Look no further, this is the rafting company for you. ARO has set the bar extremely high. They are located right on the river so once you are geared up (after a seamless check in) it's down some stairs to the water, no bus ride involved. Safety is definitely a top priority and the safety talk covers all possible scenarios and really puts your mind at ease that you are in good hands. As for the guides, the first thing I noticed is they all had a sparkle in their eye. They were just as excited as we were and you could tell, without a doubt, they all loved what they were doing. Our guide was Erika and she was fantastic! She knew her stuff, kept us informed, shared some trivia about the river and area, was enthusiastic and just generally cool. She really made the day for us. We happened to come on a perfect day that followed a lot of rain, so the water was high, the rapids intense and the experience unforgettable. At the end we took a quick bus ride back to where we checked in, changed and were treated to a great BBQ. Oh, and they have a photographer that takes pictures of your raft, buy the photo CD, trust me you wont regret it. I can't say enough good things about ARO!
This was so fun. I can't wait to do it again. We had the best weather and the river had some really good waves. Our guide was super, he had our boat cracking up and cheering the entire time. The entire company was first class. Mid way they had snacks waiting for us before hitting the rough water. The view was just breath taking. If you never went white water rafting this is the group to go with. They really take the time to explain everything and make you comfortable before heading out. I really loved getting to swim in the river when it was safe. One more benefit was the great BBQ at the end along the river.
Very fun trip. Guides were great and trip was suitable for all ages and ability levels. Guides did good explanations and practice prior to rafting. Good bbq afterwards. Would definately recommend. Hoping to try the Moose River in spring for a more challenging trip!
My husband and I had a fantastic time in Larry's raft. We enjoyed every rapid and even the tow at the end. The view was incredible and we heard a boatload (haha) or local trivia and history. Really made the buildings we were noticing tie into the trip. Can't wait to go back someday.
My friend and I and our 2 young adult daughters decided to go white water rafting while we stayed for a few days in Watertown, N.Y. I had never been white water rafting before and I am not the best of swimmers nor that confident in the water therefore I agreed to go along -I guess to scratch one thing off my bucket list. We were given Larry as our guide and he was the BEST. He is very knowledgeable about white water rafting and he helped soothe my anxieties/fears. We had loads of fun and I would hightly recommend it. I will definetely return and I hope Larry, our guide will still be there.
Just back from a ride down the Black river through ARO. Our guide, Brandon, was super. ARO made a first timer comfortable. Fantastic adventure. Highly recommend ARO to anyone thinking of giving rafting a try.
ARO has a team of excellent guides to share their experiences and guidance, ensure safety is their Top priority. I went on July 5, 2014 and the day was pretty great weather. Black River is one of the wildest rafting area to have fun. Both Chris and Karen are very kind soul and fun too. There is a pitstop to rest and snack before 2nd half of the ride. It is an extreme and wild experience for me, personally and I would love to go there again ! Look for Jonas as a guide. He's fun.
It was my first time and I had a blast! Our guide, Brandon was fabulous and a huge part of the experience for us. He was funny, knowledgeable and passionate about the sport. The guides provided thorough instructions and most importantly delicious food! I highly recommend you take a group of friends, family or your honey to A.O.K :-)
Our guide Alex was first class. we were lead boat and he explained what was coming up, and what to do if something goes wrong. The trip was great the food was good and the guide was awsome.. ASK FOR ALEX! Unless I am going then he is mine! LOL