[ktm_dakar]

Just went Whitewater rafting this weekend on the Upper Kern River in Lake Isabella, CA . The only company that actually called us back was Mountain River Adventures (www.mtnriver.com). They told us they have taken quite a few wheelchair bound people down the river before and were excited to have us so we decided to go for it. I have always liked the more extreme type of activities so my wife and I signed up for a full day of class 3/4 rapids. When we got there the check in person was really nice and explained that they have never taken a disabled person on the upper kern only the lower kern is class 2/3 rapids. They just wanted us to know that I would have to be in and out of the boat a lot, but they had no problems if we didn't. We also brought 4 friends along to fill the boat. After the first trip down the river I was able to figure out my seating and how to hold on. I wasn't able to paddle but I was able to sit on the outside edge of the raft like everyone else with a cheater strap toward the center of the raft. I just placed my feet appropriately so if we did hit something hard I would just fall into the boat instead of out. We made 4 trips that day down the river in certain sections and had a great time. Getting in and out of the boat the guide and one of my friends just picked me up and took me straight to the transport van. Then back into the boat directly from the van seat. This was much easier than trying to get in the wheelchair each time. I am a T-7 complete para and would recommend this company if you wanted to go. We will definately be going back next year. A class 3 would definately be enough for most people, the class 4 rapids we dropped 2 of our friends in the water and it got a little scary, but was awesome.

[AussieBrad]

Sounds like you had a awesome time. Keep it up...

[ajl338]

go for it
I went rafting for the first time last year in Bosnia. Rafted the una and tara and the bit through banuluka
It was really really good. I fell out a few times but it was hot so there was no problem.
will do it again some time. I always through that the raft would be soft but it wasnt and i got a sore backside

ann

[RaginTurtleHead]

I have been down the kern. I used to know Two licensed guides for that river who had their own boats so we were able to do whatever we wanted. It was awesome. I would love to go again!