"2009 rafting flows confirmed!" The American River website (www.theamericanriver.com) boasted the good news on Sat. March 7 following a storm that dropped enough presipitation to guarantee a full and fun-filled whitewater rafting season through the 2009 summer.

This is exciting news for thrill-seekers, water sport enthusiasts, and rafting guides (such as myself) alike.

The South Fork of the American River is the most rafted river in California, with hundreds of people boating down the Class II and Class III rapids on any given weekend throughout the summer months. It is the historical site of James Marshall's discovery of gold that led to the "Gold Rush" and the eventual statehood of California, and many hopeful people continue to mine this region for gold.

The South Fork is located east of Sacramento up Hwy. 50, just west of Placerville. The small town of Coloma is home to dozens of rafting companies that take participants down the 21 mile stretch of river which starts at the Chili Bar Reservoir and flows to Folsom Lake. The river is divided into two sections, 'the upper' and 'the lower', and trips are run with one-day or overnight options.

The lower portion of the South Fork is the most popular option for several reasons. Trips begin at about noon (as opposed with 9.a.m) when the water flow, which is released from Chili Bar Reservoir at appx. 9 a.m., makes its way to Camp Lotus, the most common "put in" point. This section also features more Class III rafting than its counterpart with rapids such as 'Satan's Sespool' and 'Hospital Bar' waiting to drench anyone willing to challenge them (and photographers ready to capture the moment perched nearby).

'The upper' features an exciting rapid named 'Troublemaker', a grueling run through a rocky section labeled "Meatgrinder", and a series of other Class II and III rapids in quick succession of each other. It is a less popular run due in large part to the early "put in" time, but offers a great deal of excitement none-the-less. 'Chili Bar Hole' is a favorite rapid amongst kayakers who practice 'surfing' and other tricks.

The peak rafting season is June-Aug., but for those who can't wait for warmer weather, trips are beginning to run now. Information on rafting or other fun area activities can be found easily at the American River website or through a simple Google search. Some of the more prominent rafting companies are listed below and have websites with specific information. Get out there, enjoy the rushing waters, and experience an exciting portion of northern California.

• W.E.T.
• ARTA
• O.A.R.S
• Whitewater Excitement
• Peak Adventures (the company I guide for, based out of CSUS)
• Tributary
• Gold Rush
• *and many many more