The Weber State University Campus Recreation Outdoor Program is hitting the river for a weekend of whitewater adventure during their Snake River raft trip.
Limited space is still available for students to join the guided trip to Jackson Hole, WY from Sept. 5-7.
“Our Snake River raft trip that we host in September is always students only, so it’s intended for incoming students or new students specifically that just want to get out, meet new people and do something that’s kind of high adventure,” said Daniel Turner, the campus recreation outdoor program coordinator.
A $95 fee for the trip includes all transportation, camping, equipment and meals, excluding one night of dinner in Jackson Hole.
“It’s an incredible experience,” Turner said. “Being able to go whitewater rafting the second week of school kind of brings everybody together and builds new friendships, and a lot of those new friendships tend to last throughout the entire semester or year.”
All WSU students are welcome on the trip and no previous rafting experience is necessary. The only requirement is that you are a competent swimmer.
The trip will depart from the outdoor program’s office, located at Annex 9, on Friday. From there, students will board the WSU minibus and head to Jackson Hole.
The following morning, participants will raft eight miles down the Snake River twice and encounter eight sets of rapids, ranging from class I and II to class III. After rafting, participants will eat dinner in Jackson Hole. On Sunday morning, students will travel back to the WSU campus.
Rhyana Pack said she is looking forward to going on the rafting trip with some of her family members.
“My sister loves to raft so my husband and I decided that it would be a fun birthday present if we set up a rafting trip with her,” Pack said. “We have the opportunity to do these things, so we should benefit from trying them out and learning about nature and just enjoying life.”
Emily Stiffler attended the trip last year because she had always wanted to try whitewater rafting. Stiffler said she encourages students to participate in the trip this year.
“You get to meet a lot of cool people and it was a really good time,” Stiffler said. “Get out there and do new things on campus.”
Stiffler said her favorite part of the trip was when she fell out of the raft during a large rapid.
Registration is open now and can be completed at the outdoor program, online at www.weber.edu/outdoor or over the phone by calling 801-626-6373. Participants are also asked to attend the pre-trip meeting on Sept. 2, which will be held at the 0utdoor program.
The rafting trip typically has around 24 students participating and Turner recommends registering as soon as possible because spots will quickly fill.
“My favorite part is just watching the students interact and experience something that’s completely outside of the norm,” Turner said. “If they come with an open mind and a sense of adventure, they’ll have a blast.”
