Sunshine Rafting Adventures Knights Ferry — Local services in Oakdale

I am the Treasurer for the California Water Environment Association, Northern San Joaquin Section. For the past 7 years we have come to Sunshine Rafting for our annual ‘Member Appreciation Day’. In the past we have always found the staff friendly, helpful and engaging, that was not the case this year. We prepaid for 55 people and reserved 8 rafts. When our last two groups were set to launch, they were told that only one 10 person raft was left for them, by an employee named George. There were 13 people left. They were told they either all get in the 10 person raft or they’ll be left behind OR they could ‘jump in and float down the river to another raft with more room’. George argued with our members and said they ‘weren’t going to get one over on us’ and forced all 13 grown adults on the 10 person raft. When they asked for a manager, he stated he was the manager. Water flows are so high and dangerous this year, that we received email warnings before our trip, that all alcohol was banned, no children under 7 and all members needed to know how to swim. Yet they allowed 13 adults on a 10 person raft and even suggested to float down to other rafts. When these members caught up with our group and we realized the situation, we made a call to the main office. They agreed to meet us at the half way point with another raft. This is where we learned they not only shorted us one raft but TWO RAFTS.

I also want to note that the 10 person check staff stationed throughout the river could barely be bothered to lift their head from their phones to even notice a raft pass them by.

There truly needs to be better oversight when launching rafts. And don’t preach safety when your staff doesn’t seem to care about anyone’s safety.

This is an event our membership looks forward to each year. I hope next year we have a better experience as we have...

Sunshine Rafting Adventures is a great experience for friends and family. This is my second time going and it was just as fun as I remember. My girlfriend and I went on a Wednesday so there was much less people on the river than a weekend. Still had plenty of fun regardless. Much like my first time the river is 90% calm with about 10% rapids. Really easy going for first timers so no need to worry. The current will guide you most of the way with minimal paddling. River is a nice and cold which is great on a hot day.

All the staff were really friendly and helpful. You launch around 10am - 11am and you need to be done by 5:30pm. The whole river takes about 4 hours to complete from beginning to end. You do have the option of stopping 1/2 way if you want to just sit at a park, BBQ, and relax. There is a shuttle bus that brings you back to the parking lot at the end of the day whether you stop 1/2 way or at the end.

Few tips: Bring sun screen and a hat as the sun does beam down on you. Life jackets are required at all times. Bring food and plenty of water because you'll be in the sun constantly, and working out. Bring all your trash back out.with you. Bring water guns especially on a crowded weekend to shoot other people with.

Highly recommend anyone looking for a fun day out on the water to go to Sunshine...

We had the most pleasant day last month, rafting down the Stanislaus river with Sunshine Rafting Adventures Knights Ferry. This was my first experience in rafting. Their equipment is first class, very stable and safe. Friendly staff, polite and experienced in the sport. We started with a safety briefing, and launched our raft, four of us on board. Took us five mn to figure out the strategy, and down the river we went. They even have a photographer at the rapids who took beautiful pictures of our crew, making lasting memories. The river is beautiful at that spot. Surrounded by green trees and grasses, although we are in a drought. Fish everywhere! bring your fishing rod ! After 6 hours of rafting which included a picnic and pitch stop, staff was waiting at the rendez vous spot , took care of our raft and unloaded all our belongings. Back to the starting point in a fancy bus/van, same courtesy from the driver. The cost was reasonable, I would recommend Sunshine Rafting to anyone looking for an...