Colorado Rafting Testimonials
Arkansas Valley Adventures is a multi-sport, regional company located in central Colorado. We offer Colorado white water rafting on five different rivers, rock climbing, fly fishing, cabins and camping. The 2011 season will be our 14th year in business and throughout the existence of AVA, it’s been our goal to advance the industry of white water rafting and adventure companies. Whether it’s service, gear, our guides, our outposts or our website, we want to be the best. Plain and simple, we strive to set the bar.
Let us show you the beauty, excitement and lasting memories of a Colorado white water rafting adventure.
The best place to read Guest Stories and Testimonials is on our Guest Rafting & Adventure Blog, where guests have posted their experiences. You can post your own there too!
I will never forget white water rafting with AVA in Browns canyon, Arkansas River.Exciting… exilerating… unbelievably good time. Can’t wait to go on another trip.— Gayle F.
See what others have to say about Colorado white water rafting and adventures with AVA:
“AVA, We just wanted to say “Thank you” to our great guide Brian and the Staff at the Kremmling outpost for a great trip on the Upper Colorado on July 17th. We had so much fun. We made a little video of the trip and thought you might like to see it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lBcjTsJwQQ
Also, we wanted to say thank you for sending our son’s hat back to him. It fell off when he jumped into the river, and was recovered by someone else in our party, but we left it in the van on accident on our way back to Kremmling. We called and it was found, and returned to us in a matter of days. He was so excited when he opened the package! He said “Yay! My hat! And look Momma, it’s not even wet anymore!”
Thanks again for such a great experience. We will certainly raft again with AVA!
Craig, Stacey, Kaylee and especially, Gavin”
“Hey, Deanna
Just wanted to let you know the trip was a smashing success. You guys are awesome! Everyone aboard had an absolutely excellent time. The 3-Day Mild-to-Wild was the perfect blend of activity and leisure. The river was awesome, and our time on shore offered plenty to keep us entertained between the hikes, rappelling, rock-climbing, and socializing around the camp fire. Our guides took care of absolutely everything, and truly went out of their way to make sure we had a great experience. Even the food was amazing. I never knew one could live in such luxury outdoors. Please pass our sincere thanks to Miles, Adam, Jeb, Cheyenne, and Sally, as well as the rest of the crew at AVA who helped make our trip a success. If you could make sure they get to view the links below, that’d be awesome. I know they will all get a kick out of it. Last, but not least, thanks to you for all of your help and personal attention in planning and coordinating our trip over the preceding months. Your firsthand knowledge and availability to address any questions we had from required gear, to travel routes, to lodging options in the area for the night before made putting such a large group on the river a cinch. Here’s to you all at AVA! Hope the rest of the season is as big a success as it was for our trip!
Sincerely,
The Nebraska Bachelor Party: Jim Swoboda, Tyler Christensen, Jim Swoboda Sr., Scott Gifford, Brian Gifford, Nate Egbarts, Paul Radtke, Dan VonDollen, Jake Lang (The Singing Cowboy), Pete Hall, Barry Burks, and Tony, with special guests Mike Schooley, and Dave and Jake Decoteau.”
“Dear AVA Staff, Our family’s recent experience rafting down the Arkansas River was so much more than a “wild wet ride.” The moment we arrived, we enjoyed great coffee, fine music, crunchy granola bars and a cozy fire. We were early, so taking time to watch the hummingbirds was fun, as we feed them in Illinois, but infrequently see the ruby-throated. The entire staff that day were friendly, helpful with all the gear, and easy to talk to. Our guide, Fish, made the “fear of the unknown” easy, with his expertise, humor and kind heart.
Thank You again, for your dedication and all the personal touches.
Sincerely, The Tjaden-Huber Family“
“As I sit here at my totally fake hotel here in totally fake Las Vegas, waiting for someone with totally fake boobs to bring me a totally fake drink at this concrete pool with plastic trees and synthetic lawn, I can’t help but yearn for the Arkansas river and my totally real crew of guides that made the experience one of the most real things I have experienced in my recent life.
The contrast between the first two days of “mild” rafting and camping and the “wild” class five challenge of the Gauntlet was exactly what I was looking for. My son is turning 16 very soon. This means a drivers license, and a job in the next few weeks. I wanted to spend some time with him before our schedules make a trip like this impossible. Your trip gave us the venue in which to enjoy nature and each other’s company.
I have been in a service business since 1986, so I know that pleasing “the public” is a tightrope walk at best. You have to be professional without crushing fun. You have to command respect, without being a Nazi. You have to make the difficult appear to be effortless. Your Crew of Cheyenne, Sally, Adam, Miles and Jed accomplished this tightrope walk with ease.
I anticipate booking new river raft trips in the future. Possibly Gore Canyon or the Grand Canyon. I will consider AVA when I make my choice.
Thank you and the crew for a great experience!”
-David & Jake Decoteau, Danville, PA
“I took a 3/4 tour with AVA from Buena Vista and it was the best part of my week in Colorado. The tour guides, Josh and Sally, were skilled, entertaining and very professional. Everyone at the office was great too. Thank you so much. I will highly recommend AVA to all my friends, and I will definitely return in the future for a longer rafting trip.”
Thanks again, Collin Keel
“My daugher (Katie) and I did the overnight in Brown’s Canyon this past weekend and I just wanted to share my feedback.
First, the guides (Amanda, Kyle and Gabe) were all helpful, polite and overall just perfect. I can’t say how much I appreciated their efforts to make the trip exciting and memorable. In particular, Amanda was very nice to my daughter, even letting her try her hand at “guiding” at the end, and I can’t say how much Katie thought that was so awesome. Again, thanks for a wonderful experience and hats off to the staff…was terrific!
Second, Katie now wants to be a guide when she is in college (she’s 13 now)…so now what am I going to do!? 
”
Thanks! -John
“Thank you so much for finding the photos and sending them to us I do appreciate your efforts and the extra efforts of all staff on the day who made our experience safe and enjoyable. If there is anything we can do to help promote your company in the form of a customer comment or letter in these difficult commercial times (both economic and safety reputation wise) we would be more than prepared to do that because of the positive safe experience you gave us. Please get in touch and let us know how we could help!”
-Richard Loynes, On behalf of the Loynes family
Dear AVA rafting,
I just wanted to tell you what a wonderful 6th Anniversary we had because of you. Yesterday we rafted the Gauntlet. Zach was our guide and was phenomenal. I have never felt more confident on the river. It was our first time rafting a class five and I was a little nervous. My husband and I agreed Zach gave great instructions. We agreed he was the best guide we have ever had. Your staff at the Granite outpost was on top of everything and incredibly cheerful and helpful. We will be rafting again with you and referring you to our friends.
Sincerely,
Nicole Foster
“Alison, I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude to you for booking the most amazing experience our family has had this summer!!!! Your enthusiasm helping me book the adventure was very help full. Like I told you on the phone I was the big “chicken” out of the family….IT WAS AMAZING!!!!
I want the highest in your company to recognize you, and most of all our guide.
I work in the retail industry for a pharmacy, and I know customer service is the highest of importance. I know far to well that it is important when you give outstanding customer service you do want to hear positive feedback. And allot of the time people don’t take the time to recognize when they have been treated very well.
I am taking the time because I would like someone to know how much of an asset to the company they have. Our guide was amazing! We had John and I do not know his last name. John was outstanding ! John had the energy and enthusiasm that took my worries away so that I could enjoy my adventure with my family. And he had his hands full with 7 of us! It was my sons birthday the 7th of July and my step daughters on the 8th of July and that was our surprise to them.
Nathan is a very “WILD” full of energy! And John was amazing with him……………Nathan would have traded anyone of his sisters or his own brother to take John into our family. This young man was so wonderful and I would hope someone will recognize him for the job done above and beyond!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We almost lost Nathan to a bad accident which left him with a head injury. Nathan is fine and able to function and do normal things in life but he like I said is WILD AND FULL OF ENERGY!!!!! And John had no problems with Nathans energy, or at least did not show it…..But I can’t tell you how much this young man touched our entire families lives on July 9th 2009. He made our day more special than the rafting trip itself!
Thank you so much again…And we will be spreading the word about your company, and we will be back so keep John around for a long time!!!!!!!!!”
Thanks Lisa Bassett and FAMILY
“AVA,
My family and I went rafting with AVA this past Saturday afternoon and I would like to recognize the outstanding performance of Johnson. This was our first rafting trip and my wife, our sons (8 and 13), and myself were the only four occupants of the raft. Throughout the trip Johnson’s primary concern was for the safety of Collin (our 8 year old son). Johnson had Collin sit in the back of the raft near him and during the middle of the trip strongly emphasized the outcome if the rest of the family did not improve our paddling efforts. All of which my wife and I really appreciate. Additionally, Johnson was very knowledgeable about the area, very easy to speak with, and enhanced our overall rafting experience. We had a great trip and look forward to returning next year.”
Thank you, Kevin and Valeri Reynolds
“My seven girl friends and I just did the Browns Canyon half day and had a blast!
Our guide, Kevin, is amazing. He is a great instructor and helped us have a great day! We were part of a “rescue mission” after a raft flipped. I came away feeling very confident and secure with the level of knowlege and experience each guide demonstrated. I feel we were properly prepared for the risks involved and also instructed on how to have a fun but safe trip. Your office is also very professional and helpful. Everyone was upbeat and ready to help all of us (which is alot!) get suited up and ready to go. We couldn’t have been more excited to all go in the same raft (thanks for making it happen) and we will definintly come back for some more fun! Thanks again! See you soon, Colorado, Oregon, Arizona and California”
“I appreciate you letting me know about the sharing of the raft too. I would have LOVED to be all together in one raft but, understand the safety factor too. I hope that you work on a commission plus salary. You have been great. I will tell you, the reason I chose you over everyone else was because you actually sent me a quote when all others just sent me items to look at. The other reason was the web site was awesome!! For me and family to actually look at water and what we will be facing was quite an adventure in itself.
THANKS THANKS THANKS for the great customer care so far.”
-Mark Abeyta
“We’re looking forward to a fun trip.. BTW, your salesperson, Lee Gilbert was very helpful and informative with all of my questions. That’s why we chose your rafting company over all of the others..”
-John Norris
“Greetings…Just wanted to give Kudos to Miles…He was our Perfect Guide last Thursday on the Brown Sizzler trip. Multi-level group that we were. He was Perfect for each one of us! So personable, high level of knowledge…engagingly passed on to us. High Level of Skill…made us feel safe!
Just an A+ experience! Thanks to your pre-trip staff, as well.”
-Dian Quatrochi for the whole Q Clan.
“Just wanted to say thanks for an awesome rafting trip on Wed 6/9. For 1st timers, we didn’t know what to expect. We are from Texas and our guide, Heidi, paired us up with another group from Texas. Heidi was fantastic and fun… We are planning to return next year and actually looking into going to West Virginia to try a trip that Heidi recommended….. We will tell all our friends what a Class Operation you run…Brown Canyon is an awesome trip…..”
Thanxx Laura, Tony, Tyler
“This past weekend I went on a rafting trip in Clear Creek, Colorado. It was incredibly fun and a very good experience for my family. We were fortunate to have John as our guide, and another young man who came along in some capacity of certification. Both of these young men demonstrated an unequivocal sense of mastery, not only of the rafting but also as calm and confident leaders. My daughter was tearful and confused about the trip, but truly wanted to be a part of this excursion.
I did not mention it because we don’t use my daughter’s disabilities as an excuse but she has significant challenges. They sensed her anxiety and set good boundaries for her to feel safe in their charge, while at the same time demonstrating a sense of calm assuredness and kindness. This is impressive, and allowed us to have an experience with her that we often cannot enjoy. Our gratitude is immense. Kudos to your company and your excellent staff.”
-Kimberly Eiseman Feld
And More Letters from Previous Years…
“We wanted to send along our thanks for the great Colorado white water rafting family trip that Matt and Becky guided for us on Tuesday, July 29th. We were impressed with how seamless the trip was organized and orchestrated – even though Matt and Becky had themselves just met. It’s a testimony of how AVA has hired well-trained professionals who know their jobs. We were also impressed with how safety conscious they both were. We had grandparents and small girls aboard, and Matt and Becky made us feel well protected.
We look forward to booking another trip with AVA in the future.”
- Jay and Beth Hohfeler
“Many thanks for a great summer season! The service you provided our members and guests was appreciated and each of them had a wonderful time! Whether it was Colorado white water rafting, rock climbing or fishing – the trips were great. We look forward to next year!”
- The Pioneer Club, Tracey, Jason & Alisha
“We had a wonderful stay and a great time on the river! Thanks!”
- Troop 412, Houston, Texas
“I’m writing to thank you for your professionalism and commitment to service. As a Conference Services Manager at Keystone Resort, it makes a difference to know I can rely on you and your staff at AVA to make sure our clients are getting a high level of service and value through your company.”
- Heather Ulrich, Catering Sales Manager, Keystone Resort
“Hi Duke, Deanna, Heather and All! I just remember those names, plus our AWESOME river guide, Keith. Our family had some of the most fun we’ve ever had at your facility. The cabins were perfect. Sydney, one of our 12-year old twins, fell in love the minute she walked into it. The BBQ was perfect. I enjoyed getting up early – 5am – and watching the world wake up with coffee.”
- Rick Lewis
“As the Keystone Conference Activities Coordinator, I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude to you and the AVA staff. You have been extremely accommodating while working with Keystone Conference Services. From visiting us prior to the summer season to answer our questions to tailoring each group’s trip to their specific needs, it has been extremely easy to book group Colorado white water rafting trips. The season has gone smoothly, and I have only heard positive comments from groups.
Thank you for your help in providing our groups at Keystone with excellent service. I look forward to working with you next season.”
- Lindsay Kuhlman, Conference Activities Coordinator, Keystone Resort
“I wanted to drop a line thanking you all for a wonderful trip. My husband and I were first time rafters down Brown’s Canyon Express, and had an awesome time. Everyone was so friendly, and our guide, Wendy, was super. We hope to be back next summer for more Colorado white water rafting and will definitely be back with AVA. Thanks again!
-Chris & Lisa Layton
“On June 19-21, 2006, our Boy Scout troop from Rogersville, MO, utilized your organization for Colorado white water rafting trip along the Arkansas River. I would like to inform you that our guides, Kevin, Jessie, Becka and Josh; were not only extremely professional in their duties but were pleasant and accommodating throughout the entire trip. They made our trip extremely worthwhile and enjoyable. Any recognition that you might give them on behalf of your company is well deserved. We will be happy to recommend your company to any of our fellow acquaintances. Thanks again for a wonderful trip.”
-McLoud & Company, L.L.C.
“We wanted to thank you once again for showing us such an awesome time the other day. Your staff rocks! Even our first-timers on the trip weren’t scared for their lives, well may Rob at the top of #4…? Seriously, we had a wicked good time & will definitely be telling everyone we see about you guys. Thanks!”
-Darlene & The Mtn. Thunder Crew
“Thank you for the incredible Colorado white water rafting adventure!
-Laura Peters
“Thank you Kenny and Matt:
I would like to acknowledge Kenny – my raft guide and Matt, the safety officer on the Gore canyon raft trip, Saturday August 26th, 2006. I know that you probably, and they also, have heard how great both these guys are, as professionals, humanitarians, and unique people…It is wonderful to meet 2 people who know how to live, respecting nature, human life and knowing how it live it. I had an exhilarating experience never to be forgotten. THANK YOU both very much for sharing that experience!…Continue doing what you do, enjoying your vocation, sharing your passions, and sharing it with others!”
