Guide or No Guide: the Pros and Cons
“To guide or not to guide, that is the question?” Ok, so maybe it’s not a Shakespearean play but it’s a serious question! The level of fun and excitement can rely heavily on this simple choice, so see our suggestions below so you make the perfect decision.
Guide – “I need help and an expert to take me to the promise land!” Ok, so you’ve decided to use a commercial rafting guide, a great choice because these are some of the most trained professionals around. At AVA Rafting the guides train for over 3 weeks and have numerous “check outs” to make sure they are ready for the rapids. The average guide has 6 years experience, so you know you’re in good hands. Check them out online here.
Now that you’ve chosen to let an expert lead you, your comfort level can rest easy as your new-found leader takes you down the stunning river and all its glorious rapids. You will have specific safety instructions and peace of mind. So, sit back, let the guide take over and just….listen! The directions your guide gives will be the key to a great and safe trip.
No Guide – “I will conquer the land by myself, and be one with nature!” Now that you have decided to take on the rapids on your own, the key is to be prepared. While a guided trip is quick and easy, a “no guide” trip has a lot of details. You must be ready to have all the necessities to enjoy an amazing and safe adventure. Check out some typical gear lists for day and overnight trips at Colorado River Rentals. For example, to enjoy a great day on the Colorado River, you must have all your equipment, from life vests, to paddles, to hole patches, to rations, and everything in between.
Some amazing “pros” to guiding your own trip are truly to be out there in mother nature and enjoying all that it has to offer. You can raft at your own pace and tailor your trip just the way you want it. You can bring a nice lunch along and have an unforgettable riverside lunch amongst the Rockies. So, if you’re prepared, guiding your own raft can be an amazing experience. Don’t forget your camera!
In all, both these experiences are incredible. Just make sure you do what’s best for your party, and never forget that safety should be the deciding factor. Let the expert take you and enjoy the ride or embrace the challenge of guiding your own vessel as Captain! You really cannot go wrong, if you need some more advice give us a call at 970-423-7036. Seize the day!