Cagayan de Oro River Whitewater Rafting Adventure

If you ever go to Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, don't miss an experience of a lifetime by trying the Cagayan de Oro Whitewater Rafting Adventure.

Cagayan de Oro river will fill your heart with adrenaline rush as you conquer its raging rapids after rapids and will leave you mesmerized with its natural beauty and fascinating history in still waters .

To find out what's in store for you in a CDO whitewater rafting adventure, here is the imprinted experience of a recent adventurer.

Cagayan de Oro River Whitewater Rafting Adventure
Cagayan de Oro - Camiguin, Philippine Tour
Day 1

Around 8:30 am, KAGAY whitewater outfitter staff met us at the downtown CDO, a few steps from Grand City Hotel where we checked in. First order of the day is registration. We are both excited but as I remember in the form, participants in this whitewater adventure should not be susceptible to heart attacks and Kagay will not be held liable.


The rafting starting point is some thirty minutes jeepney ride from downtown CDO. Along the the paved and zigzag roads, you will enjoy mountainous view and witness the simple way of life in the countryside.

On the starting point, rafting gears were distributed to all participants: a head gear, a floating vest and a paddle. Belongings can be turned over to the staff where they will bring them to the disembarkation point. Valuable gadgets may be placed inside a waterproof bagged and be brought along the raft. After which, a short orientation followed.


First to be discussed is what to do when someone falls into the river. If he's near the raft, use the paddle to pull him out of the river. Using your arm may cause injury. If he's further away, throw the floating device and ask him to hold onto the line. If he's too far, he should turn his back on the river current in a lying position, allowing the water to take him to still waters.

Next, is how to hold the paddle and the all important commands of the river guide. First is FORWARD. It means you paddle from front to back and your paddle should be at least 80% into the water. STOP means to desist from paddling and place your paddle in your lap. Lastly, BACK PADDLE, means row from back to the front. Paddle up is raising all paddles as a form of hooray.

And of we go into the river aboard the raft. The Beginner's Level of whitewater rafting involves navigating the Cagayan De Oro river including 14 rapids for about 3-4 hours. As we traverse each rapids, the river guides have stories to tell mostly humorous.


As we are about to reach the fourth rapid, we were asked to stand up by the river guides. On the first impact of the rapids, we simultaneously sat... eliciting laughter from our guides. I do not like bodies of water for fear of drowning. I can not describe how nervous I was. I felt I was holding for dear life on the first rapids.

But as we go along, I was able to calm my fears. Picture taking also was a good distraction. I think the only dangerous part on whitewater rafting is when the raft crash against big rocks. The river guides are there to avoid that. And may I add, that the river guides did a marvelous job on making our whitewater rafting not only enjoyable but more importantly, as safe as we can be.



It was an adventure of a lifetime for me. Pictures are also courtesy of Kagay for an additional fee. At the disembarkation point, shower rooms are provided and food sets for lunch are offered. After lunch, we were suppose to proceed to Macahambus Adventure Park for the zipline and skybridge adventure. But due to some mixed up we were not able to do so. We just went directly to Kagay office to get our pictures.

Tips & Suggestions:

• Wear something lightweight and will cover most of your body. Otherwise, apply sun block generously before plunging to this adventure.
• Do not forget to bring personal effects like towel, soap, shampoo, etc. Turn them over to the staff to be brought at the disembarkation point.
• For valuables, your outfitter ( in our case, Kagay) will provide you with waterproof bags to be brought along the adventure. For good measure, put your gadgets inside waterproof containers as well.
• You can bring your own waterproof digital camera, but its better if you avail of the photo service by your outfitter. Kagay will give you all the photos. If you are one big group, only one need to get and pay for a copy.
• You can save on food cost if you could prepare packed lunch. Also, turn over your food to the staff to be brought at the disembarkation point.

Our Expenses in this Adventure :

• Whitewater Rafting Fee = Php 1400 (700 / pax)
• Photo = Php 250
• Lunch = Php 390
• Total = Php 2040

Contacts

• KAGAY - Whitewater Rafting Voyages Outfitter
  

  Cellphone Nos:
  0917-7122323
  Website:
  http://www.cdorafting-map.com/contact-us.html
  

If you'd like to read on Whitewater Rafting, kindly check out this book from Amazon.