Rapids, waves and eddies in Vail

VAIL, Colorado – Riding rapids, surfing waves and catching eddies is what a Gore Creek rafting trip is all about.

With a gradient of about 35 feet per mile and artificial manmade drop structures, Gore Creek gives you a thrilling rafting experience.

The drop structures are designed to prevent erosion and increase the creek’s fish habitat, but they also create “a whole new way to play on water in a commercial raft,” said Darryl Bangert, whose company, Sage, which he owns with his wife, Robin, offers Gore Creek trips. “What we do in the water is exactly what kayakers do. It’s my favorite thing in the whole world to do.”

The Bangerts have owned and operated rafting businesses in the Valley since the ’80s and focus on trips in local areas, such as Gore Creek and runs on the upper, middle and lower sections of the Eagle River. They run their business with their daughter Autumn and their son Cole, who was my raft guide on my trip down Gore Creek.

“Each run has its own character and beauty. We focus on the local runs since we know them intimately and know how to operate very fun, successful trips,” Darryl Bangert said. “Working with my kids is a dream come true. We love goofing around outside and sharing it with people.”

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As a beginner rafter, I felt very safe while still having a blast going over rapids that made my stomach jump. There also were calm, peaceful portions of the trip in which I was able to take in the scenery around me, including a mother goose and her nest of eggs.

Cole Bangert’s energy, friendliness and hilarious personality made the trip interactive and entertaining.

“We’re getting you on the river to play,” Darryl Bangert said. “We know how to be safe and professional. We love being out so much that we want guests to enjoy being on the rivers the same way we do.”

I was accompanied by my roommate and a friendly couple from Illinois in my raft, and once Cole Bangert helped us master the art of paddling in a synchronized fashion, there was no stopping us – not even the cold water splashing up on our hands and faces.

“We try to keep our groups small and intimate,” Darryl Bangert said. “We choose our guides because they’re friendly people who love being outside and love to share it.”

Cole Bangert pointed out beautiful waterfalls that could be seen in the mountains from a distance and made sure we achieved the thrilling goal of surfing a wave: an experience in which my roommate almost fell out of the raft while I got drenched in water as I paddled in the front of the raft.

“I think we make a difference in the world a little bit,” Darryl Bangert said. “We all need to relearn how to play, take a break from where we are and learn to be kids again.”

Courtney Riley is an intern at the Vail Daily. Email comments about this story to criley@vaildaily.com.