Adrian's Rafting Adventure

As you probably know, New Zealand is rather famous for its extreme sports opportunities. So, clearly my trip wouldn't be complete without taking part. On thursday we went whitewater rafting, although that isn't quite accurate. Really we went waterfall rafting, including one which was about 20 feet high! It was a ton of fun, and I managed to go the entire time without falling off! (Note to members of RAFT 2007: even though the waterfalls here were intense, all we had to do was assume the crash position, so overall it was pretty easy - the RAFT 2007 trip was definitely more hard-core)

Annoyingly enough, I did get a small injury though - at one point we jumped out of the boat to swim the rapids. Then when the trainee guide pulled me back into the boat he didn't look behind him and pulled me right into the handle of a paddle! I now have a very hot-looking black eye. It makes for a good story though - I just tell everyone it's because I was teasing the girl sitting nextt to me on the bus and she slugged me.

Alrighty, picture time! We got a great series of photos of our raft (Team Awesome: New Zealand chapter) going down the waterfall - enjoy! I'm in the front right of the raft (front left as you look at the picture).

waterfall approaching: assume the crash position!

aaaand, here we go!

you can just see me in the front of the boat as a wave crashes over me

fully vertical

almost fully consumed by the waterfall

where'd we go?!?

aaaaaannndddd. . .

. . . we're back!!

our raft pops back up without losing anyone

we made it! Time to celebrate!!