Though foreigners are the main visitors to Great River Adventures, Jamaican residents can experience their wild side for just over two grand.

I'm a sucker for adventure and I decided that a little island tour was well overdue - especially since the recession has put paid to my overseas travelling budget.

Across to Jamaica's west coast I went and I enjoyed - with no shortage of screaming - the offerings of Kool Runnings Water Park in Negril. I was a bit disappointed when it was time to leave, but then I stopped by Lethe, at the border of Hanover and St James, and found a jewel in the rough.

I had seen a pamphlet advertising Great River Adventures, an attraction that offers river tubing, kayaking and horseback riding. The pictures made it look fun and I knew instantly I wanted to have this experience on my wild and wacky excursion résumé.

Toughest adventure

Kayaking is not only for the experts. It's a pretty easy art for the uninitiated - after you get the hang of it. - Contributed Photos

After getting directional tips from Sibylle Walters, managing director of the attraction, I finally arrived at Great River Adventures. The toughest part is the drive along rugged terrain (Has the MP gone missing?) from the northern coastline into Anchovy and Lethe.

Walters assured me kayaking was easy, but I had my reservations.

Because the water level was lower than usual, the tour guide decided to start me off from the tubing point. After walking down an unending flight of stairs, I finally saw the inflatable kayak on the river bank, waiting for me. My tour guide, Oliver, offered me a helmet and lifejacket as a precautionary measure. Bravely, I strapped up, took my paddle and geared up to battle the river wild.

It seemed I had started a war I was not prepared to fight. I was clumsy at first, but soon got the hang of kayaking. I navigated the currents and rode the gentle rapids like a pro (well, almost). Even when the rain came pouring down, I was able to manoeuvre the small vessel into calm waters - after a few scrapes with overhanging bamboo.

Needless to say, if you're unfit because you're shackled 9-5 to an office desk like me, it will apply mild torture to those inactive biceps. You're bound to find muscles in places you never knew existed.

The well-guided river tour takes you through Mother Nature's treasure trove, where you'll catch a view of blue herons and egrets (don't worry, there are no crocs). You'll also see a few residents who get a thrill out of watching you paddle for your life as you go off course and crash into the river banks.

Because of sparse rainfall during the current season, I occasionally got 'shipwrecked' a handful of times but Oliver assures that the ride is even better in the wet summer months.

In retrospect, the three-mile trip down the river was really great, even though I felt, at the beginning, I had bitten off more than I could chew. Fun overcame fear, however, and I can safely say I will do it again!

About Great River Adventures

Great River Adventures is a pretty new attraction, but tripadvisor.com gives it high ratings. It began operations in January 2008, but had limited services to cruise-ship passengers only.

In May 2008, Randy and Sibylle Walters expanded by offering services to hotels and four months later started advertising to the world, via the Internet.

River adventures Cost (per person)

Foreigners & Locals
Tubing US$45 J$2,250, Kayaking US$45 J$2,250, Horseback riding US$65 J$3,250

An extra US$20 per person is charged if transportation has to be provided.

Contact: www. greatriveradventures.com
email: info@greatriver adventures.com
telephone: 876-564-3666

shaunette.jones@gleanerjm.com