Last weekend, WVU Tech students paddled their way into spring as they took on world-class whitewater rapids in West Virginia’s New River Gorge on Saturday, April 12.
Hosted by the Student Activities Board (SAB) and guided by West Virginia Adventures Whitewater Rafting, 22 students suited up and took to the river as they made their way towards the iconic New River Gorge Bridge.
Along the way, guides shared information about historical sites along the river’s banks and students took breaks from paddling to swim in the calmer sections of the river.
“The guides made the experience ten times better,” said WVU Tech student and first-time rafter, Sydney Schaeffer. “They told us everything we needed to know to be safe and to have a good time. It was a complete adrenaline rush and the weather was perfect.”
The event was one of the outdoor trips SAB plans each fall and spring semester. The group setting allows students to experience recreational activities they may not otherwise consider.
“These trips bring students together to try new things and discover the natural beauty West Virginia is known for,” said WVU Tech Resident Director, Emily Sands.
Though the trip is over, and the semester is winding down, the SAB still has a few springtime activities planned.
The Spring Fling kicks off on Tuesday, April 22 from 4 – 7 p.m. on the green space between Maclin and Ratliff residence halls. That same evening, the SAB will be showing The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug for Movie and Munchies at 8 p.m.
For more information and photos from the rafting trip, check out SAB’s Facebook and Twitter.