Equipped with helmets and life jackets SMC Students embarked on the whitewater rafting expedition over Labor Day Weekend. / Photo courtesy of Hotshot Images

Navigating the rapids: Equipped with helmets and life jackets, SMC students embarked on the whitewater rafting expedition over Labor Day Weekend. / Photo courtesy Hotshot Images

Gripping Adventure to the American River over Labor Day Weekend Filled with Thrilling Rapids

Students embark on an extraordinary experience down the South Fork rapids in Northern California.

by Campus Recreation | September 5, 2024

Just five days into the semester, a hardy band of Saint Mary's students gathered early on Sunday, September 1 to travel to the American River for an unforgettable and exhilarating paddle through stunning scenery. They took to the water near Folsom to enjoy the day making new friends and bonding through this year’s first outdoor adventure trip at a high-octane level. The trip was made possible thanks to the enhancement fee and collaborative efforts by Campus Recreation, Student Involvement & Leadership, and the with Residential Hall Association.

Brace Yourself: Participants lean into the raft to brace for the Class III rapid known as Hospital Bar on the South Fork of the American River. / Photo courtesy of Hotshot Images — Brace yourself: Participants lean into the raft as the head for the Class III rapid known as Hospital Bar on the South Fork of the American River. */ Photo courtesy of Hotshot Images*

With the help of the experienced rafting guides from All Outdoor Rafting, participants learned how to navigate complex maneuvers through the fast current while maintaining good boat control down the Class II and Class III rapids.

For many students, this was their first experience of whitewater rafting. First-year student Luka Kawamoto ’28 shared that he met new people and was able to enjoy the experience to the fullest. This trip was also a first for Annaka Reed ’27. “It was an amazing trip, absolutely wonderful, and makes me love going to Saint Mary’s,” she said.

“It was an amazing trip, absolutely wonderful, and makes me love going to Saint Mary’s.”
—Annaka Reed ’27

Eddy Out: AJ Blomquist ‘26 along with raft mates Sarah Beaudin, Issac Torres ‘25, Gavin Gookins, Oliver Cheng, and Alejandra Perez shout with excitement as they swirl through and around the volatile rapids. / Photo courtesy of Hotshot Images — Eddy out: **AJ Blomquist ‘26** along with raft mates **Sarah Beaudin '26**, **Issac Torres ‘25**, **Gavin Gookins '26**, **Oliver Cheng '26**, and **Alejandra Perez '26** shout with excitement as they swirl through and around volatile rapids. */ Photo courtesy Hotshot Images*

AJ Bloomquist ’26 had been on a few rafting trips before and enjoyed the trip. Raft-mate Isaac Torres ’25 came away with an appreciation for the adventure, especially in the company of fellow Gaels. “This trip allowed me to step away from my regular academic activities while hanging out with friends and making new ones,” Torres said. “It also allowed me to do something new and different.”

“This trip allowed me to step away from my regular academic activities while hanging out with friends and making new ones.”
—Isaac Torres ’25

Students weren't the only ones who experienced the thrill of the paddle. Alexandra Kytan serves as Student Conduct Coordinator for the Office of Community Life, and she attended the trip as the chaperone. “The white water rafting outdoor adventure was the perfect combination of thrill and adventure,” she said. “Whether someone enjoyed the beautiful scenery, engaging in community with fellow Gaels, and a excitement of taking the plunge one rapid at a time, the trip was absolutely worth it.“

Kytan also sees a value to the experience beyond the adventure, enjoyment, and camaraderie. “Embracing this type of experiential learning and the success of the whitewater rafting adventure trip provides the transformative power of stepping outside one’s comfort zone,” she said.

“The white water rafting outdoor adventure was the perfect combination of thrill and adventure. Whether someone enjoyed the beautiful scenery, engaging in community with fellow Gaels, and/or excitement of taking the plunge one rapid at a time, the trip was absolutely worth it.”
—Alexandra Kytan, Student Conduct Coordinator

Hold On: Participants prepare for turbulent waters and hold on as the raft guide instructs them for the rapid ahead. / Photo courtesy of Hotshot Images — Hold on: **Alexandra Kytan**, right, and Gael students prepare for turbulent waters as the raft guide instructs them to hold on for the rapid ahead. */ Photo courtesy Hotshot Images*

Navigating rapids was a great way to kick off Adventure Trip this academic year. Funding through the enhancement fee allows Student Life to host similar events throughout the fall and spring semesters to encourage students to explore the Bay Area and beyond.

Story updated September 6 at 3:30 p.m. Pacific.