Valerie Cassity
Special to the Sun

More than 300 people took the plunge and joined the 24th annual Whitewater Wednesday, sponsored by the Kernville Chamber of Commerce on June 9.

“We’re trying to do our best to help the economy because those folks in Washington desperately need it,” said Chuck Richards with a wink.

Above is one group of rafters braving the Ewing’s Rapids in Kernville. More than 300 participants descended on Kernville last week for the 24th annual Whitewater Wednesday, sponsored by the Kernville Chamber of Commerce.

Almost every rafting company in the Kern Valley participated in the well-attended event, including Kern River Tours, Mountain and River Adventures, Outdoor Adventures, Sierra South, and Whitewater Voyages.

The entire day was organized by the Kernville Chamber staff and 10 volunteers who helped with everything from checking in rafters and getting them on the correct busses to flipping burgers for the picnic lunch provided at the end of the rafting trip.

Attracting people from outside the Kern Valley, some rafters came from as far as Lancaster, Tehachapi, Bakersfield, Victorville, and Los Angeles specifically for Whitewater Wednesday. The popular event is promoted through word-of-mouth, strategically placed brochures, and advertisements in relevant publications.

Some locals took the opportunity to try rafting for the first time, surrounded by friends and neighbors, such as Merry Shamus, who said she had always wanted to try rafting but had never gotten around to it. “I’m scared and excited,” said Shamus before her trip. “I’m doing this because it’s on my list, and I expect to wet my pants and enjoy it!”

With the river inflow running about 3,400 cubic feet per second, down 3,000 - 4,000 cfs from the previous week, rafting companies continually monitored inflow data.

“We are constantly monitoring the river,” said Rhonda Stallone, co-owner of Mountain and River Adventures in Kernville. “The river changes constantly. But we know what we can run at what (water) level,” she added.

As far as precautions and training, Stallone said, “We do the same things we do every day – practice, practice, practice drills.”

“Our guides are well-trained and well-equipped to deal with emergencies,” Stallone said. “They have multiple years of working as river guides, and hold certifications in such areas as wilderness first aid and CPR.”

In the off-season many engage in high energy sports that include cross-country skiing, hiking, backpacking, and the like, Stallone added.

Whitewater Wednesday was started by Tom Moore, owner of Sierra South Paddle Sports, in 1986. It was a way to give the community a chance to come together in one of the area’s premier tourist attractions, Moore said, as well as bringing in visitors to the Kern Valley mid-week, when there are typically low numbers of rafters on the river.

The challenge of whitewater rafting are categorized by degree of difficulty, experience and skill level.

Class I: Very small rough areas, might require slight maneuvering. (Very Basic);

Class II: Some rough water, maybe some rocks, might require some maneuvering.(Basic Paddling Skill);

Class III: Whitewater, small waves, maybe a small drop, but no considerable danger. May require significant maneuvering.(Experienced paddling skills);

Class IV: Whitewater, medium waves, maybe rocks, maybe a considerable drop, sharp maneuvers may be needed. (Whitewater Experience)

Grade 5: Whitewater, large waves, large volume, possibility of large rocks and hazards, possibility of a large drop, requires precise maneuvering (Advanced Whitewater Experience).