Action Whitewater Adventures

I had such a fun day going through the river. Fabio was my guide and he really made sure we had a fun experience. I would definitely recommend this company for first timers and for adventure seekers too!

we were a little bit late for the full-​trip rafting, and then we were told to pay 30 dollars per person, and we can only raft for the lower part! it just doesn’t make any sense, because we already paid for the full-​trip, but we can only raft the lower part, why did we still need pay the extra 30 dollars per person? it’s a rip-​off, we drove 3 hours from San Jose only for this rafting, but it turned out to be very disappointing. I wouldn’t recommend it to my friends and also, I’ll leave the same comment on Groupon.

Thank you AWA and our guide SAMUEL!!!
Me and 3 of my best girl friends had an AMAZING time with the 21 mile full run rafting today with this company!!! All the staff was so friendly, professional, and super fun!
Our guide ‘Samuel’ was absolutely FANTASTIC!!! He went the extra mile to make sure we had a fun and exciting time by letting us take turns sitting on the front of the boat, having us stand up and paddle through the rapids, spinning the boat round and round! It was SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH FUN! Thank you Samuel for making our whole day so enjoyable, we’ll never forget this adventure. His favorite line everytime we went through the rapids… «BOOM!» He’ll be quoted by us girls everytime we bring up this trip! BOOM!!!
We’ll be back and we can’t wait to plan our next trip.

Absolutely wonderful! Samuel was our guide. He made sure we had a great time and was patient with my kids. Lunch was well organized. Great company. We will definitely go again.

Our group, (2 teen nephews, a friend and I) took the ½ Chili Bar trip this week and what a great adventure it was! All of the staff were great. Very friendly, helpful, professional, and chill. We we so lucky to have had the most awesome, capable, knowledgeable, kind, smart and funny guide, FINN, to whom I’ll always be grateful for plucking us all (7 out of 8) out of the churning waters of the Meat Grinder after we’d had an unexpected hit to the raft. I have to confess I was kind of freaked out because my friend disappeared for awhile, but it turned out she’d done all the right things as the river swept her down a bit by keeping her nose and toes upward and another raft was able to catch her and pull her in until we could meet up and take her back with us. Whew! Quite an adventure, for sure! Finn dealt with it all with equanimity and super quick thinking/​skills. Such a pro! His calm kept us calm (especially me). Thank you forever, Finn!
After that scare, we found we were better at tucking our feet in and there were no other unexpected swims. During the rest of the trip, Finn pointed out historical sites and told us interesting anecdotes about growing up on the river. My 6’4″ 285# nephew decided to swim a couple of times when Finn indicated it was safe to do so, and I don’t know how he did it, but Finn was able to haul that big fish out of the water 3 times that day! When it was all over, we ended up wishing we’d had a whole day on the river.
Everyone at AWA was so accommodating and friendly. Thanks to the lunch guys, Jett and Jackson, and to the safety gal, Dee, and everyone else. It was so good meeting all of you! We can’t wait to come back and have another trip with AWA. We wish you all a super fun and safe summer!

THE BEST TIME EVER!!! It was my first time whitewater rafting and I really felt taken care of by the company we chose, even before setting foot in the water. Action Whitewater Adventures secured and even set up our campsite prior to our arrival and then provided all the gear and training we’d need to travel down the river, as well as our lunch during the trip. Coming all the way from LA, I was really grateful for them taking care of those little details.
Rafting down the river itself was an altogether exciting adventure I’ll never forget! Four of my friends and I bonded and worked together as a team, navigating the rapids, all thanks to our expert guide! I could tell we had a good guide because other company guides and even local law enforcement riding down in kayaks acknowledged his presence and paid their respects along the way.
The pictures we received after were the icing on the cake! The most exciting moments on the water were captured by photographers along the river. My friends and I loved ‘em! I can’t wait to do it all again! Thanks, AWA!

My party and I had a wonderful experience camping and rafting here – We were running behind and afraid that we’d have to pitch our tents in the dark, but when we arrived the tents and campsite were fully set up and ready to go! Mike, our guide, gave us a great recommendation for a spot in town to get some amazing grub, and when we came back to make s’mores and enjoy the campfire, he helped us set that up too! Very accommodating and helpful.
The next morning our we were able to quickly get our gear and get out onto the water without delay. A few of us were first time rafters, but after the thorough safety run through and instructions, we all felt confident and eager to get going! Our guide, Mike, was friendly and hilarious, making our trip as entertaining as it was exhilarating! We stopped for lunch on a beautiful beach and had plenty of food to go around. The lunch was sandwiches and cookies, just what we needed to keep us going but not load us down. The fixin’s were good and we had some to spare. We had a chance to swim in the river a couple of times (though granted it was quite cold!) and by the end of it we were all thoroughly satisfied! Can’t wait to come back here again to try some of the other locations. Excellent weekend getaway spot. Thanks Mike and crew!

Had a blast with Oscar and our group last week! It was a fun, exciting, memorable trip. Looking forward to going back asap!

We did the 21 mile stretch and it was a memorable experience. Fabio, our guide was really great. I would definitely recommend it :)

My wife and I, and four friends recently chose to go rafting on the South Fork of the American River with Action Whitewater Adventures. One of the friends found a Groupon coupon for a decent discount, and the company appeared to get good reviews, so we took a chance. My wife and I have been rafting on the South Fork American with a couple of other companies, and have had a very good experiences with those companies, so AWA had some «living up» to do. Unfortunately, they did not succeed.
The problems started immediately. There was confusion with the time that we were to arrive at the starting location. Originally we were told to arrive at the meeting location (Camp Lotus) by 11 AM to check in. Later we were told to meet at 10:30 AM, and then it changed back to 11 AM. My wife called on the morning of the trip and was told 10 AM. I called back and got Matthew (who seemed to be in charge), and he confirmed an «11 AM» start time. We went with that, and arrived at Camp Lotus about ten minutes ahead of schedule. We paid a $ 4 parking fee that we weren’t told about until after booking and paying for our trip. We then checked in, and were told that the trip really wouldn’t get going until around 12 PM so that people could «check in late». Really?! Why did we get there on time?! Essentially it’s «let’s hurry up and wait». We did get some safety training around 11:45 AM, but at 12 PM we were told there weren’t enough paddles for every raft (7 – 8 total), and that we were going to have to wait 10 minutes or so for the owner to bring more paddles. Again, really?!
After waiting fifteen or so minutes the paddles failed to arrive. We were then told that instead of having our deli lunch on a river beach downstream, we would have to have it where we were currently located to keep on schedule. The deli lunch was fair. There was barely enough food for everyone to make sandwiches, and the guides knew this ahead of time because they made a point of saying «don’t make large sandwiches the first go around so that everyone could get a serving». Again, really? You can’t make sure there’s plenty of food to go around? The cold cuts were not great quality, the bread fair, the fixings very meager (some they ran out of), generic store bought cookies, and only water or blue Gatorade to drink. I know I didn’t choose a rafting company for the eats, but compared to lunches served by other companies we’ve tried this was sadly lacking. It would cost very little to really spruce up the variety, quantity, and quality of the lunch and give people a really nice experience, preferably on a beach on the river downstream from Camp Lotus as was advertised. No mitigation was offered for this mishap.
We were finally on the river around 12:35 PM. The trip itself was good, but that’s because the river is really fun to raft. Our guide (Marcello) was okay, but didn’t add a lot of value to the trip. He didn’t know a lot about the cultural or natural history of the river, and we had to correct him about a couple of wildlife identifications. He seemed more concerned about keeping all the company rafts in close proximity than offering us a truly exciting, interesting, personal, and well guided experience. The trip was over fairly quick. No swimming in the river, stops to look at other rafts going over rapids from shore, diving from rocks, or «Lunch» on a beach as I’ve done with other companies. It was pretty much get down the river as quickly as possible.
My final summary… all in all a pretty average experience compared to other trips I’ve been on, although the rafting itself was really fun. They made several mistakes early on making me concerned about their logistics and planning. I wouldn’t raft with this company again given the problems they had getting their act together, old ripped life jackets, the lack of value added to the experience, and no compensation for time lost on the river. They just didn’t seem to want to give it the extra effort to make it a truly (positive) memorable experience. I know this review runs contrary to many of the reviews posted for this company, but I think a lot of those reviews might be from first time rafters. I’m not a first time rafter and this company could have done much better. It merits the two star «meh, I’ve experienced better» review.

They are a great group of people who make sure that you get to enjoy your trip. The guides are very friendly and keep you entertained for the whole trip. We reached just as the bus was about to depart and they quickly accommodated us. Each group already had a guide assigned, the photos they take are also good. But not worth spending $ 50 unless you get some really good shots.

Action Whitewater Adventures were great! 5 of us rafted the one-​day, 21-​mile trip down the South Fork of the American River yesterday. The AWA staff were really professional and organized. We got helmets (there are some with go-​pro attachments on top), splash shirts, and there were even wet suits for those of us who got cold easily (the air temperature was just above 60 for most of the day, so we grabbed some of those). Everything was organized and enjoyable, and the lunchtime food (hamburgers and hot dogs) was pretty good.
We parked at Lotus Bar ($ 3 charge), and once our entire group was there, it was about a 40 minute bus ride up to Chili Bar. The one-​day trip takes you down to Salmon Falls, and then it’s another 40 minutes back to Lotus Bar.
Our guide, Tevan, was really skilled. He was nice, low-​key, and really knowledgeable about the river. A lot of the time he’d take our suggestion as to which side of the river to go down, except for the serious rapids, where he took charge. He was also teaching another guide, Eduardo, and took that responsibility in stride. (Eduardo was from Brazil and was a really good guy too.)
We got a good safety lecture at the beginning of the day, and Tevan made sure we practiced our various rafting maneuvers. The river flows were pretty high, especially after a few drought years, so it was an exciting run.
The last thing I’ll say is that I fell off the raft at Satan’s Cesspool and Tevan did a great job of pulling me out and laughing about it with all of us right after.

This was the best rafting place I have ever used, and I’ve rafted many times all over the world. They were organized, professional, but relaxed, funny, friendly, with super skilled, knowledgeable guides («Dan the Beast Severn» was ours), and nice, ample equipment. Even the bus ride was filled with horrible jokes to make it more bearable.
I should probably also add that I even booked my trip for me, my wife, and two friends visiting from out of state, on the WRONG *&$%#@* DATE and they still hooked us up like nothing ever happened. Not to mention being un-​phased in how fast they got things going despite that, when they were clearly basically booked out.
In addition to making it happen a week early for us, and not just telling us «too bad see you next week, dummy,» they made me laugh about it, and feel like less of an idiot than I was making myself feel. So, that was cool.
Also, you cant beat some hamburgers after rafting.
USE THESE GUYS AND BE STOKED!

I called for ½ day package & safety. I don’t really swim so I want to make sure this is suitable for me. I spoke to Mathew and he gave excellent suggestion knowing we’d come from the Bay Area.
My son and I took 11am — 4ish deal instead 9am –12ish which cost $ 5 more per person. We were given wet suite, splash pul– over, life jacket, helmet and safety overview. Darren, Johnny were on our raft. Gabriel was the photographer on his kayak and Kyle was our safety person on his kayak.
The ride was fun with amazing beautiful scenic. Some section was rough but that made the water rafting really fun. I got thrown in the water because I took off my foot from the lock guard and they pulled me in and up at no time. I stayed calm and listened to the Guide lead, Darren. Safety instruction came in handy and important. I got back in and we continued our fun journey. I reviewed all my photos and I saw Kyle, our safety person, was there where I fell off to make sure if he needs to get involved.
We had lunch at a «beach» where it was so organized. They had everything to make a sandwich. Chips, water and sweet drink were also provided.
We got pick up at the end where they drove us back where we parked our car. The was nice, clean hot water shower where we changed.
Conclusion: Safety and fun was my main goal and my son and I got both!
Recommend — do the South Fork as the 1^st time. Classified Hat to wear underneath the helmet.
Glasses with secure string. I did not loose anything after falling in the water.
A set of dried clothes, towels, shampoo to shower when you are done.
I tip each person and bought my highest package photo for $ 99 which was burned in a CD. I figured it was an all day activities and the photographer had to work hard to catch those beautiful priceless moment. Why worry about $ 50 or $ 99.

Recently went rafting through AWA with a group of friends and cannot believe the amount of fun we had! Groupon prices were easily honored for the ½ day «Chili Bar» section of the South Fork. We had Travis as our guide and he was stellar! Honestly lucky to have such a chill and knowledgable guide, although all the guides seem pretty solid. Good balance of thrilling rapids and calm water to feed your excitement and allow you to enjoy the scenery. Definitely an amazing experience, thanks for the adventures AWA!
Heads up: Think twice about bringing a GoPro. The river gods are currently looking through all my footage right now!

Had an awesome day today. Our group was so lucky to be with the leader of the guides — AUSTIN.
He was awesome, experienced, and hilarious! Never a dull moment on the raft. He knew how to position the raft so that our group would get the most out of the rapids. Such an experience it was today. Would definitely do it again. Will be hunting Austin down as our guide again though.

This activity was purchased through Groupon for 5 people.
We were told to stay in Roseville (this could be that they assumed we would be coming from hwy 20 as that would appear to be a normal route). When traveling to SMF, absolutely, but if bypassing Sacramento (headed east) one would take I80.
We took their advice by staying in Roseville (*Homewood inn and suites were great) which meant we drove out of our way, even though our hwy was closed due to wild fires. We could have stayed near Folsom, a much shorter ride.
So there we were back in the car (5.5 hours to Roseville and another 45mins to rafting). The destination was not completely marked, (we are in the woods right). We were directed by some young gals to park and check in, after about 30 mins we were finally addressed on rafting procedures and then instructed to wait some more before being assigned a long baby blue bus. It was at this time we began another road trip and it’s not even 10am. By 11 we had reached our site jumped in our boats and began.
Our guide was Sam. He is from Brazil and had a thick accent. He was nice and even dumped the whole boat (himself included) sadly at this time I lost my ball cap.
Graciously he gave me his. (I thought as a gesture like, «sorry I lost yours, these are our free work hats». I was wrong after trip he came up and said, «hat» indicating, «I want mine back and sorry about your loss).
The trip was a lot of fun with a break ½ way (actually it was our starting spot before the blue bus haul) lunch offered: hot dogs, hamburgers, cheap buns, sauces, chips and boxed cookies. After about an hour we were back on the water. No one was dumped out, no one fell out and we all got wet.
Our guide Sam and the only girl guide must be working behind the scenes, they were blowing kisses back and forth, bumping rafts as often as they could (one raft was about to get mounted by the other).
The weather wasn’t it as good as the Gods predicted. We believed 90 it was more like high 60’s low 70’s. (Burrrr) after lunch our guide did offer us splash shirts (like a light weight rain coat) this kept the chill to a minimum.
After the water route we were bussed back to base camp (were the car was ½ way between the 21 mile journey). They did provide Gatorades.
After the 30 mins bus ride back we tipped our guide and waited a long time to get our picture disc burned. But they did use Square so that was nice and we were able to split the bill between 3 of us. Our choices were 1 pic 25 $, ½ the trip pics for 50 $ or the whole trip pics for 105 $. They only take your pictures in 3 areas of the trip at the level 3 Rapids. Right before entering these all the rafts wait for each other then go, maybe this is so the picture crew doesn’t have to stay all day or so our photos look more exciting with more rafts in the pictures?
As we began to leave. You know that 6 hour drive there, we pulled up directions, would you know we were right next to Folsom and could have stayed there instead of Roseville. Ugh!.. But … I wouldn’t have the bag of goodies I got from OldNavy. (Staying in Roseville). To be fair, I wasn’t the booking party or the driver just along for the fun…
Now the drive home became 3 hours!!! (I wish I would have known then, what I know now)… Waaaa hoo!
I would do it again. Rafting that is.

Forward!
Stop!
Forward!
Stop!
I heard so much of that in four hours, along with «AARRGH» and «YEAH!!» and «WOOHOO!» Even Jackson, our guide, was losing his voice by midday.
Speaking of guides, they all seem to be down to earth, funny, competitive, and knowledgeable. Our guide was pretty new, but he knew his stuff… from all the names of historic rock formations along the river, to sharing the rules of the river, to commanding our maneuvers around rocks and trees.
Rapids were tolerable. Last ones at class 3 were the best. However, the first rapid got the most of us… out of the raft. After that first spill, we were like whitewater experts throughout the day. One with a missing slipper, one with a cut, and a few with sunburn.
Lunch was basic. Nothing fancy of course, but very satisfying. You can go back for seconds, if there’s any sandwich meat left… or just bread. The bathroom is a nice little hike away from the lunch area and shore… so make sure you have ample time to «take care of business» and possibly wait in line.
Other tips… Helmets are provided by this company, unlike other companies that I’ve dealt with in the past. Also, arrive early for good parking. And make sure to have your waiver forms signed!
Thanks to Janice C for setting up a fun-​filled day excursion and sharing the Living Social deal. Totally worth every minute… with great company, cold river water, awesome weather, and that ice-​cold thirst-​quenching drink I had in the shuttle bus back to camp. CHAAAHOOO!

This non-​swimming human went on her first river rafting for her birthday and I gotta say, it was freaking AMAZING! Our guide was Mariano, and to be honest, he seemed intimidating and standoffish when he was first pointed out to us. He wasn’t smiling and didn’t say a word to us when another guy yelled out to him that we will be in his raft. Once on the raft, he was a drill sergeant, funny guy, & teacher combined! I swear we paddled through the all-​day 21-​mile South Fork Full River more than any other rafts out there! Fell off the raft once when I chose to bull ride one of the class III rapids but despite the 2-​second panic I felt being underwater, it was one of the funnest part of the trip (thanks to my husband’s quick response to my disembarkment). We had so much fun my husband and I are planning to go back for more! (\
PS: I’ve looked into most of the rafting companies in the area, & although AWA wasn’t the cheapest, it’s probably one of the safest & funnest out there. I strongly recommend it to all first timers/​non-​swimmers out there. I also recommend doing the all-​day 21 miles to maximize the experience.

The wife had her baby shower on a recent Sunday with her girlfriends, so us guys had a free day. Wanting to stay local, our options around included brewery hopping, boating, or rafting. Wanting to do something different, we chose rafting. Half of us have done the South Fork of the American before, but Middle Fork runs weren’t happening yet because of the drought, so we decided to book. We were met by our guide, Anthony, who was very knowledgeable and fun to be around. The rapids on the South Fork are great for first timers, but more adventurous rafters might get a little bored due to a few long stretches of just floating.
Pro Tip — Travelzoo has a $ 89 day trip (15 miles) including deli lunch. The lunch was surprisingly good!