Experience River Rafting Solo
February 7, 2020
Wondering if traveling solo on a river adventure is right for you? Meet Joanie, who at 68 traveled across the country alone to fulfill her river dream—and found so much more than she expected. Her story might just be the permission you need to book that trip you’ve been eyeing.
“How was your day?” I asked Joanie. She was sitting in the chair circle at the end of our second day on the Main Salmon. She was sporting a contented smile, head tipped back, face towards the sun. Wine glass in one hand, the other pressed to her heart as she sighed, “Wonderful.”
Joanie, 68, traveled solo all the way from the East Coast for this river trip. She wanted to go on the adventure she’d always dreamed of.
“I was honestly nervous,” she confided.
“Really?” I asked. “Why’s that?”
“I’m old!” she laughed. “And, well. I didn’t know who would be here, or if we’d get along, or if I’d be capable enough.”
“And? What’s the verdict?” I started to ask, but before I finished, 9-year-old Alyssa interrupted us. She rushed up in a whirlwind of sand and enthusiasm.
“Joanie! Come on! We need your help! We’re trying to build a castle for the fish. Let’s go!” Alyssa seized Joanie’s hand and tugged her towards the shoreline, where a gaggle of young people were deep in an industrious sand construction project.
Joanie glanced back over her shoulder and said with a smile, “Wasted worries, I’m afraid.”
Joanie is not the first person to show up to a trip solo. It happens a lot actually. And Joanie’s fears are the fears most often articulated by solo travelers.
Finding Connection on the River
The fear of not fitting in is universal. But the amazing thing about river trips is they naturally dissolve barriers. They inherently facilitate connection. Going off the grid and sharing an experience forges bonds no matter how different the individuals are. It takes about three days for barriers to fall. This effect is well documented. Three days is about how much time it takes for your brain to reset from the stresses of life. You start to become more relaxed, more creative, and more present.
Around the same three-day mark, the whole group starts to jive in wonderful and surprising ways, too. You’re working as a team: fire-lining supplies, washing dishes, and facing challenges together. There’s ample time to find common ground and learn from each other. Connection happens organically.
Being nervous about the group dynamics is legitimate. The unknown always has the potential to be intimidating. But if you make it to the put-in, trust us: the river handles the rest.
Capable and Confident
Like Joanie, some travelers are worried they won’t physically be able to do the trip. If that’s you, we encourage you to consult with our booking specialists. We offer trips with different challenge levels, and our team will help you find the trip that is right for you!
Once you’re on the river, there is a fair amount of choice, as well. You can tailor your river trip to fit your capabilities. Feeling energized? Great, try out that side hike! Feeling mellow? No worries, hang at camp, take a refreshing dip, or a snooze in the shade.
No whitewater or camping experience? No problem! Our guides will teach you everything you need to know from packing your dry bag to setting up a tent to riding safely through the rapids. We’re here to support you and help you feel confident every step of the way.
River Trips are Ageless Adventures
You are never too old to go on an adventure! While it is important to be realistic about your abilities, there is no age cutoff on fun. You know yourself best, but happy to walk you through the physical expectations of different trips.
As Joanie and Alyssa can attest, intergenerational connections create their own special magic on the river. No matter your birthday, we’d love to have you!
The Female Solo Traveler Experience
As a female guide and adventurer in the outdoor industry, I know firsthand that gender ratios aren’t always even. Being the only woman, or one of a few women, on a trip can be intimidating. But these waters belong to everyone, and representation matters.
Here at Holiday we pride ourselves on maintaining a 50:50 ratio of male and female guides. We love that our strong, competent female guides get to be role models. Regardless of gender, you’ll find welcoming and inclusive guides at Holiday. All our guides are here to make sure that you feel empowered and confident.
“It’s important to us that everyone has someone to go to with questions,” Holiday guide Liz Hall said. “We also check in to make sure everyone feels supported.” Hall mentioned prioritizing open conversations at the pre-trip meeting, which lays the foundations for guests to seek support with whatever they need: from how to use the bathroom outside, to setting up a tent, to facing fears. Hall mentioned how much she loves supporting people on the water. “We aren’t alone out here. It’s better when we work as a team. We can do this. We are capable.”
Imagination vs. Reality
Showing up solo to a river trip might feel nerve-wracking, but we promise, the river has a special way of washing away our doubts. Like Joanie, many women arrive at a put-in with a dry bag full of “what-ifs.” But they always leave with a heart full of memories and newfound confidence.
We welcome travelers of all ages and all backgrounds because we know you’ll be a perfect addition to our trip dynamic. Whether you show up with a gaggle of friends or by yourself, we know you’ll find your flow. Traveling solo doesn’t mean you’re traveling alone. Don’t be shy; your river journey is waiting!
From Boise, Idaho, Jasmine Wilhelm has guided on the remote Salmon River system for a decade. She spends her off-season adventuring, freelance writing, and reading voraciously. Follow her writing on Instagram @jasminewilhelm20.8