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According to Rafting America, (http://raftingamerica,blogspot.com) there appears to be a definite uptrend in business in the recreational water rafting industry. This is remarkable considering overall trends in travel, whether business or leisure were down because of the adverse economic situation. 2008 proved to be a “roller coaster” ride for our nation as we saw outrageous gasoline prices, the real estate collapse and the financial markets dive to the lowest of lows.

We are not yet able to fully predict how the rafting industry will be affected in 2009. It would appear that the more high end, costly vacations may be curtailed as the airlines industry is mostly reporting a decrease in the frequency of travel. We think that the US consumer will continue to hold on to their dollars until the economy recovers. However, according to Raft American, studies have shown that vacations are often one of the last items people cut in their personal budgets.

Mariah Wilderness Expeditions, (http://mariahwe.com) one of California’s largest whitewater rafting companies, finished their 2008 rafting season with a remarkable 13% increase in business, particularly on the South Fork and Middle Fork of the American River. Why? It is possible that the reasonable price of a typical two day river trip, the safety of the activity, and the draw of the great outdoors has begun to be attractive to the folks who still want to vacation, yet do not want to adversely affect their budget. As of today, our 2009 reservations for summer rafting trips are up by about 15% over the same time in 2008. The reservations are from corporations wanting to be certain that they obtain their favorite trip date, also from schools, colleges, youth groups such as boy and girl scouts. We have a wedding party coming, a group from Europe and several families. It seems there are no shortage of whitewater rafting fans!

It is still too early to predict what the snow level will finally be, and the amount of precipitation California will receive. Currently both snow and precipitation are below historic average. However, the dam controlled rivers in California are in a fortunate position. Due to contracts negotiated over the last several years, the supply of water on the South Fork American River will have predicted releases. (http://www.theamericanriver.com/news/sf)

“Family river rafting makes great memories!” Eileen Ogintz, Tribune Media Services, makes an excellent case for taking the family rafting. (http://cnn.com.2008/travel/getaways/11/03/river.rafting/index.html) Eileen describes a week ling rafting trip in Utah. A trip of this length may not be for you and your family; you may prefer a one or two day trip in California. (http://mariahwe.com)

Hopefully 2009 should be a great year for rafting!