Rafting Up for America

Rafting Up for America

a Carolina Paddler Article

By Alton Chewning

-Julie Thorner received an unexpected call from a friend and business associate, Jack Wise.  Jack is the CEO of Wildwater Outfitters, one of the Southeast’s pioneer rafting companies.  Jack had signed on to participate in something called RAFT for America and thought Julie would want to join the team.

Julie has a company, Liquid Spark, specializing in marketing for outdoor adventure businesses.  Liquid Spark is active in promoting rafting, ziplining and other outdoor pursuits in the Ocoee area and elsewhere.  The company has a contract with the state of Tennessee to promote outdoor tourism, so Julie is acquainted with many people in business and government.  Liquid Spark handles regional marketing for the nearly two dozen outfitters on the Ocoee River, one of the busiest rafting centers in the country.

So, what was Jack’s pitch to Julie?  Help with the logistics of bringing together people who are interested in the future of our country and who represent different viewpoints.  Have them come together in mixed pairs for one day and work as a team on the boisterous waters of the Ocoee.  Listen to each other, cooperate, get wet, scared and tired and have a hell of a good time.

Jack Wise has been in the outdoors adventure business for 54 years.  He knows the chemistry that can take place on a river trip.  Bring strangers together, put them in challenging environments where they must depend on each other, and bonds are formed.  Jack calls it, “The transformative nature of a shared experience.”

Julie was sold.  Like many people she’s concerned we don’t always take the time to listen to the other person’s ideas, to find our common ground, to cooperate and work to a greater goal.  Julie got to work.  She offered to volunteer her personal time to assist the RAFT for America event at the Ocoee. Later she signed on for the Nantahala event as well.  Julie represents all the Ocoee outfitters, so she immediately thought, “Would more of the rafting companies want to get involved? And what would Jack think?”

Wildwater was the company RAFT for America had first approached and Jack saw the value of the event. Wildwater could supply the needed rafts and guides but the event would require extensive planning and coordination. Julie asked Jack, “How would you feel if other rafting companies got involved in this?”  Jack was fully supportive.  The Ocoee rafting business is very competitive with so many companies working the same few miles of river.  While all the companies are professional, they sometimes bump shoulders. Could they work together as a group for one day, all part of one bigger enterprise?  The outfitters were willing to try.

Jack admits it is a competitive environment for rafting companies but they are all interested in providing high quality experiences for their clients.  The unpredictable nature of their business invites cooperation.  Jack gave the example of one company’s shuttle bus breaking down and another company providing room on their bus. Whether it’s loaning gear, working for common river-use policies or helping each other when weather turns bad, the companies do cooperate.

The results from the RAFT event will tell the full story but so far, a bristling, enthusiastic team of outfitters have committed.  Twelve companies are contributing their rafts and services for the RAFT for America event on Monday, August 19.

A similar event is taking place on the Nantahala on August 12, the week before.  Wildwater, the NOC and Endless Rivers Adventures are working together to take “unlike-minded” participants through the Gorge.  Each of these events will have their share of notable figures, people like Senator Thom Tillis of NC, and various other legislators and dignitaries. The rafts will also carry their share of ordinary people, some who see politics red and others who see it blue.  While they may express differing opinions on some matters, let’s hope they paddle together and enjoy the spirit of working with each other for the common fun. Jack Wise says he will be happy with small gains, the situations that, “Transcend the moment through shared experience.”

These are media-savvy events. The RAFT for America organization is documenting the nation-wide campaign.  A video team, headed by noted filmmaker Kristi Kendall, will be on hand at Nantahala, riding the rafts and capturing the interactions of the red, blue and neutral.  Here’s a video from an early trip on the Lehigh.  National news outlets have also discovered the movement.  CBS is sending a crew from Eye on America to film the rafting-up at Nantahala.

Kendall and crew were looking for an expert video crew experienced on white water for filming the Nantahala and Ocoee events. Julie stepped up again, suggesting a local production company she uses with Liquid Spark. She also offered to support the interviewing of participants as needed. This project has dug deeply into Julie’s time and the time and resources of the Liquid Spark team. They believe it’s an invaluable chance to see people who don’t agree on much–except perhaps how to surf Hell Hole–to come together to talk and paddle, sharing their thoughts and their ears, really listening to each other.  It’s not a time for trying to change anybody’s opinion.  It’s a time to acknowledge the other person has a right to one.

What is RAFT for America?  First, it’s actually R.A.F.T. for America.  “Reuniting America by Fostering Trust.”

RAFT for America is offering challenge events this summer, where participants pair up with a person from “outside their bubble.”  The participants are encouraged to share their differing views while keeping in mind their partner may have to pull them from the river to safety.  This isn’t about changing anybody’s leanings; it’s about learning to disagree in a civil and productive way.  Working together to negotiate challenging waters.

One of the cofounders of RAFT for America is Chris Newlon, a CCC member and active kayaker.  Once upon a time, Chris and his two brothers were paddle guides on Northeastern rivers.  They still enjoy getting out on the Ocoee, Nantahala, Pigeon and other rivers.  Having a background in paddling helped Chris and his partners bring together a network of rafting companies to sponsor events on their home rivers.  A list of remaining dates and rivers is available on the website.  The summer’s calendar reveals a who’s who of American rivers: the Youghiogheny, Colorado, Lehigh, White Salmon, Kennebec, Snake, New and more.

The Nantahala event is coming up fast (8/12) and could be filled by now.  The Ocoee (8/19) still has openings.  If you have strong views, an ability to listen to others, and a willingness to paddle together, then please consider this experience in cooperative river running.

Anyone interested can apply on the RAFT for America website registration page. More can be learned on the website regarding the RAFT for America organization.