whitewater rafting adventures

We purchased our tickets through Groupon for a sidetour Whitewater rafting adventure that was hosted by Sourced Adventures. We had a GREAT time once we were on the water, and I would definitely go whitewater rafting again, but probably not through Sourced Adventures. We went on class II and III rapids during a dam release weekend. The weather was great, and the rapids were moving quickly, which made for A LOT of fun! We got stuck on a rock once, but with just a couple of bounces we were off and moving again without a problem. Two of our passengers (we had a group of four) fell out of our raft, but we managed to get them back in rather quickly. One of the girls lost a shoe, but since she had another pair back on our bus it wasn't that big of a deal. Our small group managed to maneuver around the rocks much more easily than any of the larger groups, so I wouldn't recommend going with more than 5 people to a raft. Bring extra clothes, extra shoes, and water guns to shoot at other rafters, and make sure you have someone with you who has significant upper body strength. If it wasn't for the guy in our group, the two girls would have been in the water for a much longer period of time since I wouldn't have been able to pull them up, and the rapids make it difficult to get back in on your own!While we had an AMAZING time on the river, the bus that was provided for our transportation wound up dropping us off at the location a bit late, so they felt the need to rush us to get changed and grab our lunches. Since there were no clear directions before we arrived/while we were getting changed/getting our lunches/grabbing our safety gear, many people started eating their lunches before getting on the second bus that dropped us off at the rapids. The woman who served as our guide on the transport bus from NYC to the Poconos, and, unfortunately for us, throughout the day, felt the need to yell at people who were eating (We were supposed to just take the lunches with us and eat later on, but as I mentioned, I don't think the majority of the people there knew that). After the rafting was done we were taken back to the main area where we could change, purchase food, and visit the gift shop. We were told the buses would leave at 6, but while grabbing my change of clothes off the bus I heard another passenger informing our guide that that wasn't really a lot of time to change, etc. Her response was "Well then you better hustle." Excuse me? We paid for our transportation, our tickets, and our lunch (which I could not eat since it was SLATHERED in mayo). It was not our fault that the bus ran behind schedule, or that we were delivered back at an inconvenient time, or that they book large groups so lines for changing/using the bathroom were long. I don't know her name, but I should have asked. All of the other guides that we encountered were friendly, helpful, and a lot of fun to be around, but she was miserable, grumpy, pushy, and had no idea how to deal with people. If I was to go to that location to raft again, I would use my own transportation and bring my own food (Since we were being rushed to get back on the bus and the line for the snack bar was really long, I went to use the vending machine and the machine ate my money. Just bring water bottles). Please keep in mind that this type of activity can require a lot of intense physical activity, especially when the rapids are moving quickly, so if you have any type of physical limitation, you should make sure you have a large enough group where the capabilities of one person won't make or break your rafts ability to successfully get down the river.Also, it may have just been our guide's doing, but since we had a 2 hour ride up to the Poconos from NYC, they showed us a movie during the ride (which seemed like a great idea). At first, you could barely hear anything, and when someone mentioned the lack of volume, she put it up so high that it eventually started to hurt many of the passengers ears. Numerous people commented on the ridiculous volume, but it didn't change. Same thing on the way back, which took 4 hours instead of 2 due to traffic.Do yourself a favor and go Whitewater Rafting! Just use your own transportation and buy your own food!

We went on a 6 hour trip, class 2-3 on a weekend that was supposed to be a dam release weekend. The river was extremely low, which made for a less exciting ride and lots of opportunities to get lodged on rocks. Which we did, a lot. It was on one of these rocks, that by another raft striking ours, that my friend got ejected from said raft. It actually was really fun, but wished the river was a little higher. The guides were great, especially after they retrieved my friend for us. The scariest part of the trip was the 35 minute bus ride to the river. Going down the mountain/hills was a seriously butt-clenching experience. After you get back there is a hot dog cookout. There are showers there, but since there are so many people on the trips, prepare to wait in line. Ladies be sure to 'empty the tanks' before the trip, it is 6 hours and there is no bathroom/port-a-potty anywhere on the river. Men have a few more options than we do.

Great experience for a first timer doing whitewater rafting. Great for groups and family. Our group did the class 2/3 rapids and they weren't to crazy where you would fall off your raft. The only scary parts are when you get stuck on the rocks and you have to figure out how to get yourself out of them. It took us 4 hours to get down the river and it goes by super fast! We also took lunch halfway through the trip. They also give you a complimentary snack that includes hotdogs and chips, soda, and water, which is really nice of them. Overall I had a nice day out on the water and I'm very happy I chose this company to go rafting with since our guides were awesome.

Went with my husband to celebrate my 50th birthday. There were 92 people in our group. We thought that was a lot but once you finally get in the raft and see all the other tour group right there also, you realize that the river traffic will be like sitting on the Garden State Parkway on a Saturday afternoon. We had to get our group to the side of the river several times to let other groups pass just to keep our group somewhat together. We had one other couple in our raft and it made for an enjoyable afternoon. The trip took about 5 hours. We had scheduled for 12:15 but never got into the raft until almost 2:15. Not sure why the big delay. The trip gives you a workout and we slept well that night. It is a little scary getting caught up on the rocks for the first time and seeing a fleet of rafts coming straight at you. We brought our own lunch but will purchase theirs the next time we come. The snack bar is right there and the lunches looked great. The guides were great as well. We will do it again

We all had a great time yesterday! I highly recommend Whitewater Rafting Adventures! Friendly staff , great guides who were all fun and very helpful (Thank you Dave, Pete, Wyatt, just to name a few)!! Even though the forecast didn't sound great going into the trip, the weather was perfect for rafting. The water was comfortable and because it was cloudy we could see the rocks easily and no bad sunburns! Even if it rained we still would have had fun; it just would have added to the excitement. Go into the trip prepared for fun...and a little work. You will all have to work together to get through the rapids. Enjoy it and have a sense of humor through it all. If you keep your ankles locked in the way the guides instruct you, you are more likely not to get dumped into the river by a surprise, hidden rock. Even if you end up in the water, enjoy it...the guides instruct you how to get back in your raft before getting in the river ...and it does work...we had a lot of practice. Just go and enjoy it! Also, I highly recommend you pre-order their lunches; they provide a nice lunch all packed up and ready to go; the turkey sandwiches were huge! We topped off the day with a ride on the zip line, then we were treated to free hot dogs and birch beer. Fun place; great people! Can't wait to go again!

I was very frightened and planned to shop while my husband, son and in-laws went white water rafting. Well, my sister-in-law convinced me to do it. I was now unprepared - no swimsuit and no lunch. I bought a shirt there to wear and decided to get wet! I would eat my son's yogurt and extra nuts I packed for them. Class II & III dam release rapids on a beautiful day! The guides Todd, Trevor and MacKenzie were great. Todd, a teacher during the school year, ensured me I would love it! He was right, so much fun and exhilarating! The trip was 14 miles long, about 5hours. The time went very fast. This company keeps the groups small and taught us what to do prior to getting in the raft, including how to get off a rock if we are stuck and how to direct our raft while in the water. They put our boat in the water for us. Other companies have you carry your boat and travel with 20 plus boats at a time (stay away from them). Small groups are perfect! At the end they have hotdogs and birch beer for you, changing rooms etc.

The owner has pet trout in a pond next to the Outfitter buildings...his Lab tries to catch fish all day...( entertaining yes ),but he's get MAD if someone throws anything in the pond ! We watched 50 boy scouts catch grief for doing this ! The rafting trip its shelf was great....we did just the white water trip and was great for children. The zip line on the property was not worth $10.00 extra...lots of better places to tip line or tree top courses in the Poconos. Poor design climbing on ladders to decent and then get off the zip line below. The meal after the trip.....warning do not leave your table with food on it...yes the fish hunting dog will swipe it quickly...OK if you were eating there Hot Dogs but if you brought your own food you will be eating Hot Dogs. Also do not expect the Draft Birch beer they advertise....somehow they do not stock extra or know where to get more.. Not sure how this Outfitter compares to other in the area but I would read reviews before my next trip.

A group of us just went this weekend for Memorial Day and we had a blast. There were several guides with us along the way. They were very knowledgeable and helpful in helping us paddling along the big rocks. Would definitely do it again. We did zip line for an additional 10 bucks. Although that was fun, I don't think it was worth the price since you only get to do it once.

Just my daughter (age 20) and I (age 43) reserved a day of rafting with Whitewater. Class II and III rapids for beginners. We had a great time. We enjoyed the guides who seemed skilled at what they do - esp. Zach who was also thrilled to tell us about other attractions in the area, local lore, and general "PA" information that really enriched our experience. A few points I would make for other travelers: Be aware that the trip will be several boats (our day was 8 boats of either 4 people or 6 people in each) and then 3-4 guides mostly in kayaks paddling with you. The guides were very good in the kayaks and were able to agilely get ahead or behind the group or rafts as needed. Try to go with a group of at least 4 - or scout out a couple other people you like to share a boat with. As you can tell form this and other reviews - who you are with matters! We had a large group of about 20 guys that came together on our trip. They were a bit loud and occasionally offensive but no so much it ruined my trip at all. They were drinking before the trip started, and the guides did disallow the alcohol once we started loading the buses - so maybe they are learning. I agree with other reviewers who said that smoking should be banned as well!!Also be aware that while there are several areas of rapids and swift flow - there is a lot of calm, paddling time too. One of the guys on our trip was complaining (screaming) that these sections were "boring". I enjoyed the calm parts a lot and just considered part of my day in nature. My daughter and I were lucky too in that another group of 4 agreed to take us in their boat and we all got along well (a huge plus). Only one person on our entire trip fell out of their raft and I think she was just not paying attention. For the most part I think everyone found it very manageable, and I did not find it overly physically taxing at all. The rafts were in very good shape and weathered all the rocks very well. Our bus to the drop off point was indeed an older school bus but I never felt unsafe at all. The day did start later than the designated time as a large group of 8 people came very late and Whitewater held up the whole group to get these people outfitted in wet suits, lunches packed away, etc. Overall a great day and I would most definitely go with them again!Don't forget sunscreen!

Went rafting last weekend on the last trip of the year. It was a 13 mile run with decent rapids. The guides were helpful. We had the perfect size group going down the river. I would think it could get too large. The wet suits and gear were a nice rental. The day would've been very chilly without. The only complaint was we were late getting started. We spent about an hour sitting around waiting even after they warn you numerous times to be on time or you will be left. Can't wait to go again next year.

The Whitewater Rafting Adventures team seems really great and easy to work with. I sent 4 16-years with them for a 16th birthday party. I was assured that the boys would be safe because of the guides that are on the trip and that the boys would be able to handle the rapids. They totally handled the rapids it was the people in one of the rafts that were acting inappropriately. My 4 boys experienced threats, being thrown out of the rafts and actual physical assault. The manager of the company explained to my husband that this happens more often than you think and its always because of the adults. My kids were splashing and throwing buckets of water but unfortunately the company and its guides didn't step in an protect my kids. Just something to think about going forward.

Starting with my arrival things went very well. We actually arrived well before our start time as we underestimated the travel time to the location. The check in counter offered to let us go out on the earlier departure time which was great so they were extremely accommodating. They provided us with a waterproof bucket to keep our lunch in so it would stay dry on the adventure and sadly the bucket had a crack in it that we didn't notice. Lunch was a bit soggy to say the least but that didn't stop us from eating it.We got out on the rapids after about a 20 minute drive to the drop zone. The yellow bus was so old and beat up that we took over (but it was clean) that it was hardly able to make it up the hills to get to the drop zone, but after what felt like a very long cramped ride we made it over. We got our raft and they seemed in excellent condition without any patches or damage. Once we got out on the water everything seemed to be going very well and we had a wonderful time. The biggest negative out on the water was the customers who were smoking in their rafts. I personally come out to these places to get the fresh air and not breathe in smoke, but after informing the guide they put a stop to it. The rapids were swift as it was a whitewater dam release day and they were releasing more water than expected. You don't need to be extremely fit to do the class 3 rapids, but you should be agile enough to move around the raft, jump up and down in order to get yourself off rocks, because most likely you will get stuck at least once or twice. Nobody fell out of the raft by accident, but in the end we all ended up in the water and it was perfect on all accounts.Had a great time and after we got to the end stop we took another bus ride back to the cars where they provided us with a free lunch, Hotdogs, chips and birch beer. I would go back again and use them.

Good for those who like risk. Expensive. Wouldn't take small children. Must be physically fit or you will be wiped out in minutes.

Well-organized, clean, and great fun on the Lehigh river with experienced guides. Make sure you do a dam release weekend for some class 3 rapids.

The crew is pretty organized and competent all the way around. We arrived to be told 20 minutes is start-up time for briefing and it was 20 minutes. We all got told the details and instructions of rafting then we loaded onto school buses for a 20 minute ride to the launch site. (They said it would be a 5 min. ride - not).It was a very fun day of rafting with about 20 boats total in our group. There are about 3 other companies that launch in the same area. Our guides were somewhat knowledgeable, some newbies, but very personable. It was a mixture of flat water and fast flowing river around large obstacles (rocks). The important lesson to learn is how to avoid them!My only complaint is there were some rowdy people on some of the boats that were drinking and being loud and obscene. The guides tried to ignore it but I had to complain since this trip was costing me $250 and I didn't want my family trip ruined by them. The leader spoke to the people and they calmed down. I still think their alcohol should have been confiscated and been dealt with from the beginning (they were drinking openly and swearing on the bus ride to the launch spot). By the end of the day we were happy and sore and had a great time!