When I was looking to go rafting at the end of September, most of the other places wouldn't commit to selling tickets until the day before because they were worried about the weather, so I went through this company because I wanted to get tickets early. We really had a fun time, although don't expect crazy rapids on this trip. More like smooth sailing with a couple big bumps. We still had fun and our guide was AJ, who was both funny and knowledgeable about the area. My first time white water rafting so I didn't mind the calm ride, but if you are a little more intense might not be for you. The pricing was only $30 a person if you order a head of time online. They offer a picture package for $30. The pictures are really good, they snap it as you hit the first run, but a little pricey considering it's just a USB and they don't print them. You get 20 pictures on the USB. They have a little store there to buy t-shirts, etc. Recommend using the directions on the website, your GPS will take you a back way down one lane winding roads!
I have been rafting before so I knew what to expect and it was still fun! Our guide Fast Fred was very entertaining. The other rafts with us had fun together as well. Cold water but who cares! Awesome lunch half way through the trip too, even shrimp! Go rafting!
This is the second time that I have now used this company. First time with a large group of 13, and today with my two boys (13-17). The fun starts right as you step out of the car. The setting is wild looking but clean at the same time. After you register and sign the waiver (THANK YOU FOR MAKING IT VERY SHORT and SIMPLE...5 minutes at most), they lead you to an amphitheater in the woods where you face a replica of a raft made out of wood). Twice now we have had a guide that should really consider a career on Broadway. Yes, it is about safety and all, but we all laughed so much at their way of explaining it...the laughter goes for 15-20 minutes. So relaxing for such a serious topic! They then give you a paddle, a life jacket, and a helmet (no bad smell, thank you again). After a 15 minutes ride in the bus you reach the start point where they train you to paddle forward-backward and get down..on the gravel (a little strange, but you get the feeling on dry land ;-). Finally, you carry the boat to the water and the fun starts. During our first trip we had people who wanted a super safe ride and some who wanted a wild ride. No problem, they arranged our groups to accommodate our request and every one was happy. The guides are no jokers, they seem to know every rapid and rock by heart. I won't describe the ride itself to not steel any thunder here, but it was worth every penny! Tip: Don't use a cotton T-shirt, use a Polyester one that dries fast . Get some sandals (like Keens) but no Crocs, and have a bathing suit that is comfortable. They make you go up and down the raft quite a bit (you can also swim some sections if you like it). Photographers are located at multiple locations. Our pictures were ready to view organized by boat when we reached the parking lot... smart cookies! (something like $25 for 50+ pictures, not bad at all). The showers in the locker room are private, hot, and clean!The ride with my two boys today was phenomenal. The guide asked us if we wanted "Safe" or "Stupid" and he gave us everything we asked for while totally maintaining our safety... Thank you.And finally, last but not least, the company is very close to the main road that leads to the Ocoee, no need to drive up the river on the winding congested road, they take care of that with their bus (we were running late, and the proximity of the site saved us compared to the GPS estimation)
We had a great time rafting with JJ today! She told us alot of great info during the trip and let us do alot of fun things, like riding the bull! We have been rafting with other outfitters but I definitely say OAR has been the best! We loved the full day trip and would definitely recommend it to everyone!
This is are annual family outing every August and once again we were not disappointed. OAR is a great company to experience your first rafting trip. The guides are super and you should have a blast.
A wonderfull experience thanks to a great guide- Scooter rocks!I would recommend this place for everybody looking for some fun and exciting things to do! AND great people to accompany you:)
Great price, great guides, & a great time was had by all. Definitely recommend esp for a 1st timer.AJ was our guide and he was informative, funny, friendly, and did a great job of making everyone feel safe. I also spoke with several other staff and guides and this is a good group of people. I wanted to go again as soon as we finished.
My fiance and I went rafting here at the end of August 2014 and had a BLAST! We could not stop smiling the entire time. Our guide was Miami John. He was fabulous - knowledgable and patient and full of quirky one-liners. I am happy to report that we all stayed in the raft. LOL! We definitely recommend this place - such a great freakin' time!
Always a good trip with this outfitter, highly recommend them! The guides are some of the best and we have used them numerous times. We live in the area and they were recommended to us by friends.
We had a fantastic rafting trip with our guide Bandy. We told him to go all out, and he gave us a great adventure. We had a wild time! It was awesome!