straight for it. We paddled hard (very, very hard) and just as we were going to give up, the river sucked us in. The water filled the boat and was up over my waist. Anthony did something with his paddle and turned the boat around - the other side was sucked in. It was a great surf and lasted for a few minutes. Finally the river let us go and we were on our way to the end of our journey.

It was all over too soon, as it always is for me. I would raft my life away if I could. We loaded back onto the bus and headed for base camp. During the trip back everyone was still very excited...telling stories of his or her mishaps of the day. We got back, put away our gear, and stripped out of our wetsuits. The day was over, but I still could visualize every rapid. I had a great trip and look forward to doing it again soon.