Making Meaningful Connections on a Grand Canyon Rafting Trip

May 9, 2012 - PRLog -- A Grand Canyon rafting trip is a unique outdoor experience, exposing rafters to some of the world’s most unforgettable natural wonders and exhilarating challenges.  Those who book a white water rafting trip may put adventure and getting out into nature high on their list of reasons to embark on a 3, 5 or 7 day expedition down the amazing Colorado River.  What most people may not consider are the people they will meet and share their journey with.

Fellow rafters may include solo travelers, couples, groups of friends or family, and of course, the guides.  Whether you begin your trip alone or with others, there is no doubt you will meet (and eat and sleep with) a whole new group of friends.  Over the course of your whitewater trip, you will have the time and opportunity to get to know each other, but don’t be afraid to jump right in and introduce yourself to get the ball rolling. After all, you know that you have at least one thing in common!

Your fellow river rats will very soon become friends as you face the unknown together. There is a special bond that develops as you conquer new territory as each other’s best advocates and supporters.  Everyone comes into their white water rafting adventure with apprehensions of some kind: What if I can’t climb onto the boat? I’m afraid of high places.  Bats? No way.  I’m not an experienced hiker and I’ve never pitched a tent or scrambled up a rock face.  What if it’s too cold…or too hot?  Not only will your seasoned river guides help you conquer your worries, you and your fellow rafters will tackle everything that comes up together.  You may be surprised at how you’ll encourage someone else or how a helping hand lifts you up.  You all just keep moving on through the journey, just as the river does.

You might also be surprised at who becomes your best friend on your river rafting adventure.  Fellow rafters have converged from all ends of the earth, from diverse ethnicity and cultures, from multiple generations and different socio-economic backgrounds.  Being on the river, away from the trappings of society and the pressures of everyday life allows rafters to get to know each other at a much deeper level.  The inner kid of a 65 year old may bond with a 10 year old, and two people who might walk right by each other without another thought on a busy sidewalk can experience a rare friendship.

There is so much to do and experience on a Colorado River trip, and there is always a fellow rafter that wants to take a side hike, play a game of cards, or watch the sun going down in the Grand Canyon.   Rafting participants face all of the experiences – the fun to the feared to the simply breathtaking  – together, which creates a bonding experience you’ll remember forever.  You can expect to leave the Grand Canyon with not only amazing memories of your trip, but with unexpected new friendships.