On my bucket list for this summer was going white water rafting. I had long wanted to do it but never got around to it. This is the year, I said to myself, at the start of the summer. We went with Zoar Outdoor and had a great, experienced guide who led our half-day excursion down the Deerfield River in northwestern Massachusetts.
We chose the Class I-III Rapids as this was our first time. Though for beginners, it was still a great adventure. Our teens also helped create even more thrill. Our adopted nephew—a typical teenager—despite the guide’s many requests, took off his shoes and with feet untucked, fell into the water. Our guide promptly grabbed him out and pulled him into the raft. He made it look effortless. It all happened in a split second. We all laughed, though we still recognized that this could have had a different outcome.
The best and most exhilarating moment for all of us was when our guide did a rafting wheelie. For those not familiar with this, I include this video. It lasted longer than I thought and, though I am an adventure and thrill-seeker, I got a tiny bit scared. I should add as a disclaimer that we asked him to do it, and the water and weather conditions were safe.
Navigating the river, medium and large rocks was surprising as, at times, the directions from our guide seemed counterintuitive. We trusted him because he knew the ins and outs of the river and rafts much more treacherous waters regularly. On the day we went out, he was doing three excursions. He inspired confidence and trust in his abilities.
In addition to having a fun day, our adventure also had a few important leadership lessons.
- First, while our guide did most of the rafting with more power and skill than any of us, we each had to lead and follow.
- With our guide in the back, we chose a paddle leader who sat in the front of the raft and set the pace for us to follow. (Yes, it was our nephew who fell in the water. Go figure!).
- Our experienced leader gave us clear directions and informed us of the consequences of not following the directions (which our nephew tested).
- Our guide communicated our strategy clearly for each obstacle. We didn’t all paddle in the same direction all the time, and he explained to us why.
- We also adapted to the river conditions on that day as the water was higher than it was the prior day.
- We had the proper equipment: a life jacket, helmet, raft, oars, and other emergency equipment just in case.
- The wheelie pushed me out of my comfort zone, but fear did not stop me from doing it.
- Lastly, our guide was alert, able to multi-task, and react quickly to prevent loss of life. He balanced fun and adventure with safety.
Throughout our adventure, we recognized that we were a team and had to work together to have fun and be safe. Teamwork made the dream work!
