Rafting: Fun and adrenaline
Gonzalo Aziz - Collaborator

The origin of mountain river descent can be traced to the late 19th century. But rafting, as a discipline, began right after World War II. The United States, victorious n this terrible armed conflict, was left with a pile of war materials that included double-prowed rafts. A couple of American young men decided to buy two of these boats, in order to perform river descents in the Grand Canyon, in Colorado. They were immediately successful, and this activity soon gained popularity.

Rafting spread throughout the United States and Central America, but Argentina had to wait another 20 years before enjoying this activity.

Sergio Brunetti was the first to try out rafting in Argentina. Native of the province of Mendoza, he one day decided to check it out. He began using truck inner tubes, and soon discovered his passion for the sport. He traveled to the U.S.A. and came back with a couple of rafts.

A great experience

When I heard of Brunetti, I decided to spend a few days sharing the activity with its local pioneer. I made contact and, together with Pepe Rolón(an expert in rowing sports), I headed off to meet him in Potrerillos, in the province of Mendoza. A one and a half our flight from Buenos Aires took me to the city of Mendoza. We then parted towards Potrerillo in a 1973 Fiat 128, leant to us by Mecha, Pepe´s godmother, who lived in Mendoza.

Before arriving at the center of Potrerillos(after passing a small artisan fair), there is a detour that ends in Ríos Andinos Rafting, the company founded by Brunetti in 1983.

Ríos Andino´s base is located 1 kilometer away from the Highway 7, beside the Mendoza River. There stands Sergio's house, which he shares with his wife, his children and his friends. The surroundings are beautiful.

The Brunetti family's hospitality is incredible. One hour there, and we felt like part of the family. We arrived in the morning. Rafting was planned for 4:00pm, so we helped to build the rafts and take them to the river on a truck.

At 3:00pm, we set out, up Highway 7, towards Uspallata. We covered 17 kilometers. At he beginning, it seemed like the weather was on our side, but all of a sudden, the sun was covered by clouds, and the Winter afternoon cold could be felt. We didn't even think of turning back.

The rafts were placed perpendicular to the river. Before boarding, Sergio gave us a 10 minute chat on the activity's most important aspects, specially river safety and the importance of protective gear.

Into the water

Ready, get set, into the water! The team was formed in the following way: Raft I took Sergio, a couple of tourists and myself; Raft II was guided by Rodo(who participated with Sergio in two world cups); Raft III was led by Leo(another one with a lot of experience); Raft IV was guided by Sergio's son, Mariano, who was only 18 years old but is very responsible and thorough; Pepe would ride Raft V, guided by Américo.

The Ríos Andinos crew's teamwork is worth mentioning. This was made clear when they simulated a risk situation and explained the river rescue method.

The ride was two hours long. The Mendoza river was starting to get ice water from the glaciers, so we were able to enjoy a couple of adrenaline-filled moments. When we got back to the base, we were able to enjoy hot showers. That night we had a barbecue and then went to sleep. You could say that the first day was useful to learn about rafting and its techniques.

The second day

The second day was warm and sunny. We spent the morning exploring the surroundings. We did some trekking up the Andes Train railway(I hasn't been in service since 1992), until the Potrerillo station(Untouched since 1923, today it is part of Mendoza's historic patrimony.) It is a real shame that a big part of the river will be covered in water to satisfy economic interests(the construction of a damn).

Midday arrived. We eat some home-made meat tarts and began the preparations for our second day of rafting. The weather was perfect. We were very excited.

At 2:00pm we headed towards the starting point. This was going to better than the day before, because we would be using only one boat, and we would be able to learn more from these experienced adventurers.

It was spectacular. During this time of the year, the river sometimes reaches Class III difficulty. The descent covered beautiful teritorry: The Andes mountain range to our right, and Mount Cacheuta right in front of us. After a while, the town of Potrerillo became visible from the river.

We finally arrived at the base, where Eleonora, Sergio´s wife, was waiting for us with hot chocolate. The moment to say good-bye had arrived. After showering and dressing up, we headed back to the city of Mendoza, knowing we would soon be back. We not only gained experience: We made new friends.

Gonzalo