A History of White Water Rafting in Costa Rica
Kayaking had it's beginnings with the Eskmos of North America. These primitive hunters' skin covered, wooden framed kayaks took them down white water before the arrival of Columbus. Rafts were first employed by the explorers pushing westward in the United States as early as 1842. Horace Day is credited with the development the design of the inflatable raft used almost 40 years.
In 1979 an expedition from Poland stopped in Costa Rica and made the earliest runs down the Reventazon and Paquare rivers with modern rafts and kayaks. Reports of the excellent white water and the exceptional beauty of these rivers did not go unnoticed by paddling enthusiasts world wide. Other groups followed to explore and name these world class rapids amid pristine beauty in ideal weather.
1980 saw the commercial start of river running by Michael Kaye from the United States. This pioneer paddler founded Costa Rica Expeditions and a new tourist activity was born. Five years later Fernando Esquivel and Rafael Gallo established their company; Rios Tropicales, the largest of the San Jose based river outfitters. In 1988 Aventuras Naturales became Costa Rica`s third white water operator. Soon new companies like Pioneer Raft and Costa Sol were treating participants to the scenery and thrill of our local rivers.
"Viajes Tropicales Locos S.A." was founded by two West Virginian river guides Sam Rodgers and Ricky "Loco" about 1990. Ricky was one of the first to capture the wild water action of the rivers around Turrialba on video tape. As a result of all the development in white water tourism many excellent river guides have emerged from the local young men and women. After working as a raft guide and safety kayaker for many seasons one youthful athlete realized his dream: attend the Olympic Games in 1996. Roger Madrigal almost alone, without a trainer or very much sponsorship, was able to qualify and compete in Atlanta. Representing Turrialba and Costa Rica in the kayaking events was the goal he had worked so hard to achieve. Roger returned with great memories and a valuable new dream: to train young people from Turrialba to participate in the future at world class kayaking competitions, and have the Government recognize the sport on a national level. He dedicates every Sunday morning to free lessons at the community pool for kids of all ages. The only requirement is for the children to show a "B" average or better in their school grades. The parents of Roger's students have worked with him to form a kayak association in Costa Rica to promote the sport and the school.
We have great hopes for our local kayakers, and any donations of used serviceable river gear by paddlers visiting our area would be greatly appreciated. Loco's Tropical Tours is proud to assist Roger with his efforts and we are looking for an international company who would like to see their logos on a championship team. We're just rolling down the rivers.
