If you’re a fan of whitewater rafting, but are starting to have a been-there-done-that attitude about the excursion, you might want to consider tackling The Seven Whitewater Wonders of the World.

Outdoor Adventure River Specialists (O.A.R.S.) specializes in all things water, and has been perfecting their services since they started out in the Grand Canyon in 1969. Even if you've experienced some of these places before, they’ve selected the best runs at each location, guaranteeing more gushing water for your dollar.

Of course the Grand Canyon is one of their wonders, as well as the Middle Fork of The Salmon River in Idaho. There are two trips to British Columbia, one of which will find you camping overnight on glaciers along the Klinaklini River. If you get water logged there, just have them drop you off for a little heli-hiking. ]]> kjb 2009-06-09T09:32:08-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/2/19/7222/07624

We know it’s still cold across much of the country, but that doesn’t mean you can’t fulfill your summer vacation dreams right now. The water is still flowing in the rivers—even if it’s a little icy—so jump in and enjoy. Many whitewater rafting companies are happy to take you for a trip down river, and they’ll even make sure you stay nice and toasty. ]]> kjb 2009-02-19T15:26:07-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/9/12/16129/7807

Though the summer travel season is winding down, you can still have some warm weather fun through September. Head up to the province of Nova Scotia and point your GPS to the Shubenacadie River. The guides from Shubenacadie River Adventure Tours have all the gear you need to enjoy some late-season up-river white water rafting.]]> kjb 2008-09-15T13:05:29-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/8/11/73030/5035

Now that you've earned a gold medal in sitting--for parking yourself in front of the Olympics all weekend--it's time to get moving. You can work on your own dreams of 2012 in London with a trip to the US National Whitewater Center in Charlotte.

Celebrating its second birthday this month, the $38-million facility promotes active and healthy relationships with the outdoors. The center has whitewater rafting and kayaking, hiking and even a climbing gym. Eleven miles of trails for both hikers and mountain bikers surround the central buildings, and there's even an "eco-caching" area for a green-focused spin on geocaching.

As you test out your skills on the world's largest artificial whitewater river, you'll be able to walk away with an increased knowledge of rafting, no matter what your experience level. After working up an appetite, there's even the River's Edge Bar and Grill, where you can enjoy a locally grown meal. You may not be ready for 2012, but at least you'll have fun.

Related Stories:
· US National Whitewater Center [Official Site]
· Active Travel coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: US National Whitewater Center]]]> kjb 2008-08-11T09:45:08-05:00 35.2743543 -81.000277 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/7/17/7392/74851

If you find yourself visiting western North Carolina this summer (maybe for the Bele Chere festival?) then you may want to stick around a little longer and take in some nature. Mountain Adventure Guides provides the opportunity for beginners to head out onto the French Broad River and test their skills.

Located about 30 minutes from Asheville, the guides offer a relaxed rafting experience and allow plenty of time to stop and take in the sights. This isn't really an edgy summer vacation, but sometimes you want to do something outdoors without the risk of drowning.

You'll head out for about a half-day and travel five miles along the river. The rookie-level adventure will only set you back $43 per person, and if you're into foliage you'll get a 10 percent discount after September 1. If you're more of an adventure seeker, there are also a couple more intense options--but those are really better in the spring when the river really gets going.

Related Stories:
· Mountain Adventure Guides [Official Site]
· Rafting coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo of a slightly different experience: Rupert Taylor-Price]]]> kjb 2008-07-17T09:20:18-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/6/17/72513/1012

If our other rafting suggestions haven't done it for you, maybe this one will get you moving. ACE Adventure Center in West Virginia has rock climbing, biking, kayaking, horseback riding and more on a 1,400-acre resort.

The center runs rafting trips on different sections of the New River. Each trip varies in difficulty, with some for beginners and some for those who can handle class V and class V+ rapids. For those just starting out, trips in 16-foot rafts make the ride a little more stable and comfortable, so there's no reason to sit on the shore.

With only two weeks until the 4th of July, it's not too late to get there for the holiday weekend. Three of ACE's rafting trips on the Upper New River will be half of the usual price, and there are a couple of discounted options on the Lower New River. The cheapest start around $100.

Related Stories:
· ACE Adventure Center [Official Site]
· Summer Travel coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: Sleestak66]]]> kjb 2008-06-17T11:30:01-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/5/27/19926/3306

Ever wonder what it would be like to shrink yourself and get inside your washing machine, but instead of your whites, it was full of huge granite boulders? We don't know who these masochists are, but if water, rock, adrenaline and a rubber boat filled with 10 of your buddies sounds appealing, then rafting on Cherry Creek--outside Yosemite National Park in California--is your gig. Cherry Creek is without question the most difficult whitewater run in the state and people argue whether it is the most difficult in the country.]]> DanielR 2008-05-29T09:50:01-05:00 Search Jaunted string http://www.jaunted.com/search/