Texas Whitewater Experience

South Padre, Here We Come?

Sounds like a good plan for the break eh? South Padre is the old reliable Texas party beach, huge crowds, drunk kids, sandy beach, yadda yadda yadda. Wouldn’t it be nice to go somewhere a little more unique? Do something a little more exciting than take a dip in the ocean? To add a little spice to your break, try something new, something fresh, something that might make you pee in your pants a little. MmHmm, what I’m suggesting is a little whitewater. A little rafting,
a little fear, and a heck of a lotta fun.

Texas River Expeditions, with over 29 years of rafting experience, offer a wide variety of rafting experiences, but the one you should be looking for is the trip through the Big Bend Rapids. Nestled in-between rock escarpments, the river twists and winds through the valley, providing more than enough waves to keep you on your feet, or rather, keep your ass flat inside the raft, rowing to keep the raft upright. Now, this is no deathtrap, the rapids are doable by novices, but if you should unfortunately fall into the river, you may get knocked around little, no permanent damage though.

Maybe so far rafting sounds like a pretty gung-ho experience. Don’t be discouraged by that though, as the comforts of home are never too far away. Near-gourmet meals are prepared by your outdoor guides: hearty breakfasts including bacon, eggs, sausage, pancakes, coffee, and juices; lunch is often served right along the river bank, and most often there are deli cold cuts, pastas, and salads; and finally, dinner is a point of pride among your guides, serving up steaks, fajitas, fresh fish, and even a dutch oven desert crumble. On some trips wine is served with dinner, and you are allowed to bring your own alcoholic beverages. As far as the bathroom situation goes . . . well, you’re surrounded by river anyways right? Just kidding, porta-potty facilities are provided, so there is no fear of getting attacked by wild animals at inopportune moments.

Amidst all the watersport and related hooha, there are numerous scenic hiking routes, which your guide will be sure to point out. Certainly you brought your camera with you, and this is your chance to take some great pictures of the beautiful wilderness surrounding the Big Bend River. There is always time in the evenings to take short hikes around, and plenty of photo opportunities.

Now, if you’re ready for a spring break you’ll remember for the rest of your life, and the bruises will last at least a week anyways, think about a little whitewater excitement, it might be just the thing to beat the crowds of the beat, but cool down in the water all the same.