Fears of having to paddle until our arms ached or battle raging rapids proved to be completely unfounded: With the sun blazing overhead and under the supervision of River Rafters' very able guides, we were able to laze in the canoes and swim in the river as we gently drifted downstream.

Just over an hour from Cape Town, the Breede River snakes its way to the sea through a maze of channels and some fast flowing streams. River Rafters, a specialist tour company running since 1985, is the oldest rafting company in South Africa and it certainly shows as they have the experience taped. Their Breede day-trip (they do day-and-night trips and two-day trips too)begins with a healthy breakfast of fruit salad and croissants at their private camp on the banks of the river. Sheltered by eucalyptus trees, the camp is equipped with toilets and warm showers — proving an ideal start and end-point to a day's of rafting.

Drinks and grub!

Safety a high priority
The trip can easily be managed by old and young, swimmers and non-swimmers, the fit or unfit and is ideal for first-time rafters. However, regardless of the group's skill level, before you start your day on the river, River Rafter's guides spend some time walking you through river safety and how to manage your canoe. The discussion certainly equips you with all you need to know about staying safe, but a hint of trepidation still lingered.

All it took to break the ice was a full-scale water fight. Sparked by one of our guides, Scott, who decided that some of us were looking a little too dry, we were all soon drenched and from then on laughter and a general sense of relaxation pervaded — proving that the guides aren't only proficient river men but also experts in ensuring their guests have great fun.

Lazing in the sun

It wasn't all quite blissful drifting though... The more adventurous certainly took pleasure in the two rapids we negotiated. But for those less eager to tackle the rapid, there was nothing to fear: Before entering the rapid, the guides met us at the bank to talk us through it. The result was that even the most nervous among us, and those who proved less than deft with the paddle, quite easily managed to negotiate the slightly turbulent water.

Scenic valley, superb wildlife
On the whole the river is broad and tranquil and with the Worcester Valley as your backdrop you are guaranteed a scenic trip. A most notable highlight for our group was the close-up encounter with an African Fish Eagle. Perched on a branch that extended into the river, the majestic bird patiently watched us float by as it clutched its fishy prey in its talons. Eventually our gushes of delight proved too much and it took off — though not without swooping fairly low over us!

Cold beer and river lunch
Lunch is spent on the river banks — providing an ideal opportunity to crack open a cold beer (as safety comes first, you have to stick to the legal 'driving limit') and lounge in the sun as your guides prepare the food. The hearty pasta salad, rolls, cheese, tuna and pickles were wolfed down by our hungry posse.

The day also provided great opportunities in the way of teambuilding as staff were paired on boats to ensure the best paddling duo — experienced with inexperienced, the fit with the not-so-fit and those who took to the canoe more naturally with those who didn't. And even though you paddle in two-men boats, there were ample opportunities to bring our canoes together and make a larger raft as we floated downstream ensuring that a great sense of camaraderie built.

As we finally wound our way back to base camp (you are bussed further up the river after breakfast and paddle downstream back to camp), chilled wine awaited on the banks. Toasting the day's success with a crisp white or mature red or something more in the line of beer or spirits was the ideal way to end a day packed with laughter and fun.

Unfortunately only one problem remains: Debby is quite at a loss as to how to better such an outing next year!

River Rafters River Rafters specialise in group trips — whether for corporate functions, school outings or for team building exercises. The Breede River day-trip, which includes full catering, the use of all safety and rafting equipment, a selection of local wines and expert supervision from the guides comes at a cost of R375 per person. But River Rafters don't only do trips on the Breede River, they also host white-water adventures on the Orange River and the Doring. And if you can't convince your boss this is the ideal staff getaway, then grab a group of mates and do it yourself (They have a fantastic New Year's party lined up on the river). It's a trip that guarantees a good time. Read more about their trips and rates at their website. Or contact River Rafters at: Email: info@riverrafters.co.za Telephone: +27 (21) 712 5094 / 5 Fax: +27 (21)712 5241