If you’re searching for whitewater rafting near Chattanooga, Tennessee, one name comes up
again and again: Outdoor Adventure Rafting (OAR). Founded in 1977, OAR is
the original outfitter on the Ocoee River — the same river that hosted the
1996 Summer Olympic whitewater slalom events — and today it’s the largest,
most decorated rafting company on the river. Here’s the full story of who OAR is, what makes
their guides different, and why families, church groups, and thrill-seekers keep coming back.

Guide Training & Safety Standards

Ask most OAR guests what made their trip memorable, and the answer is almost always their
guide. That’s not an accident — it’s a direct result of OAR’s training philosophy, which goes
well beyond Tennessee’s legal minimum requirements.

• Every OAR guide is certified in Wilderness First Responder (WFR), Professional CPR, and Swiftwater Rescue.
• OAR guides complete longer training than any other outfitter on the Ocoee River.
• Guides tailor each run to the group — from a mellow, scenic float to a full whitewater thrill ride.
• OAR’s safety record is strong enough that professional nature photographers trust guides to bring expensive camera gear on the river.

Why OAR Works for Families

OAR welcomes every skill level, from first-time rafters to seasoned adventurers. River tubing
is available for all ages, while whitewater rafting trips are built for guests ready for a
bigger adventure. Combined with an extremely high safety record, it’s a trip parents can feel
good about booking.

Why OAR Works for Large Groups

Churches, scout troops, family reunions, summer camps, and corporate teams regularly book OAR
for group outings. OAR also provides a dedicated event planner to help coordinate larger
trips from start to finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to experience the Ocoee River with the outfitter that’s been running it the longest?
Book your trip with Outdoor Adventure Rafting today,
or meet the guides who’ll be paddling with you.