You’ve decided to try your hand at whitewater rafting during your next visit to the Great Smoky Mountains? We think that’s a phenomenal idea! If you’re planning your whitewater rafting adventure, we have some suggestions about how to choose the best whitewater rafting company to adventure with. Here are few things you’ll be glad you considered before booking your ultimate whitewater rafting trip:
1. Reputation
2. Guest-Focused
3. An Emphasis on Safety
4. Knowledgeable Guides with Personality
1. Reputation
It may go without saying that ideally, you want to go whitewater rafting with a company that is vetted and trusted, and one with which previous rafters have had a great experience. One excellent way to determine whether a company is a good (or even great) choice for your whitewater rafting expedition in the Smokies is to check out their ratings on a website like TripAdvisor.com. It’s a great way to get the low down on other customers’ experiences and even to determine some questions you might want to ask before you book the trip.
We’re proud to say that River Rat Whitewater thanks to our guests leaving 5-star reviews consistently, our outpost has maintained a 5-star rating for well over seven years on TripAdvisor, and we’re committed to improving on even the best customer experiences as time goes on. Also thanks to our guests’ reviews, we have received the Certificate of Excellence each year since 2014 and we are also now ranked among the “Top 10% of Attractions Worldwide”!
2. Guest-Focused
Some travelers lean towards rafting with a bigger company, but bigger isn’t necessarily better when it comes to rafting. Smaller companies like River Rat Whitewater have an advantage in being able to offer some flexibility to guests. It’s a point of pride for us to pack as much adventure as possible into your two-hour expedition, and our guides go above and beyond to deliver a great experience for every member of your group!
We know that the best rafting trips aren’t just about getting from Point A to Point B—rather, they are about everything that happens along the route. We like to “surf” a couple of rapids along the way, do some fun tricks where guests can try something new, stop and enjoy a refreshing swim in the phenomenally beautiful swimming holes along the way, and so much more! We hope that when you choose a rafting company, you’ll choose us because we’re seasoned professionals, focused on delivering a great time for all during your day on the Pigeon River.
3. An Emphasis on Safety
Safety as a priority is basic to who we are at River Rat Whitewater. Our guides are experienced, well-trained, and always prepared to cater to the needs of our guests. Whether you’re an old hand at rafting and know the river better than we do, or you’re a novice who doesn’t swim or is generally uncomfortable on the water, we’ll make certain that you raft safe with us. Our guides are rigorously trained well beyond the minimums required by other outposts on the river and have been triple-certified in safety training, so they are uniquely qualified to cater your adventure. We promise you’ll be in some of the best hands on the Pigeon River.
4. Knowledgeable Guides with Great Personalities
While it’s likely you’ll fall in love with their obvious love of the great outdoors and the ability to tell a killer story along the route, we’re pretty fond of the fact that our guides are also experts at keeping you and your group expertly safe. Want to know more about our amazing river guides? Check out that TripAdvisor page again. We have some real characters on the river, leading the way on your next adventure of a lifetime. You’ll find they are central to rave reviews and great guest compliments, but even more, there’s a good chance you’ll leave the river feeling you’ve made a good friend, and we couldn’t be more grateful our crew is so skilled at making certain yours has a wonderful memory when they finally exit the raft and head for home.
So, what’s the best way to choose a whitewater rafting company? Be mindful of the company’s reputation, choose a company with superior guest focus, ask in advance about an emphasis on safety and training, and find a company with friendly and knowledgeable guides to make your trip exceptional.
Ready to book your upcoming Smoky Mountain whitewater rafting adventure? Or just want to ask a few more questions? We can’t wait to hear from you! Contact our helpful River Rat Whitewater Rafting crew today or visit our Frequently Asked Questions page!
