Raft Naked?
It’s Spring Break. Not that you’d know it from the gray clouds, peals of thunder, and muddy puddle of a front yard we have here at the AO River Office in Lotus. Am I sitting on a beach in Cancun? Sipping a mini umbrella drink? Working on a tan? Nope. I’m at my desk, staring at a pile of T-shirt catalogs and trying to decide what will end up in our “store” this summer. (By store, I mean a collection of tupperware bins in the back of an All-Outdoors truck.)
Granola vs. Hamburger Helper
This is the annual debate: capitalism or idealism? Do I stock the store with organic cotton and hemp shirts from family-run businesses — spending more but feeling good about it — or go with the cheaper “proven best sellers” and actually show a profit? You know, the Granola-vs.-Hamburger-Helper dilemma.
One rep even suggested the “Naked” series. You know, “Raft Naked: It makes your cheeks pink.” Um… not exactly what we’re going for.
But Seriously…
Of course, you can’t actually raft naked — river rules (and common sense) say you need to wear the right gear. If you’re looking for a real adventure, we recommend something far better than a cheeky T-shirt: an actual day (or few) on the water!
South Fork American
- Perfect for: First-timers, families, youth groups, corporate off-sites and anyone after crowd-pleasing, fun whitewater
- Trip options: Half-day, 1-Day, and 2-Day adventures
- Highlights: Class III rapids, sunny weather, beautiful scenery, very accessible
Middle Fork American
- Perfect for: Adventurous rafters looking for exciting, lively whitewater
- Trip options: 1-Day, 2-Day, and 3-Day overnight trips
- Highlights: Class III and IV rapids, famous Tunnel Chute Rapid, wilderness setting
Tuolumne River
- Perfect for: Strong paddlers seeking fast-paced, intricate whitewater
- Trip options: 1-Day, 2-Day, or 3-Day wilderness expeditions
- Highlights: Class IV+ rapids, remote backcountry setting, pristine campsites
If you’re ready to go from laughing at T-shirt slogans to laughing in the raft, book your trip right now!
Back to the Drawing Board
So no “Raft Naked” shirts in our bins this summer — but I’ll keep looking for the right fit: something sustainable, something local, and something you’ll actually want to wear after a day on the river. In the meantime, I’ll crank up some music, slap a mai tai sticker on my water bottle, and remind myself: who needs Cancun when rafting season is just around the corner?
Raft the American River!
This could be you! Paddle through fun, splashy rapids on the South Fork or take on the exciting wilderness of the Middle Fork. With options for first-timers and thrill-seekers alike, there’s an American River rafting trip for everyone!
Keep Reading – There Is More to Explore:
Lenka Bostian
Lenka started working for All-Outdoors in the summer of 2005 when she followed her heart from her native Czech Republic out to California. After graduating college in Prague, she packed up her degree in International Business and moved across the pond for good. She’s been part of the AO family ever since, wearing different hats along the way. Besides trail running, tennis, and traveling, Lenka enjoys rafting and camping on the South Fork with her hubby (former AO guide) and their twin boys.
