I learned that Jason hails from Colorado and over the years has earned a host of whitewater instructional and rescue qualifications, the mention of which gave me a level of confidence even Jason’s efficient manner and German army helmet could not.
Preparing for the drive to our starting point, I learned of Jason’s obsession with the Mae Taeng’s natural beauty, and claims his “Lanna Cultural Adventures for Adrenalin Junkies” cover every nook and cranny, and all levels of rapids on the Mae Taeng River.
After a bumpy but scenic ride up to our staging point, we ate lunch and then learnt a little ‘basic training’ and the basics of whitewater rafting. Most importantly, we learnt how to synchronize our paddling so that we could maneuver the raft efficiently, and also know what to do if someone should fall into the water. Groups in this kind of raft / boat are always limited to six, along with one professional rafter as a guide.
A Rapid Ride
Banished almost immediately were my preconceived mental pictures of drifting lazily along a river, and I learned a new meaning for the word ‘respect’ when we hit the first set of rapids. But I was excited, 100% alive, and in the moment….nothing before or after…just this moment.
Det – our guide – shouted out directions and we dutifully obeyed. Though strenuous, we ultimately emerged unscathed from the rushing tumult and raised our oars in an exuberant “high-five”.
Before I could congratulate myself the next set of fierce rapids were upon us. The water rushed around us as we managed to maneuver our boat over and through the roiling waves. By this time every inch of me was soaked.
Out of breath but high on life I quickly did a mental review of the remaining rapids ahead, which we were warned included grade 4 rapids. But gradually we all worked as a team and while the rapids kept coming, faster and more frequently, we found our rhythm, and like a well-oiled machine, forded our way over the boulders and falls, and twists and turns.
When we finally got out of the river – butts soggied through and through, and bodies aching – we thanked Khun Det for ensuring our safety and maneuvering us over what seemed impossible only a few hours earlier.
But I saw tiny shop with what looked like cold beer, so I mustered the energy to investigate and managed to procure a well-earned bottle of the amber nectar before I collapsed riverside.
The excitement of the rapids forced me to live perfectly ‘in the moment’ for several hours, and I wondered whether this resulting ‘inner peace’ was that for which yogis and holy men of legend are after. And when I thought back to those slow motion moments when I panicked and disaster seemed imminent…..now Jason’s German army helmet didn’t seem so esoteric.
Wanna White Water? You can
contact Jason directly, or
North by North-East can integrate a whitewater experience into your family or group’s travel plan / itinerary.
What to Bring:
Sport sandals or trainers, shorts and/or bathing suit, T-shirt, sunscreen, a change of clothing, small amounts of cash (baht) for extra purchases. Sweatshirt or jumper (November to January). Non-waterproof valuables such as cameras or watches are not allowed.
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