Whitewater Rafting

The water rushed up to meet the boat. Michael could feel the raft slam down to meet the waves. He held on tightly to his oar, remembering all the instructions he had been given during the earlier training. He shouted in delight as the group hit the next set of rapids. Whitewater rafting was amazing!

Last week, his father surprised his family by telling them he had the money to take them on a weekend trip to go whitewater rafting. Michael’s sister Tia had immediately agreed. Two years older than Michael, she was always ready to try anything. Even his mother had seemed excited about the family trip. Michael had agreed to go, but inside he had been nervous. He was glad he hadn’t let his nerves stop him from trying. He was having a great time.

As the group hit a clear section of water, the guide let everyone out to swim. The cool water felt great, but Michael was ready to hit the rapids again. Before long, the group was climbing back into the raft, and they were off. The first set of rough water wasn’t bad. Everyone did exactly as the guide instructed, and the small craft dodged the worst of the tight places. The second set was where trouble started. Michael could feel the raft refusing to budge in the direction he tried to steer. Suddenly, they hit a rock, and Michael felt his body fly out of the raft. He plunged into the water and went under.

At first, he panicked. The icy-cold water that had felt good earlier now took his breath away. The words of his instructor began pouring through his head, and he calmed down. He felt as if he was right beside him, talking him through, telling him everything he needed to do. The next thing he knew, he was breaking the surface of the water, and strong hands were pulling him back in.

As he landed in the safety of the raft, everyone was glad he was back in, but then they all started to laugh.

“What?” he asked the group looking at him.

“You never let go of our oar,” his father pointed out. “Great job!”

Michael laughed, too. He guessed he had “held on” to everything the instructor had said.