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Owl Rafting on the Ottawa River for a Family Float.
Half way between Pembroke and Renfrew in Ontario's Ottawa Valley, is
were we ventured for this www.hotelfun4kids.com
"Visits..." to experience the Family Floats run by Owl
Rafting on the Ottawa River.
To add even more splash to the "Visit" we included a stay at
Logos Land Resort along with a day at its' Roaring Rivers Water
Park. See www.hotelfun4kids.com
- visits Logos Land Resort and Roaring Rivers Water Park.
Owl Rafting offers families with younger children an exciting introduction to
the world of White Water Rafting with it's Family Float Trips. This
unique rafting ride is ideal for families with children weighing at least
50 lbs. Parents and adults that wish to experience the
rapids with a gentle introduction will enjoy it too. The ride encompasses 6
kilometres of white water with quiet pools and sandy beaches as well as a
lunch aboard the return pontoon cruise.
While mainly for liability purposes, both the requirement of the signed
waiver and numerous warnings by staff made it clear that there was
an element of risk involved to those participating in white water
rafting. That being said, OWL Rafting's safety precautions and
the fact that we are all experienced swimmers, provided us with a sufficient level of comfort to go for
it!!!
After a brief orientation where we were assured that we
"Would definitely get Wet", placing some dry clothes in our
"Guide's Dry Bag" for the return lunch cruise and donning our
personal safety gear (mandatory helmet and life jacket), we boarded the bus for a short ride up the
river. See Tips for Rafting for more information on wearing a wet
suit and packing a Dry Bag.
| Prior to boarding our raft, our guide "Brady" checked our
safety equipment and went over the safety procedures again, including what
to do if you fall off the raft or are unsure about a rapid. Prior to
every rapid run he made sure everyone was comfortable with the rapid and
his instructions. |
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The
Family Float Rafts are designed to offer a more stable ride with hand
holds for every rafter. No paddling either as the guide does all the
work.
Since the first rapid was rated too high for our adventure, we used the
well worn path to meet our guide after the real rough stuff. We enjoyed
watching him ride the "Garborator" - a "Class 5"
rapid.
Now it was time to hold on tight and enjoy the rapids of the Ottawa
River. OWL Rafting's Family Float rafts hold up to 8 people.
We placed the two boys between us and rode rapids with such names as:
- Coliseum
- Push Button
- Hair (which is another name for rapids)
- Butcher's Knife
- Blacks Farm
- and Dog's Leg
We definitely got wet and had a great time!!
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A
brief stop at "Miami Beach" for juice gave us a chance for a
refreshing swim in a warm sandy cove. |
 If it's warm
enough and it was during our visit, rafters can
even body surf in the river. You can float on your own -
staying near the boat or hold on to the rope. It was a great
experience and yes they can pull you back into the boat - I had my doubts
though.
After all that excitement we were ready for the meal awaiting us aboard
the pontoon boat. A satisfying lunch consisting of hamburgers, salad, fruit, beverages
and homemade cookies was devoured by all the hungry rafters during a leisurely cruise back to the OWL Rafting's complex. This is were
you can change into your dry clothing that was packed in the guide's "Dry Bag".
Rafting Tips:
-
Request a Brochure
from OWL Rafting and read the instructions provided.
-
Ensure that all
family members are comfortable with going rafting. Daycare is
available. Children must be 50 pounds to enjoy the Family Float.
-
People with certain medical
conditions should consult their physician prior to booking a trip.
-
Advance Registration
is required and rafts take place rain or shine
-
If
the rapids are too rough, some may need to be by-passed.
-
Consider staying
overnight before your float - see Staying Overnight
for
more information. This gives you a chance to settle in and be
ready first thing in the morning.
-
Arrive early if you
are not staying overnight - you will need to sign waivers and receive
wrist bands.
-
Full and Half wet
suits are available for rental. Even on hot days the water can
still be cool and we suggest that you rent at least the jacket for
children.
-
Don't wear cotton
clothing - a bathing suit, nylon shell or fleece are good
options. You can bring along a garbage bag and cut out holes for
your arms and head.
-
Wear
sunscreen.
-
If you are wearing
sunglasses ensure that they are shatterproof and attached by a string
or you may lose them.
-
Shoes must be worn -
either sandals with secure straps or running shoes - bring an extra
pair because they will get soaked and pack them in the dry bag.
-
Bring a waterproof
camera if you want to take pictures.
-
Use a garbage bag to
pack a set of dry clothes and shoes for each family member - this bag
is then available on the return barge for you to change and gives you
a bag to store your wet clothes.
More Fun
Back at OWL Rafting Centre you can enjoy the beach, try out some kayaks, play
beach volleyball or just relax on the grounds. If you come the night
before you can enjoy these facilities prior to your rafting trip.
We had fun trying out the kayaks and playing soccer. We also enjoyed
watching the aprés video presentation of the White Water Rafting for
adults in the OWL log pavilion. Watching the video gives you a good
idea as to why you took the kids on the Family Float. You'll see
rafter upon rafter fall off the raft into the rapids for a good
dunking.
Staying Overnight
If you are planning to go on the Family Float or White Water Rafting
with OWL Rafting you may wish to add the Overnight & Breakfast package.
This package includes a buffet breakfast and the options of bringing your
own tent, renting a tent or staying in the Six Person Cabins.
Here are some hints if you plan on staying overnight in the Cabins at
OWL Rafting:
- Staying overnight before your trip is a wise choice. You will
be ready first thing in the morning and have a chance to familiarize
yourself with the facilities the evening before.
- The cabins consist of two double beds and two single bunks - no
bedding is included so remember to bring a sleeping bag and pillow for
each family member. There is electricity in the cabin for a
radio.
- You can also add a Steak Dinner to your stay which includes a salad
bar. This is a great idea if you are staying overnight - book it
ahead of time.
OWL Rafting's Family Floats are a great introduction to riding the
rapids. We had a lot of fun and were impressed with the emphasis on
safety this attraction offers for its guests. If you are considering
taking a Family Float, book in advance and follow the instructions
provided for a fun and safe rafting experience.
For more information on Owl Rafting including Contact
Information go to Eastern Ontario Family Attractions
For information on Hotels and Resorts
near Owl Rafting go to Eastern Ontario Hotels and Resorts.
One of the special features of www.hotelfun4kids.com"Visits
..." is the unique opportunity for you to ask us
questions about the Visit location. Go to www.hotelfun4kids.com/contactus.htm
to submit your question and we will do our best to answer
it. Picture of Family Float Raft provided by OWL Rafting
- we had to hold on during the rapids and couldn't take a picture.
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