Things to do in Cagayan de Oro: WHITEWATER RAFTING

Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing. ~Helen Keller

When I was in grade school, I’ve always been too shy for the world. Lived in a barrio with only making friends to my neighbors. I only stick to them since I am too shy to meet other children. That’s why whenever we went to the city, I always creep under my father’s arms. I’m always conscious with the moves I’m making. Anyways, I’m still the same person even though I have grown older. But more adventurous and risk-taker.

I was invited to join white water rafting, sponsored by Great White Water Tours whom I believed to be the most secured rafting companies in Cagayan de Oro, with their equipments purchased from US top brands. At first, I was hesitant if I’d go with this opportunity. I started to think of the possible events that might happen to us during the rafting proper. So what I did to lighten up my doubts, I tried searching youtube videos about river rafting. And that made my worries worsen.

But we were given the Basic Rafting Course, hayy, I felt relief. LOL. I realized that what I’ve seen from the videos I searched were in advanced level. So, I didn’t let the chance slip away and made a confirmation that I’ll be joining the rafting. Whew!

The day has arrived. It was an early Saturday morning. The fetch-up location is at Divisoria fronting McDonald’s Divisoria branch where a jeepney, with a raft loaded on the top, beeped as if calling us to get inside the vehicle. The driver rode us to the main premises of Great White water Tours where we signed papers and left our stuffs. We also applied sunblocks and wore our comfortable outfits suited for river rafting such as rash guard, etc, but still I wore my long sleeved shirt. until everyone was already prepped up, we rode the jeepney again heading to the base point where our river rafting adventure began.

As we arrived to the base, we took pictures first of course. Then we were given helmets, safety vests and paddles. Before the rafting proper started, we were given a 10 minute or more briefing about what to do during the ride. We were oriented about safety measures and the different ways of paddling. Then we loaded ourselves to our respective rafts. As far as I can remember, there were 3 sets of rafts at that time. And on our raft, there were 8 of us including two of our rafting guides.

The Rafting Experience

We were told that we’ll be passing 14 rapids. WOW. I avoided to think about the negative thoughts. It just can’t be helped, and there was no turning back at that time. Our raft was already floating on the river. While I was having mixed feelings. Maybe a meter or two, we just passed the first rapid. Our raft went up and down angrily so I panicked a bit. Remember, it was my first time. And I shed a tear, blame it to the sunblock. It really made my eyes sore. But felt accomplished because we just survived the first rapid. LOL. There are 13 rapids more. But at that time, I felt excitement.

So, to make this portion short, we were able to see the beauty of nature on its simplicity and grandeur. The steep mountains and the abundant trees. We also met local people who have lived near the river, some were doing their laundry while some just bathed. Maybe to feel refreshed from the sun’s heat. The sun was very high at that time, thanks to the sunblock, even though it made me dry, at least I won’t worry about my skin turned to charcoal. LOL. We were also served with bottled waters and snacks. It was the first time I tasted Malunggay Pastel and I liked it. 

What I enjoyed much during our rafting ride was when we were able to jump out of the raft and just enjoy the coolness of the water, know that there are portions of still waters, and the exhibitions we did as organized by our guide kuya “Dodong”. Those exhibitions have made us nervous but felt triumphant after we did them flawlessly. Plus kuya “Dodong” humor that made us giggle and historical facts that made us utter “aah” while nodding. And I bet, our team was the noisiest among the rafts that joined along us. We just can’t contain our thrill and the feeling of shouting “Ahoooo” whenever we get to pass a rapid. We would like to have more rapids until we’re left with the last rapid. To end the ride, we shouted the last “ahoo” with our hearts out. Then got out off the raft and took some pictures together with the team and kuya “Dodong”.

After the exciting adventure of our lives, we then headed back to the main premises where we then had our satisfying and loaded lunch. They served us plates of rice, roasted chicken, liempo, and some fruits such as pineapple and watermelon. Thanks to Great White Water Tours.

That experience will always be remembered. It offered me lot of first times. And I just can’t believe that I was able to survive Cagayan de Oro’s Whitewater Rafting. Such a great achievement for me. And for those who want to enjoy this once in a lifetime adventure only in Cagayan de Oro, you can contact Great White Water Tours for booking and make reservations for you. So whenever you get to Cagayan de Oro, don’t miss Whitewater rafting or you’ll definitely miss a part of your life.