Rafting
Think Outside is able to design team fun, team building and team development engagements around rafting because of our unique partner, ASCI (Adventure Sports Center International). ASCI is the only fully adjustable, man-made whitewater course in the country. ASCI is a ‘round river’, It is 1700 feet long and drops 24 feet from the top to the bottom of the course. The pond at the bottom of the course is connected to the top of the course by a ‘magic carpet’ that allows you to remain in your raft, ducky or kayak and begin the adventure again.
The fact that the course is short and can be run multiple times, is located next to an indoor facility with a classroom, is logistically easy, and eliminates some (though not all) of the hazards of a real river, makes it a perfect place for team building work.
What can rafting teach us about teams?
In order to successfully navigate the river and perform specific maneuvers, people in the raft must learn to work together. They must paddle at the right times, they must listen to their guide, and they should become aware of the water and how it impacts what they need to do. All of these facts of successful paddling create openings to talk about guiding and leadership, the impact of the environment on teams, and peripheral awareness. Not only does the experience of rafting provide tangible examples for teams to talk about and apply to their own team situations, but it is a lot of fun!
Course Offering:
Competition, Leadership and Teamwork through Rafting (Half Day)
This rock-n-rolling half day program introduces your team to rafting on the world class ASCI course. With experienced guides your team will experience the thrill of racing their rafts and will learn about dynamics of different types of competition, how the team responds to competition, dynamics and the role of leadership and teamwork. Plus, the metaphors between business, teams, and rafting in whitewater are priceless.
Typical Agenda
- Prior to arrival—complete mini-assessment providing goals for the work and background about participants
- 20 min Arrival, welcome, introductions and objectives
- 20 min Overview of equipment and safety
- 30 min First time down—learning to paddle, learning about water
- 20 min Navigating the river
- 40 min Racing and surfing
- 40 min Debriefing experience
Upon completion of all programs a follow up report is sent highlighting lessons learned.