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We encourage you to consider these differences between ROW and other adventure travel companies:
ORIGINAL & INVOLVED COMPANY OWNERS:
Because Mother Nature can sometimes throw a curve ball, consistency and leadership experience are critical for an adventure travel provider. ROW has maintained family ownership since 1979 and both of ROW's owners continue to be active in the company's operations.
DEPTH OF ADVENTURE TRAVEL GUIDING EXPERIENCE:
ROW guides have an average of eight years guiding experience. Many have extensive wilderness medical training and are certified in interpretation - offering cultural, historical and geological insights into the areas you travel.
HIGH GUIDE-TO-GUEST RATIO:
Multiday trips have typically one guide to every three or four guests. One and two-day trips have one guide to every six or seven guests. This ratio is above average, and because of this ratio ROW guides are more involved with guests. Joining meals, ensuring your comfort, answering questions and sharing in the adventure fun.
RICH CULTURAL AND NATURAL INTERPRETATION:
ROW takes pride in its knowledge and interpretation of the diverse destinations we explore. We believe that by sharing history and culture with guests, we can add to the enjoyment and appreciation they develop for the area. ROW guides share entertaining information on cultural and natural history throughout our adventure trips. Many guides have college degrees in wildlife biology, geology, anthropology and other related fields, and more than half are Certified Interpretive Guides. ROW encourages questions on its trips and brings a telescope on all multiday trips. We also carry a library with relevant books on the area's natural and cultural history.
WIDE CHOICE AND SUPERIOR QUALITY OF RIVER CRAFT:
We do our best to bring the type of river craft best suited to a particular group. options include oar rats, paddle rafts and inflatable kayaks. ROW has one of the newest fleets on the water. All of our rafts are self-bailing and most are less than five years old. All rafting gear for your trip is included in the price and we replace our gear (tents, sleeping bags, personal flotation devices, etc.) frequently. Check out our full line of river craft.
FAMILY MAGIC™:
In 1988, ROW pioneered Family Magic™ adventures to maximize the enjoyment of children and their parents or grandparents. ROW's owners are parents, and this experience helped shape the design of Family Magic™ itineraries and special features. These trips are staffed with a "River Jester™" who leads games, nature exploration, and other activities. These trips are "family-only" so participating kids will have plenty of playmates, and our kid's menu would make Dr. Seuss drool.
PREPARED FOR EMERGENCIES:
Travel of any kind has inherent risks. While ROW takes every precaution to mitigate risk, you can be certain that our staff and equipment is prepared to handle any emergency situation that may arise. ROW carries emergency satellite telephones on all trips lasting three or more days, giving us instant response times versus country radios located at scattered ranches or ranger stations. Each ROW guide is certified in basic emergency care, and many have advanced wilderness safety credentials.
LUXURY CAMPING:
Most ROW trips have a cargo boat with support staff that goes ahead of the group to set up a luxury river camp before guests come off the water each day. With spacious tents, dining tables, chairs and sun showers, ROW makes certain guests live in comfort even when they're exploring remote wilderness areas. ROW provides all camping gear including tents, sleeping bags and thick foam mattresses.
QUALITY OF OUR CUISINE:
ROW's delicious meals are made from fresh, healthy ingredients. Guides are trained in the kitchen for quality and consistency. Our hors d'oeuvres are legendary, as is the famous ROW mustard bar at lunch. ROW provides soda, juices, coffee, tea, cocoa and complimentary beer and wine, in moderation.
FAREWELL DINNER INCLUDED:
ROW includes a festive farewell dinner where guides and guests celebrate their adventure. Available and included in all trips of three days or more.
RESERVATION ASSISTANCE WITH PRE and POST TRIP LODGING:
If requested, ROW staff takes care of making hotel reservations before and after your adventure travel vacation.
ENVIRONMENTAL INTEGRITY:
ROW has always been an active supporter of river conservation. We are dedicated to "Leave No Trace" camping ethics and always practice the three R's - Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. See our sustainable travel page for more detail about our commitment to the environment and to causes that promote responsible travel.
COMMITMENT TO RISK MANAGEMENT:
ROW Adventures has invested in the quality of its risk management practices by participating in the Risk Management Training offered by the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), an organization with over 40 years of experience managing risk in wilderness environments. As a result of this training, ROW Adventures has developed a risk management strategy for all levels of our organization. In order to mitigate the inherent risk of wilderness expeditions, we have invested significant time and resources to develop these practices for the peace-of-mind, health and well being of our guests. |
