While we might be in the depths of winter here in White Bird, Idaho, we firmly believe that it’s never too early to start planning your next great adventure. After all, planning a great outing takes time and effort, and if you want to make the most of every moment, you have to weigh your options carefully.
Part of planning a great adventure means working with an outfitter sometimes. But here in the state of Idaho, you’ve got plenty of these outdoor companies to choose from. So which one is right for you? While it would be easy for us to just tell you to book a jet boat tour with our river outfitters, we want to make sure you’re going on an adventure that’s right for you. So here’s a quick guide to choosing the right outdoor adventure company.
This is perhaps the hardest part of the whole process. Deciding which adventure you want to go on can be challenging. Do you want to take a helicopter ride? A multi-day whitewater journey? Or maybe just cruise through the mountains on an ATV? Whatever you decide, you’ll likely find a company that offers that and then some.
If you’re trying to figure out what you want to try next, we suggest making a list of what you’ve tried already and liked, and what you didn’t. Look for things outside of both of those lists, and you’re likely to find something that catches your interest. It’s also important to keep your skill level in mind, as you don’t want to get in over your head during your outing.
It’s always a good idea to have a sense of how much time you want to spend outdoors. For some, they want to spend as much time outside as they can, so they might look for an outfitter that offers multi-day excursions. Others might want to spend just an afternoon. Fortunately, most outfitters will have offerings that appeal to everyone.
In the era of the internet, there’s no reason to look at reviews. Any reputable outdoor adventure company will have a website with testimonials, but you can also use sources like TripAdvisor or Top Rated Local to see reviews and feedback from other adventurers about their experiences. Look at the good reviews, but make sure to poke around and look for bad ones too. Compare the two and you’ll get an accurate account of the average experience.
Once you’ve found a company to work with, get in touch with them and start asking them questions. You’ll want to get a sense of how the outfitter runs their tours or programs. Some good questions to ask are things like how long they’ve been in business, if they’re local to the area, what their safety procedure and record looks like, and if they’re licensed (if applicable). The right adventure company will answer these questions and more without flinching. There are some outdoor activities that are inherently dangerous, and they should take it seriously.
Before you step foot into the boat/helicopter/RZR, take a second to look at the condition of the gear and materials the outfitter is using. You don’t have to be an expert on these things to recognize when something is worn out or broken. The fact is, if something looks wrong, it probably is. Don’t be afraid to point these things out to the outfitter, and if you still feel uncomfortable, you can always cancel your trip.
Here’s the fun part; actually going on the adventure! You’ll know you’ve found the right adventure company when you experience the first rush and thrill. It might come in the form of a crashing wave train, a quick turn through the air, or simply rounding the bend on a trail. Whatever it is, that feeling alone makes all of the planning more than worth it.
Ready for an adventure like none other? Then it’s time to team up with Idaho’s #1 adventure company, Killgore Adventures! Our Idaho river outfitters have years of experience and know the Hells Canyon region like the back of their hand. Book your jet boat tour today!