When I was in college at BYU a few friends and I decided to tube down the Provo River. With no experience, and no idea where I was going, I ended up in a nasty crash, which left me bruised and bloody. Since then, I’ve stayed away from the river. But this week that changed. There is now a much safer way to ride the Provo River with a small local company called Provo River Adventures. Provo River Adventures has a variety of ways to get your safely down the river, and the trip is quite inexpensive compared to other guide companies.
Provo River Adventures takes care of all the details of your trip. First, they send you down the river in kayaks, which they provide. These kayaks are much safer than the tube that banged me up all those years ago. The kayaks are easy to use and paddle, and they give you much more control to navigate to the safest part of the river. They also provide you with life jackets, dry bags, and anything else you might need. The only thing we brought were water shoes that will stay on, so no flip flops, and some sunscreen.
Though several packages are offered, we chose the guided tour, which meant that two guides accompanied us down the river, showing us places to avoid, how to navigate the treacherous bridge, and where to get out of the river. We enjoyed talking to the guides, including the owner of the company, Alyssa, as we floated through calm water. Our guides provided such a nice family atmosphere.
When we met Provo River Adventures near the top of the canyon, they unloaded everything we needed. Then they gave us a briefing on how to kayak in a river, which is a little different than the lakes we are used to. Finally, they helped us launch the boats. Then, both guides floated right down with us, one watching the kids out front, and the other trailing behind to make sure everything went okay.
The river itself is beautiful and peaceful. We spotted river otters, muskrats, an osprey, hummingbirds, warblers, and goldfinches as we paddled and floated our way along. The canyon is so green in summer, and we enjoyed the lovely mountain atmosphere. Our guides were very kind and took pictures and videos of us, too.
Near the end of the ride, we stopped at a large rock that has a deep area for jumping. Alyssa went first, showing us where it was safe, and we followed, refreshed by the cool water on a hot summer day.
Almost 7 miles down river, we tugged the kayaks up the bank near Vivian Park. After loading them into the truck, we were driven back to our car near the dam. It was a really amazing afternoon, and we never felt unsafe once!
Provo River Adventures also offers a tour where you land at the end and they provide dinner. This is the next tour we want to take. If you are looking for a fun and safe way to kayak the Provo River, definitely reach out to Provo River Adventures. We highly recommend this experience!
Just curious what’s appropriate to wear when going on this adventure?
Swimsuits, shoes that won’t fall off, sunscreen, and a lifejacket. If you go with a guide, they will provide the lifejacket for you.