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All-Outdoors California Whitewater Rafting
Categories: Event Planning & Services Boat Charters Active Life Rafting/Kayaking Boat Charters, Rafting/Kayaking [Edit]
1026 Lotus RdLotus, CA 95651
(530) 626-8306
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 9 am - 5 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
About This Business:
Our trips range from mild (Class 2-3) to wild (Class 4-5) and include world-class guides, top-of-the-line equipment, and the best campground in Coloma!… read more »
24 reviews for All-Outdoors California Whitewater Rafting
24 reviews in English
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Review from Aaron L.
Larkspur, CA
8/24/2011
I rafted the Middle Fork/American with AO on Aug. 20th with my wife and four of our best friends. The entire experience was amazing, from start to finish. I wanna be sure to give props to all the crew that deserve it.
I'll begin with booking the trip, and the really nice people in the AO office that I spoke to and exchanged emails with in getting the trip planned. I should also mention that I didn't do due diligence in making reservations well ahead of time, which I'd recommend. That said, and although I frantically called only a week and a half out, Lenka was AWESOME and got us on the river on the only day that would work for our group. Too cool.
As for our whitewater adventure, it was all that it was cracked up to be and more. Our guides name was Kevin, a real American River O.G. as it turned out. Many of our group had a good deal of rafting experience under their belts, but a couple although really fit and capable did not. So the fact that Kevin knew that river in the freakish way that he did really put every body's mind at ease. I mean that too, that guy knew every line and every rapid so well that we were able to get everything we could out of our runs and from that beautiful river. Everyone wants to feel safe, but you gotta have fun and rip it up a bit too! We did plenty of ripping. There are still a few mellow spots along the way, and it's the perfect opportunity to take in some pretty incredible scenery, or learn a few things about the area and it's rich history. Our guide Kevin knew plenty about all of that, and even threw down some hilarious f-ing jokes. All I can say is that if your lucky enough to get Kevin steering you down river, ask him about being "deep in despair." It was the only point on the trip that I almost fell out of the raft, laughing that is. Seriously... request Kevin if you can.
As for the food, it was a really pleasant surprise. I didn't expect anything fancy or over the top, needless to say. But the spread was killer; really fresh deli meats, cheeses, veggies, fresh fruit, and every sandwich fixin' you can think of. I was stoked. And like any hard earned lunch that comes on the heels of a long, exciting, exhilarating morning, it tastes like the best sando you've ever had.
Everyone at AO was really the best, hopefully... if you're lucky you'll meet Kate, she led the expedition, so to speak, and was totally cool. And perhaps the most upbeat and bubbly person I've ever met in my life. But that's what you need to get you amped-up and ready to hit the river. Kate... you're awesome!
There's no doubt in my mind that I'll be back to take another adventure with AO, the only question is how soon, and whether or not I have the huevos to run Cherry Creek. There's only so much time in a season, and way too many rivers to hit. I think I've found my new passion....... -
Review from Charles R.
Los Angeles, CA
8/17/2011
After three trips with AO, I'm finally writing a review.
2003: Tuloumne. Went with three friends, my first time rafting. Way to introduce myself to rafting. A fun trip, and I remember our raft was the only one that didn't flip or have someone go for a swim.
2010: Cherry Creek. Well, after conquering a class 4 river, why not go for "The most challenging whitewater trip in the U.S.". My friend Anthony from the last trip and two others took on this river and were fortuitously matched up with Scott, the head of the company, to lead our raft. They weren't joking, it's an exciting river that demands your full attention. The trip was made even more exciting by an opportunity to go for a swim....thanks to one of the most challenging class V rapids and perhaps a bit of crummy luck. After a good twenty seconds of shooting down the river at nature's mercy, playing dodge-the-boulder, and a bit of jangled nerves, we were picked up by other rafts and assembled back into our own, wet and weary. Looking back, that gave us one heck of a story and made an exhilarating trip even more memorable.
2011: South Form American River. I wanted to share some rafting fun with my girlfriend and we chose this entry-level river for her first real introduction to some whitewater rapids. This trip fit the bill --challenging, but not overwhelming. Our guide Maureen warned us of some possible trouble spots, but she navigated us through like a boss. I chose the lower section of this river instead of the upper because it's a bit longer (time and distance) and it really builds the suspense and excitement by starting slowly and then hits the rapids on the second half of the trip. She enjoyed the trip and, thanks to how well this went, is down for another one. A family with their 11-year-old daughter joined us on the raft, and this trip is really perfect for beginners, families, or just someone wanting an "exhilarating but not intimidating" whitewater rafting experience.
I was impressed enough the first time riding with AO to come back for more and I'm happy to keep it up. And bonus: the lunches are pretty good! Sandwiches with all sorts of fixings available, drinks, and even cookies. All three guides I've rafted with have been professional, confident, and friendly. Looking forward to my next trip. -
Review from Jennifer B.
Los Angeles, CA
8/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm a little terrified of moving water, but I'm getting over that fear - slowly, but surely. The South Fork (Level 3+) seemed like a good place to start with conquering rivers -- not exactly flying over waterfalls, but not sitting idly in a boat, either. I had a lot of fun, and I'd recommend this for other beginners.
For the South Fork trek, you meet up at the River Center in Lotus to fill out some paperwork and meet the guides and the rest of your boat. The guides will go over some basic rules and tips for handling the river, hand you a life vest and oar, and lead you out to the river. Once in the boat, you go over how to paddle and maneuver the boat (per the guide's instructions) and then head out on a 12-mile journey through the foothills, with stops for lunch and swimming. A really fun way to spend the day outdoors.
Oh, and the lunches are totally not what I expected. I was thinking pre-made PB&Js and hard cheese sandwiches -- nope! The guides laid out a huge spread for us to make sandwiches, with sides of fresh fruit, chips and cookies.
Photographs are taken along the river, too, while you're going over the rapids. The only downside to this is that you pick them up offsite at two different locations -- after checking the pictures at one site and then driving to another to see what pictures they had, it seemed like too much hassle to backtrack to the first location to purchase the pictures we actually liked.
All-Outdoors seems like a great company, and I wouldn't hesitate to use them again. My boyfriend previously used them for the Cherry Creek expedition, which is an advanced Class 5+ trek and had a great experience there, too.
TIPS:
1. Don't apply sunscreen to your forehead or the back of your legs! I pre-applied before heading out for the day, and it sure made it tough to sit in my seat when the water mixed with the sunscreen. (Avoid the forehead so it doesn't sweat into your eyes.)
2. Bring a cash tip for you guides -- they work super hard and deserve one.
3. They ofter a "frequent rafter" program, if you end up getting addicted. 5 trips and your sixth one is free! -
Review from D S.
Santa Clara, CA
8/8/2011
They did everything right. Our guide, Tiffany, was a lot of fun and helped to make it a great day. Our 2 11-year-old girls thought it was the best day of the summer. They had never gone before and were very well taken care of. Tiffany made sure we got really wet and had a great time, while at the same time helping us to feel safe.
We did the full day trip down the Lower South fork (class 3), which included a delicious and filling lunch. We will definitely go with them again. -
Review from Jenny K.
San Francisco, CA
11/18/2011
I recently went on a white water rafting excursion with family and friends and had an awesome experience with All-Outdoors. Our group did the Middle Fork of the American River. The staff was awesome and provided us with great instruction (this was the first time rafting for most of us), interesting information about our surroundings and provided us with a fresh lunch of fruit and sandwiches as well as a snack. We had an amazing day on the river thanks to All-Outdoors. We loved our guide, Dan, who was hilarious and kind of looked like Zach Galifinakis (a plus in my book). He was a lot of fun. I loved the rapids we experienced, some of which were intense but an absolute blast. I plan to white water raft again and would definitely choose All-Outdoors for my next excursion.
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Review from Eeesorr V.
San Jose, CA
7/5/2011 2 photos
I thought AOC Whitewater rafting really deserves this 5 star review. Not just because of how GREAT my experience was last year at the end of August but because i recently went to a different river raft which made me realize that "wow this place does shit on top of other "white water" raft"
As a first timer i didn't really know what to expect, at first i knew i was going to go through some waves but i didn't know it was going to be tremendously strong currents! We went on the South Fork level 3 and let me tell you... I was scared at first because my brother flipped off the raft after one strong current. He told us he felt as if he was going to die LOL but after we found him he actually got sat in the middle of the raft.
SECOND SCARRY PART was my best friend whom is as adventurous as i am "road the bull" riding the bull means sitting in the front of the raft when your coming into the currents. He than sat in the front and we dove into the current and there he goes... he fell off the raft and earned him self a battle scar on his forehead. From his words.. it was def. worth the fun.
Our instructor taught us many ways how to paddle through the stream, and through the currents. We got stopped in the middle of the river to have our lunch and it was already set! Sandwiches, Water, Fruits, Snacks, Cookies, Yuuum! There was enough for seconds! After having our luncheon we got back to our raft and followed the stream.
After a rush of strong currents the day ended and we had to hook our boats all in one line in order to get pulled into the side. Meanwhile we had our streamer guns and and alittle water fight while others were swimming in the cold cold cold river!
We bought both photo packages from the shop because it was one hell of a fun ride for our first timers! I can't wait to come back next month once again for level 4 =)Comment from Roxanne G. of All-Outdoors California Whitewater Rafting 7/6/2011
Hi Rose! Thank you for the 5 star review. The trip you were… More » -
Review from Seong P.
8/3/2008
Last year, we did Half Dome for T's birthday. I am a bit sore today but since I can walk without feeling pain with every step, I'm happy with this year's event.
We filled 3 boats and the All Outdoors guide lead us on an unforgettable journey down the middle fork of the American River. I'd rafted near Chiang Mai, Thailand a few years ago but I think all the rapids there were 2's at most so it was nothing compared to this.
Most of the rapids on the middle fork are class 4's but there were some 2's and 3's in there too and we covered about 18 miles in 6 hours.
The first third had some 3's and 4's, one of which was Last Chance (so fun). I'm not afraid of the water because I've always been a strong swimmer but I had been worried beforehand about falling out and getting beat up by all the rocks so my goal for the day was to just remain in the boat the whole time. I really need to work on not having such low expectations because going down the rapids was amazing and so invigorating. There were a few moments when I was up in the air and wondered if I was going to be ousted but I managed to maintain.
The middle third of the ride was very pretty but slow with no rapids and a lot of just floating so water fights, jousting, learning how to steer, doing donuts and throwing people in the water ensued to pass the time.
The last third was the best, a good number of rapids and then one part where you could jump out and get shot forward about 50 feet by the power of the river. Too bad we were all wearing helmets and lifejackets and looked like special dorks.
Looking back, the most difficult parts were the calm and quiet moments. While everything was beautiful and serene, it was also hot and boring. I'd definitely go out wth All Outdoors again. The guides were mellow, fun, informative and entertaining. They recommended that we try rafting a mostly class 4 and 5 route in Yosemite since we're strong paddlers. I'm pretty sure that's going to happen and I can't wait. -
Review from Mabel L.
Arcadia, CA
9/6/2010
Just got back today and it was A-MAZING! It was my first trip and I did the South Fork - Class III.
First off, our guide, Gab was awesome. He was very professional and was always willing to answer any questions (including the hundred + questions asked by some of the very young and precocious rafters in our boats - but they were very adorable and had really great questions all along the way!) He was just very generous and had a great demeanor.
The South Fork has its scarier rapids but the best comparison is that it was like a good roller coaster ride. Gab was able to navigate us safely - no one fell out...though my bf and I, both at the front, had a few high jumps but did not fall out.
The lunch spread was really good as well. Sandwiches with fresh, healthy ingredients.
Everything was well arranged. From launch to lunch to return. One of the last thing I want to mention that I really liked was that there wasn't this pressure to tip. I do always tip but I don't like it when people/places call it a tip yet they make it so obligatory. We actually had to find Gab after we returned to base camp in order to give him a tip. I hope others did the same cause he really made it a good trip.
My only suggestion for AO: one of the guides gave the pre-river talk needed a pick-me up. She seemed so un-enthusiastic, it didn't make for a great start. So many of us were pumped to be there for the first time, would have been nicer if the same energy was returned as they sent us off.
Otherwise, thank you AO for an awesome time! We will be back again!!!
(*Last note, if any of the lovely families that were in Raft 4 with Gab happen to read this review and did not purchase the photos, send me a PM and I will gladly email the pics that we bought. We purchased the Satan Cesspool pics.) -
Review from Kathleen W.
Albany, CA
8/5/2008
This past weekend 16 friends and I braved the middle fork of the American River. It has been by far, the best weekend I've had this summer!
Jeff our guide was very experienced, patient and easy going. He let 4 of us practicing guiding and provided great information about the history of the river valley. The icy cold water was so refreshing and this is definitely the right time of year to go!
Some highlights of our trip
- Peeing in the water in front of all your friends is fun!
- Watching Carl fall out on a rapid called "Carl's crash"
- The paranoia that someone is going to pull you into the water
- Water fights!
- Knowing that all those years of paddling have paid off
- Getting a bump on my head because short people decided to dump a cooler of water on me.
Next time:
- Bring more sunscreen!
- Bring some snacks
- Wear sunglasses! -
Review from Jessica C.
Cupertino, CA
7/31/2006
Awesome experience. This was my first time rafting and can I say All-Outdoors and their staff were amazingly helpful and fun. I would definitely take a tour with them again.
We started out with more than half our party being significantly late. While I could see the guide in charge was slightly annoyed (but not more annoyed that I was), she was still friendly and graciously made accommodations for the late members of our party, including having a separate survival and technique instruction for our group of stragglers.
Secondly can I say honestly that the tour guide for my boat was hot? Ask for Paul ;) That certainly made the relaxing trip down the river far better. But ok seriously not only was he hot, he was knowledgeable about the area and rafting and made it easier to be less nervous after all the rafting horror stories I had heard beforehand.
The included lunch was absolutely delicious. Sun dried tomatoes, avocado, sprouts, salami, turkey, roast beef and a variety of other things to select from for the sandwiches. And there were pineapple slices, peaches, grapes. It was far better than what I expected a rugged lunch to be.
Oh and the rafting part was fun too... lol.Listed in: Team Building
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Review from Lillian L.
Oakland, CA
9/26/2008
As a first-time rafter with a bf who cannot swim, I was a little anxious about this adventure. Suffice it to say, we both survived, and it was exhilarating!
Our guide Collin was great, skillfully navigating us down Class III and IV rapids and around rocks while painting us a picture of the American River during the Gold Rush. After hours of alternately baking in the sun and being drenched with icy water, we finally broke for lunch, which was provided and prepared by the guides. While they were setting up, we enjoyed chips & salsa along with fruit and drinks. The sandwich bar offered many delicious options, and the cookies were scrumptious as well. (Yes, even on a rafting trip, I care about food. :P)
I can't wait for next season to begin so I can book a 2-day rafting/camping trip and start earning my way towards a free trip courtesy of their Frequent Floater Program. :) -
Review from Nat R.
Walnut Creek, CA
9/12/2010
Wife and I did the lower gorge of the Middle Fork about a month ago. I did the same run with AO four years ago and the experience was even better.
They have a very nice facility, new showers and restrooms for use before and after the trip. There is also a nice outdoor auditorium where the guides give instructions before the river runs. Equipment has been upgraded, from the PFDs to the paddles.
Our guide was down to earth and made the trip very enjoyable. We started off with a quick stop along the side of the river and picked some raspberries before we headed further down the American.
They make the sandwiches for you when you stop for lunch using fresh ingredients. I noticed that the other outfitters had pre-made sandwiches in Ziploc bags for their guests.
Overall, a great experience! -
Review from L G.
Sherman Oaks, CA
9/7/2010
I knew I wanted to plan something exciting for mine and my boyfriends Labor Day birthday weekend... googled rafting in California and came across All Outdoors Whitewater Rafting. So glad I did!! 5 stars all the way!
Everyone I spoke with in reservations (Howard, Lenka, Natalie, and Ian) were super nice and very knowledgeable. Thanks so much to Howard for explaining the process and making my reservation experience easy. Also, thanks for the follow-up.
I booked 2 boats, dragged 11 friends including boyfriend up with me to try a different type of adventure.. and surely it was! We went on the Middle Fork American class III-IV. Only 2 in our group had been rafting before so pretty much the rest of us were first timers who wanted a challenge. Matt guided the 1st boat (w/ 2 of my friends non-swimmers) and Lou (Louis) guided our boat. Both were awesome! Lou was so much fun and way cool! A very informative and chill guide! Loves to chat. He made all of us feel very safe. We did a lot of "surfing" which, besides the class IV's we did, was quite an experience. We tried to hit most, if not all the rapids that had 'surfing' involved. It was definitely nice to have some slow currents to relax, have water fights, and swim in the river.
Lunch was gourmet! Sandwiches with lots of fresh veggies and ingredients. Chips and fruits for appetizers and cookies for dessert. Couldn't think of a better menu than that. We even got to have 2nds if we wanted to. :)
The experience was unforgettable! Thanks again to our guides Matt and Lou and Howard @ reservations for a wonderful birthday rafting adventure! Now all of us can't wait to go back for something even more challenging next year! Cherry creek maybe or even an overnighter..we'll see! Definitely worth it! -
Review from Amy N.
8/8/2008
My first time rafting and I could not be happier with the experience.
The guides in my raft were great. Jesse and Max switched off instructing us down the river, and even though Max was still in training he was definitely ready to be a full-fledged guide. We even took a rapid standing up in the raft!
Admittedly, I was intimidated when we went over the safety precautions before setting out. Not about falling in, but trying to remember what you're supposed to do if that happens. The guides reminded us along the way, and described the rapids as they came up, so it was all about having fun and enjoying the ride.
The only disappointing part was I expected more rapids! We did the 1-day South Fork American River, the upper "chili bar" trip, levels I-III. Next time, IVs!
Notes:
- Bathrooms and showers at the OA facilities were CLEAN. We accidentally went to the campsite nearby, and those were typical camp/park restrooms (i.e., not so clean).
- Fruit and tasty sandwiches for lunch.
- Encourage water fights with other rafts! -
Review from JANET L.
Redwood City, CA
7/22/2011
Just returned from a half day trip down the south fork of the American River...one word...Fantastic! A friend suggested All-Outdoors since they have been operating in the area for so long, and his experience with them has been super. Our guide Ericka was very knowledgeable, friendly and fun, and guided us through the best part of the rapids the whole trip! Other perks... their base in Lotus is in a very nice location, with immaculately clean restrooms and shower facilities. The equipment is well maintained, lunch was fresh and tasty, and everyone we dealt with through AO was friendly and helpful. Last, but certainly not least, safety recommendations were reviewed with the participants, which enabled our group to have a safe, but incredibly exciting time navigating through the class III rapids! Thank You AO!!!!!!!
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Review from David F.
San Jose, CA
6/4/2009
For our annual fun activity this year, my team from work decided to go rafting. We went skiing and snowboarding last year, but we didn't start planning in time and missed the ski season.
One of the group had been rafting with A-O before and recommended them. The trip was a blast! We had people of all different skill levels - some of us had been rafting a few times in class IV or V rapids (nothing like a refreshing swim in the 45 degree river water in class V rapids!), but a lot of people had never been rafting before - unless you count floating down the river with a keg.
On A-O's advice, we went on the South Fork of the American River - primarily class III with some class II rapids, so it kept it exciting for everyone, but not overwhelming for the beginners. The first rapids are a rush no matter how many times you've been, especially when the icy river water splashes up and soaks you. Our guides were excellent - we learned about the river valley, had fun rafting, and rescued our co-workers who went overboard.
The lunch they serve is excellent as well. They bring lots of fresh ingredients and chop up all the sandwich fixings at the lunch break, so everything is nice and crisp - they even had avocados! Well, it is California, but I'm still happy whenever there are avocados involved.
I've been rafting on several different rivers over the years, and A-O did a great job. I like the "frequent rafter (swimmer?)" program, too - it definitely gives me an incentive to go back. -
Review from Shannon B.
San Francisco, CA
8/19/2009 1 photo
By far the most professional and well organized outfitter on the American River.
While clients with other outfitters got tossed into the river, our raft was well prepared to handle what the river threw at us.
I am a first time rafter and took the 2-day trip, South Fork/Middle Fork. Highly recommended. Our guides not only prepared us for the crazy rapids, but also provided great historical overview of the river and scenery.
I can't wait to take my next rafting trip with A-O, thinking bout Tuolumne in Yosemite. -
Review from Bebe C.
Santa Clara, CA
7/26/2008
For my friend and me, booking our trip was a difficult process, but once we got on the river it was smooth sailing (figuratively). We did the upper chili bar portion of the American river and were scheduled for a Friday. The Wednesday before we were booked, we received a voicemail confirming our trip for Thursday - the wrong day. My friend called to clear up the error and she was told that we automatically got bumped to the day before because not enough people wanted to go on Friday. We could not go Thursday and they pretty much told us that was too bad since they had already sent us a confirmation email. Eventually it worked out that more people scheduled Friday so we got to go.
Our rafting experience was much different than our phone experience. I had a great time on the river. The trip we went on was made up of class I-III+ rapids and I felt it was perfect for my first time. Although this company did not have a pretty new van or logo-bearing rafts like the others at the river, I felt like our river guides were more knowledgeable and experienced. I was really happy that their instruction kept me in the raft =). My advice is to go with a group of six so you get your own raft. Our river guide told us some horror stories about people who were either cocky or scared so they didn't follow instructions and ended up spending a lot of time in the water. Wouldn't want to get stuck with one of them!!
I recommend doing the 1-day trip over the express trip - it was nice to have a break halfway through - and the food was yummy! -
Review from ToAsTy T.
Pacifica, CA
7/30/2008
This place is screaming! Our guide was the best, like a good DJ, Brandon Mason adapts to each rafting crew. From a bunch of screaming 6-graders to a bunch of screaming 30-year olds he works it to how we prefer it, wild and bouncy. Even though the ride was quite wet, with his direction it was effortless and nobody bailed from it. We had plenty of shenanigans with the other rafts as well as the other guides.
As first timers. We did a 2-day trip of the south fork, with saturday being the upper section (class 3+) and sunday the lower (class 3+/4).
300$ for 2-nights with an overnight at Camp Lotus. A little pricy, but way worth it.
I like their frequent rafter card. Do 5 days get 1 free. Our reservations were trouble free. Even for a bachelor party group of 8, which they book quite well.
Try to book in groups of 4, 8 or 12. -
Review from Claud N.
San Francisco, CA
6/25/2010
Rafting was very fun! For $100; you get a GREAT guide (we had 2), lunch (sandwiches/chips/carrots/gatorade/water), and a fun trip :)
Watch out for the photo scam though... the pictures they take of you, sell for $70+!!! Can you say rip off?! -
Review from Candace L.
Los Altos Hills, CA
8/20/2008
This was an awesome experience!! We had so much fun on the Middle Fork of the American River. Our guide Ya-Ya was great, patient, experienced, friendly and was very knowledgeable about the history and the geology of the river valley.
I am a fan of the experience (4 stars), but not of the company (1 star). Compared with other rafting companies, All-Outdoors falls short. This company needs a lot of work, mainly newer equipment, better transportation, more organized check-in protocol, and generally the ability to promote a better group morale and team environment. Basically, the company was "poor quality." It appeared as if it was centrally ran through someone's garage and you just drive to some random remote parking lot to check-in. This was an irritating experience from the beginning. We were all crammed into a small school bus and believe me every spot was filled. The staff failed to do a head count, so we ended up with two extra people that were suppose to be in the second group, what geniuses. We suffered through 40 minutes of poor air circulation, nauseousness, and orientation that probably didn't even make a difference since everyone was too dizzy to pay attention.
Much could be said about a certain staff member, Jeff. I guess he was "head" guide and responsible for overseeing our whole adventure. For someone who appears to project a laid-back personality and outlook on life, he sure had a stick up his ass. It's not our problem whatever is plaguing his miserable existence and it shouldn't interfere with us having this amazing experience. Here is an example: There was a handful of us that were seriously dehydrated and needed water when we reached the end of our rafting trip. For whatever reason, there was just not enough water supplied on the rafts. So our guide told us that there would be water available where we disembark. We brought most of the equipment up and several people were waiting for instruction to bring the rafts. Others, just needed water. Jeff saw us grabbing water and immediately ordered us not to touch the drinks and go bring the rafts from the river to where he was deflating them. There were already 10 people carrying the rafts, he was the one holding everything up because it took him so long deflating them. -
Review from Katherine P.
Santa Rosa, CA
6/13/2011
This place is fantastic! There were 3 of us that went and we all had so much fun, we're looking at the 2 day trip with bigger rapids for later this summer! None of us had ever been rafting before, but ended up in the lead boat. Our guide, Cory, was so much fun and so knowledgeable. We all felt safe and none of us fell out even though the waters were very high and moving very fast. After we made it through the rapids, we could jump out and swim about. The water was still moving quickly and it was an invigorating swim! We all got a chance to row/steer the raft when we reached Folsom lake which was great also. The lunch provided with the 1 day trip was fantastic! Sandwich makings, chips & salsa, freshly cut fruit (the guides prep it all right there!) and cookies. I'm definitely going again. They even have frequent rafter deals where if you raft 5 times, your 6th is free! Other rafting companies were out as well and some had to wear helmets, some were pulled through the lake with a jet-ski. I liked our no helmet, rowing ourselves in experience.
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Review from Jessica B.
Santa Clara, CA
10/7/2010
I've been meaning to write this review for a while. My family and I went rafting in August and had a GREAT time. Our guide was Christina and she was a BLAST! All the guides were outgoing and fun to be around. I can't wait to go again =)
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Review from Lisa H.
San Jose, CA
5/30/2011
What a blast! We had a group of six adults and signed up for the 1-day trip on the lower gorge of the South Fork American river. This was perfect for our group, which had only been river rafting 0-1 times before this trip. We went on May 1st, so water levels were high and wetsuits were required, but they have these available to rent day of, along with booties (for purchase) for your feet which are highly recommended to stay warm. Our guide, Ryan was awesome! He was easy-going, had a great personality, and a funny sense of humor. He also knew a lot of history about the area, which was nice. Lunch was included in our package, and they even sang Happy Birthday to the birthday boy in our group. The facilities at AO are very nice for showering at the end of the day. We are definitley planning to go back to try the upper gorge section and highly recommend AO to anyone looking for a fun, outdoor activity.
