Major rafting alliance announced

By Bill Billeter
The Register-Herald

HICO April 22, 2008 04:20 pm

— Four whitewater rafting companies in Fayette County have joined together to create the state’s largest outfitter and the third-largest guided whitewater venture in the United States.
The companies announced the alliance at a news conference Friday morning at Songer Whitewater near Hico.
ACE Adventure Resort, Wildwater Expeditions, New River Gorge Adventures and Songer will work together to offer visitors to southern West Virginia a full slate of outdoor adventures and lodging opportunities.
“We feel like we can offer anyone who comes here for outdoor activities anything they could want right here in Fayette County,” said Len Hanger, vice president of Songer Whitewater. “We are looking at bringing in new products, a variety of different water crafts and using a variety of sections of the rivers.”
The rafting companies also offer different lodging options, such as the Cabins on Miller Ridge located on the Songer campus. Combined, the outfitters can accommodate more than 2,000 guests.
“We have rustic cabins, deluxe cabins with hot tubs and screened-in porches,” Hanger said. “And with the addition of the New River Gorge Preserve, we will have deluxe homes that a family of 10 to 12 can come and stay in.”
The alliance will seek to capitalize on the diversity of products and services offered by each of the four companies, said Ernie Kincaid, managing partner at ACE Adventure Resort.
For example, New River Gorge Adventures is planning to build a water slide, and Wildwater Expeditions has been using large, motorized rafts that can be used when the river is high, Kincaid said. By working together, the four companies can offer their customers a broader selection of activities.
“Our main goal is to create the world’s premiere rafting company,” Kincaid said. “The size of our alliance will mean 55,000 rafters and 18,000 doing other activities each year.”
The alliance will have a significant impact on tourism and the local economy, said Doug Maddy, president and CEO of the Southern West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“Fayette County has been in the lead in the development of our outdoor industry,” Maddy said. “Tourism is the biggest employer in the state, and the fastest-growing industry in the state.”
The four entities will be based at three locations and will retain their respective workforces with 65 full-time employees and a seasonal payroll of more than 250 people.