Arkansas rafting business is down this summer despite rare world-class rapids

For rafting experts, the summer of 2019 up to now has been one to remember. Powerful water flows and high water levels on the Arkansas River in Fremont County has made for great white water rafting.

Expert rafters are even comparing this year’s rapids to the legendary rapids of the summer of 1995 on the Arkansas.

” This has been one of the most epic season’s we’ve had, ” said Justic Peevler , a manager and rafting guide at River Runners Royal Gorge. ” T o see these levels for this prolonged of a time, it’s a wonderful thing that rarely, rarely happens. ”

However, the rare water levels don’t appear to be converting into customers. Rafting outfitters in Fremont County say business has been down compared to recent years.

Travis Hochard , the Vice President of the Arkansas River Outfitters and the General Manager of River Runner says he has spoken to several commercial raft businesses. All say money is down this year than in recent years when the water levels were significantly lower. Hochard estimates that rafting business in the area could be down around 20%.

“It’s anecdotal but I think there is some legitimacy to that number, ” said Hochard . ” The media attention has not been real positive.”

Hochard says the high water levels may have scared people off.

Earlier this month, an Austin man drowned after his raft flipped into the Arkansas River while on a commercial rafting trip with his son. As of today, this is the only known death on the Arkansas this year.

But Hochard wants to be clear, when the water levels change, so do their excursions

” We have over 100 miles of river. There are numerous put-ins, take-outs, and we can move trips, ” said Hochard . ” We can accommodate for people who are looking for more of just a family trip, or to people who are looking for that world-class white water experience. ”

As always, safety remains priority number one on the Arkansas.

Rafting outfitters are more proactive in rerouting tours and screening the guests than ever before.

The rafting industry has made huge strides when it comes to gear and raft design. More guides have training and medical certification in the area than ever before.

AROA has outlined more safety tips here.

In the end, customers need to be honest with themselves, and what they can handle before they get into the river.

“If you aren’t sure with your abilities check out our entry level trips and you can work your way up into an intermediate and maybe an advanced,” said Hochard .

Water levels have subsided this past week. Earlier this month, water levels were rising higher than 5,000 cubic feet per second.

Thursday, the water levels are slightly greater than 3,200 CFS .

Water levels are still high enough where commercial rafting companies won’t take groups underneath the Royal Gorge Bridge.

However, no part of the river is closed to the public.