Davao City - White Water Rafting, "an Exhilarating Ride of my Life"

It was a long time dream for me to experience white water rafting. So, when me and my friends planned to visit Davao City and Davao del Norte, I excitedly suggested that we should experience the white water rafting on this trip.

Upon reaching Davao City, we took a cab going to Davao Crocodile Park. This is where the Davao Wildwater Adventure Inc. (DWAI) is stationed. Since it was still early morning when we arrived, we had to wait for the organizers to start the orientation. While waiting, we changed into our swimming clothes as we expect to get really wet when we do the rafting. We also secured our belongings in the lockers they have provided us.

At around 8:30 AM, we fitted our gears - helmet and life vests. Then we had the initial rafting orientation which includes discussion of safety reminders and a video of things to expect during the rafting activity. At first we were all scared as we see rafts cap-sizing on the very "wild" Davao river. Hahaha!!! Pero syempre, kasubuan na ito... Bahala na! Go! Hahaha!!!

the jeepney that will bring us to the put in area

We hopped into the jeepney and head towards the put in area in Tamugan. It's about an hour of travel from Crocodile Park. Another orientation was given to us there. We were taught how to properly put on our life vests, some basic rafting techniques, do's and don’ts and the different rafting lingo’s that we will use through out the activity. We were also introduced to our rafting guide, Macky.

meet our raft guide, Macky

with the other rafters

We were so excited at the same time nervous as we ride the raft. The feeling got even nervy as the raft started to float on the strong current of the Davao river. As instructed, we secured our feet into the strap on the raft's floor and started to paddle. Paddle forward!!! Wahhhhhhh!!!

Davao river

into our raft

We were all screaming as we get near the rapids. Wahhhhhhh!!! It was an adrenaline pumping experience when you go through the rapids and then you feel relieved when you survived it without falling off from the raft. Hahaha!

battling it out with the rapids

a sight of relief

There's also a small cave that we got into along the river trail. It was a sight seeing almost all of the rafts fit inside the small cave.

in the cave

The adventure continued through the 13-kilometer river with several rapids more we need to conquer! Hahaha!!! At this point our nervousness has turned to excitement as we paddle our raft closer to the rapids. Go! Paddle harder!!!

rapids

high 5!!!

At some points, the river took us on a ‘washing machine’-like rapids then the raft slammed on large rocks. Another is when the raft will suddenly drop from a huge rock and just let it dive into the rapids. Wahhhhhh!!! It's really heart pounding! Hehehe!

woohooo!!!

paddle forward!!!

i stood up as we successfully braved one of the rapids

The whole rafting experience lasted for about 4 hours which started from Tamugan, down to Purok 8, Lacson.

This experience made us realize that fear is just a state of mind. It also made us face our fear and eventually overcome it.

Thanks to Davao Wildwater Adventure Inc. for this thrilling experience. We will surely treasure it for a life time. Credit also goes to our raft guide Macky for patiently assisting us kahit sobrang gulo at kulit ng group namin. Hahaha! You made us feel safe and secured in the raft. Paddle forward!!! Paddle back!!! Paddles up! High 5!!!

satisfied MBA'ers with our guide, Macky

Kudos also goes to my friends, Clarice, Joan, Marvin, Ate Ching and Ate Pinky, my MBA friends who braved all the rapids with me. It was indeed an exhilarating experience! Well done guys! =D



You want adventure? I highly recommend Davao Wildwater Adventure Inc.. You'll get true "heart pumping" white water rafting experience and I'm sure you'll also have a thrilling ride of your life!

ITINERARY:
0800 AM - Assembly at Crocodile Park
0930 AM - Departure
1030 AM - Arrival at Put In area, Tamugan
1100 AM - Start of Rafting
1200 NN - Lunch
0300 PM - Arrival at Take Out area, Purok 8, Lacson
0330 PM - Departure for Crocodile Park
0430 PM - Arrival at Crocodile Park

RATES:
DWAI's packaged rate is Php 2,000/pax inclusive of:

• Transportation (From Crocodile Park to Rafting Area and back)
• Packed Lunch & Bottled Water
• Use of Gears & Equipment
• Raft guide
• Souvenir Shirt
• Documentation (2 Disc per group of 6)
• Tickets (zipline, crocodile park, etc...)

CONTACT DETAILS:
Davao Wildwater Adventure Inc.
Davao Crocodile Park Compound, Riverfront Corporate City,
Diversion Highway, Ma-a, Davao City, Philippines 8000

tel. nos. : (+6382) 221 7823 & (+6382) 286 1055
              +63920 954 6898, +63922 856 9790 - Arthur
              +63920 954 6897, +63923 658 6048 - Ruel
email : davaowildwater@yahoo.com
website : www.waterrafting.psdgroupph.com

*Photo credits to Davao Wildwater Adventure Inc.

This post is part of my adventures in Davao City and Davao Del Norte with my MBA friends last February 19-21, 2011. Thanks to Joan and Clarice for sharing some of their photos.
Maps By: Wikipedia	Davao City White Water Rafting, "an Exhilarating Ride of my Life" A Glimpse of Davao Crocodile Park Asics Davao Run, "A Fun Run" Getting to Samal Island from Davao City Davao Del Norte Blue Waters Beach Resort Habal-habal Ride in Samal Island Monfort Bat Sanctuary, a Guiness World Record Holder A Refreshing Freshwater Dip at Haguimit Falls Giant Slide and Canopy Walk at Maxima Aqua Fun Resort

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