Kern River Rafting - Momentum River Expeditions — Local services in Bakersfield

This is what I also shared to Yelp.

We went out here for a bachelor party trip and we’re lucky enough to get Gabe aka Nick Cage aka Ashton Butcher as our River guide. If you’re somewhat of a rowdy bunch and want to get into the thick of the rapids, don’t mind getting wet and are looking for more excitement than the normal trek, Gabe (Nick Cage) is your dude. We were all really pumped on the trip. The company was very professional even before we booked our trip, upon arrival, and even with us wanting to go the extra and get kinda gnarly on the river, Gabe (Nick Cage) made sure that we all knew exactly what to expect and what to do depending on what could potentially happen next so we were all in good hands (Nick Cage) and safety was still priority #1.

I recommend doing the full day (8 hour) trip. We booked the upper Kern but due to weather got switched to the lower kern which I heard was better. The first trip through is almost like a taste test to get your bearings. We stopped for a rock jump/cliff jump which was chill and then later stopped again for a mid day break. I honestly felt kind of tired and already a little sore at that point but the deli sandwiches were solid and once we went for round two you’re already prepared for what’s to come but with slightly different conditions so our group was all about going harder the second time which really made the whole trip a blast.

(Side note) I haven’t done river rafting since high school and I’m 37 now so I’m not seasoned in doing this by any means.

Anyways the conversations during the mellow parts of the river were good, we got soaked going for it, floated down the river when it was chill and paddled hard when we were in the thick of it all thoroughly enjoying ourselves. Overall it was an absolute blast and I plan to definitely come back at least once a year to do this same trip.

I highly recommend this company. You won’t be disappointed.

HUGE THANKS Gabe (Nick Cage/Ashton Butcher) and Kern River Outfitters. If I could give more than 5...

Can I leave six stars?!? We just returned from our two-day Lower Kern rafting trip with Kern River Outfitters. There were four of us in our group and we couldn’t have been more pleased with the experience! Our group usually goes backpacking in the Sierras but we wanted to try something a little different this year and we are glad we did! Since our usual idea of fun is getting as far away from other people and groups as possible, we were slightly apprehensive about a ‘guided tour’. That brought to mind ideas of a boring tour guide overwhelming us with useless facts and micromanaging our every move. This couldn’t have been farther from the experience we had. In fact, I usually try to include at least a couple of “cons” in my reviews but as I am writing this I honestly cannot think of any. From the booking process to the final drop-off, everyone involved in the experience was professional and friendly.

I guess the only negative I could come up with is that the trip went by too quickly and I wish we had more time! I really wasn’t ready for it to be over. At no time during the trip did I feel like the crew didn’t know what they were doing and I never once thought that something was missing. They really have thought of everything!

In conclusion, if you are looking for a unique and incredibly fun adventure, go with Kern River Outfitters. Oh, and one more thing… tip the guides! They work incredibly hard for you and do a fantastic job. The packet says customers usually tip 15% – 20% of the trip cost. This really is more than reasonable for all that they do. Let’s help these guys continue to do what they love and keep us safe in...

This had to be one of the most fantastic family adventures we've ever experienced. KRO is an exceptionally run company, and our guide, Hector, did a superb job of taking us down the lower Kern River. While my husband and I had done some white water rafting back in the day, this was the first time for our 20, 18 and 15-year olds, and we all had a blast!

Hector clearly communicated all instructions beforehand, and stayed chill and patient on the river even when we'd completely botch his directions or couldn't tear our eyes from the cutest brood of ducklings nearby, and would just kindly get us back on track. He shared great stories and fun facts during the quieter parts of the river, helped calm any jitters as we'd near some rapids, and made us feel like we actually knew what we were doing. All this while keeping us laughing the entire time.

The deli lunch was yummy and beautifully laid out. The guides for the other raft, Lina and Garrett, were also awesome, and by lunch our two rafts felt like one big, happy family as we joked and shared stories, and then later on cheered each other while jumping off boulders, or splashed each other when the rafts would get close. SUPER fun.

KRO's website is very informative, and tells you all you need to know to prepare for your trip, and they were quick to respond when I emailed a few times beforehand.

It was altogether a fabulous experience, and we already can't wait to return next summer and take on the upper...