Bakersfield Life

Head on a local river adventure

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During this hot season, it’s easy for kids and adults to forget what Kern County has to offer, as scorching heat leaves many lingering indoors with the AC full blast or headed to local pools to keep cool.
But if you really want to make a splash this summer, consider a trip down the “mighty Kern.” That’s what Darron Nilsson, owner of River’s End Rafting and Adventure Company, prefers to call the Kern River. His company has provided tours for six seasons.
“There’s an after sensation of, ‘Holy cow, that felt so good. I can’t believe I did that. I want to go back,’” Nilsson said.
According to Nilsson, this rafting company is conveniently located near the mouth of the Kern Canyon, so there is always a pretty good flow. During the Blaster, riders will travel on a 3.5-mile ride where patrons will experience Class II and III whitewater rapids that are more relaxing than adventurous. But that doesn’t mean you won’t get soaked.
Be prepared to get wet, even if you choose not to jump overboard during the swimming spots, since there will be lots of bumpy splashes. Oh, and the tour guides enjoy flinging water with their oars at nearby rafts.
“It gets my adrenaline going. I’m not a huge thrill seeker, so it’s just enough,” said Karen Olson, who has been rafting with River’s End for the past five years.
Like many other first-timers, Olson was nervous, but the more she went, the more the experience wasn’t as scary as she had anticipated. Nilsson said the return ratio is high because people return year after year when they see the trip is so stress-free. 
For the first few years, the company’s clientele was about 20 percent local and 80 percent from the Los Angeles region. Recently, the percentage of local people who visit River’s End has tremendously increased to even out the percentages.
“We really want to educate Bakersfield on how to safely be on the river,” Nilsson said, about reaching out to the surrounding communities and introducing them to the perks of the Kern River.
One of the main perks of this company is that it’s only 15 minutes from the downtown area. Also, River’s End is flexible with scheduling trips, whether reservations are made a month, a week or a couple of days in advance, Nilsson and his team will try to accommodate all reservations.
“Booking in advance helps us tremendously,” Nilsson said.
To put their customers at ease, a trip pack is sent when people register, so there will be no surprises. This packet of information consists of directions, arrival time, what to expect on the trip, what to wear, and recommended items to bring such as sunblock, towels and a change of clothes.
A typical season usually starts around Memorial Day and ends near Labor Day, but could begin earlier or extend later depending on the water levels. The company operates Monday through Saturday and remains open on both Saturday and Sunday on holiday weekends.
Trips for the Blaster depart at 10 a.m. and the other leaves at 12:30 p.m. and both go for an hour. The longer trip, the Master Blaster, is a half-day trip that leaves at 10 a.m. and returns around 2 p.m.  
Whether you want to go solo, in pairs, in large groups of friends and co-workers, family reunions, birthday parties, church groups or with a troop of Scouts, this trip is perfect for all ages. Kids age 6 and over are welcome and should not be scared — all the guides have years of experience and can lead the tour with their eyes closed.
One of the most requested guides, Jimmy Bunting, is not only hilarious, but laid back as well. He enjoys giving tours, which is a hobby where he gets a chance to escape from his day job.
“I love to disconnect on the river. You can’t see the city and you can’t hear it — it’s like you are far away,” Bunting said.
 Others who have stressful jobs will enjoy evening trips targeted at businesses. Even though these trips are not publicly advertised, River’s End will grant requests for these excursions since they understand it’s difficult for people to make it out during the day.
“Everyone needs to try it at least once, they will want to go again,” Olson said. Adam Hansen is a great example because he went more than 10 times last year.
Because the same stories are told year-after-year, Nilsson, being a local history buff, is pushing for more historical stories being told on the water instead of the fabricated tales, such as “Mayo Bridge” shared in previous years.
Bunting and Nilsson’s brother, Myron Nilsson, have brainstormed the idea of having pirate-themed trips this season where all the guides will dress in pirate gear and talk like pirates.
Aside from rafting, River’s End offers a full day of kayaking and a mobile rock-climbing wall. Frequent visitors Mark Handy and his 10-year-old son, Peter, have gone rafting several times and have gone kayaking with Peter’s Boy Scout troop where they earned Whitewater Merit Badges.
For information, visit riversendrafting.com or kernriversend.com. To make reservations, call 866-360-RAFT.