As appealing as paddling the Top Yough at freezing temperatures may be, for most of us warm blooded creatures there is another option. For the last two winters Wilderness Voyageurs has had representation (Kaila Woodside and Josh Lawrey) in the white water paradise of
Costa Rica. With its steep volcanic mountains, ample rainfall and warm tropical temperatures, Costa Rica makes for a terrific white water destination for those seeking action packed adventure trips or to shake the winter rust off those paddling muscles.
Did I mention its warm. Actually that can be an understatement. Much of
Costa Rica is considered by most as "Tropical rainforest", but that does not remotely do it justic. Within its borders,
Costa Rica boasts one of the most biologically diverse and ecologically important areas in the world. If one were to take a walk from the East cost and start walking inland up into the mountains they would travel through many different "life zones" depending on the amount of rain and sunlight the area receives. It is like changing the channel ever thousand feet or so. Starting in low land wet forests so dense that they are impenetrable to gigantic pre-montain forests full of life then up into the wind swept scrub of the highland volcanic mountains.
Costa Rica's wildlife cannot begin to be described in this blog. Nearly 900 species of birds constantly challenge even the most seasoned birders. Monkeys, sloth’s and large cats are always on the minds of eager tourists waiting to catch a glimpse. It is also astounding that 10 percent of the world's butterflies and 15 percent of the world's amphibians make this there home. Simply AMAZING!
The Eastern slope or
Caribbean side receives the most rain as Easterlies carry warm wet air up the mountains and dropping it as it cools. Whole mountain ranges can be clouded for months dumping prodigious amounts of rain. Over 300 inches in some places. That is over 21 feet of rain and only one way to go, Down! The white water is amazing and numerous rivers/creeks have never been run.
Commercial white water rafting trips are very popular with the large amount of foreign tourists that visit this spectacular place. It is also very popular with snow frightened raft guides and photo boaters seeking refuge and winter employment. Which is what I was after. I worked for Rios Tropicales, the most prominent commercial white water company in all of
Latin America. They have an amazing set up and raft over 300 days a year.
Wilderness Voyageurs' extensive raft guide training and diverse river work opportunities provide for very marketable skills down there. Raft trips are always guide in boat and safety boaters assist all trips. The two main rivers that are run are the Pacuare and Reventazon. Both are excellent sections that vary dramatically with water levels. October through January is the best time to run on good water , but they will drop sharply off in December. Still a lot of fun. The Pacuare is class 3-4 with continuous technical rapids on a 17 mile single day trip. You can split it up and stay at Rios Tropicales' Pacuare Lodge. Beautiful only way to say it. Waterfalls, zip lines, toucan’s, sloth’s, swimming holes, gourmet food provided by the guides and so much more.
The Reventizon is big fun and has 3 sections from class 4-5 and down to a nice tropical birding float. The Tico "Costa Rican" guides are very skilled and fun. They make an honest living entertaining and educating clients on many unique adventure trips offered. They work hard and long days often having to ride the shuttle bus to and form work 3-5 hours a day.
Over 80 percent of the people on the trips speak English, but knowing a fair amount of Spanish is very helpful. Tico's are very generous and being able to speak with them only helps you make your way around this beautiful place. Don’t worry about driving, not that you would want to there as they are horrendous drivers, but you can get around easily by bus.
If you have the opportunity either to work or just to travel, a trip to this place will provide an experience like no other. Please visit our river friends of Rios Tropicales and join us back at Wilderness Voyageurs to share your white water adventures with us. WV guides, you need to get there.
See you back at the Yough
PURA VIDA!
Josh Lawrey
So you might be inclined to think that Kayak Instruction is just for the hard core adventurer. The reality is that White Water Kayaking is a great family activity. If you are looking for great Pennsylvania Family Trips, consider kayak lessons in the Laurel Highlands. 
