West Virginia celebrates 41 years of Whitewater Rafting in 2010. What began in 1968 as a single outfitter running a few trips on the New River has grown into a $20 million industry attracting visitors from around the world.

In the 1960’s and 70’s, commercial rafting was very much a novelty with relatively few outfitters operating in the United States. The introduction of whitewater rafting to West Virginia ushered in a new era of economic growth shifting the focus away from the historical income-producing industries such as coal-mining and timber toward travel and tourism.

Rafting participants during the early years were in their twenties and thirties, hungry for adventure and a new thrill. Whitewater rafting on the New and Gauley Rivers delivered exactly what they were looking for and more. Most had never experienced West Virginia as a tourist destination and few had ever come into contact with the wild rivers and scenic beauty of this region. Rafting in the Mountain State was the ultimate in outdoor adventure combining scenic wilderness, wild rivers and a rush excitement.

As demand for this new adventure sport swept the country, the rafting industry in West Virginia burgeoned into more than 25 companies by 1981. Fueled by aggressive competition and innovation, the industry continued to grow and change expanding the definition of whitewater rafting to attract a more diverse clientele. New products and services were introduced through innovative marketing programs during the 1980’s and 90’s targeting families and corporate groups as well as youth, scout and school groups.

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