500 Adrenaline Adventures (Frommer's) - Lois Friedland [58]
Royal Gorge, Colorado, U.S.A.: On this stretch of the Arkansas River, you raft through rapids with names like Sledgehammer and the Narrows, which can reach Class IV and V when the water is high. The river flows through sheer 1,100-foot-high (330m) cliffs during this stretch. If you want to do lots of paddling, ask about the adrenaline rafts that only hold four people. Families might enjoy the raft and ride trip, which includes a ride on a passenger train with dome and dining cars that runs along the top of the gorge. Echo Canyon River Expeditions ( 800/755-3246;www.royalgorgerafting.com).
Tuolumne River, California, U.S.A.: The 27 miles (43km) you can raft on the Tuolumne River, which originates in Yosemite National Park, blends a wilderness experience with the excitement of challenging Class IV and V rapids. On one trip, you can start with big jolts, as you go over rapids with names like Nemesis and Rock Garden, then hone your paddling skills as you descend over drops, through chutes and maneuver around boulders. You’re getting ready for a swift ride through Clavey Falls, a series of three staircase drops. Occasionally, there will be calmer water, where you can catch your breath. Peace comes at night while camping alongside the river. Outdoor Adventure River Specialists ( 800/346-6277 or 209/736-4677; www.oars.com).
Pacuare River, Costa Rica: The Pacuare River winds through pristine rainforest in the Cabecar Indian Reservation. The Upper Upper, the Upper, and the Lower—the three sections of the river that are rafted most often—vary in degree of difficulty. The 26km (16-mile) long stretch called the Upper Upper has Class II to IV rapids, while the more technical Upper, a 16km (10-mile) stretch of whitewater with waterfalls, portages, and Class IV and V rapids, is more commonly run in kayaks. On the Lower, with its Class III and IV rapids, rafters see waterfalls flowing into the river. Trips range from 1 to 4 days and can include stays at a remote eco-lodge, where guests can go ziplining and hiking with a nature guide. Rios Tropicales ( 866/722-8273;www.riostropicales.com).
Zambezi River, Zimbabwe/Zambia: The Zambezi River is considered one of the top-10 rivers in the world for whitewater rafting enthusiasts. Below the thundering Victoria Falls, rafters encounter long stretches of technically difficult rapids, big drops, and massive holes as the Zambezi flows through the narrow Batoka Gorge. Safari Par Excellence ( 44/845-2930512;www.whitewater.safpar.com). Bio Bio Expeditions Worldwide ( 800/246-7238 or 530/582-6865; www.bbxrafting.com).
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Waveskiing on the Atlantic Ocean
Sitting Down When the Surf’s Up
Cornwall, England
Waveskiing is like a dream come true for aspiring surfers. Instead of trying to balance while standing upright on a board, the basic premise of waveskiing is to sit down and surf. This relatively new extreme sport involves sitting on top of a sort of kayak-surfboard crossbreed, putting your legs straight ahead of you, buckling up for a bumpy ride, and using your paddles as rudders to navigate the waves. The learning curve tends to be more moderate than surfing, but the adrenaline rush can be just as high when you paddle into some major swells.
One of the best places to get your bum wet on a waveski is in Cornwall, England’s most southwesterly county. Jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean with nearly 485km (300 miles) of rocky coastline warmed by the Gulf Stream and a mild climate, Cornwall boasts some