If you’re not familiar with this tough environment, the first thing you should know is that the Shubenacadie River is a tributary to the Bay of Fundy, home to the highest tidal range in the world. Typically, the ebb and flow of the open ocean is two feet – or 0.61 metres for you metric measur- ers. The range in coastal regions is significantly more pro- nounced at six to 10 feet (two to three metres). Along the 280 kilometres (174 miles) of Nova Scotia shoreline shaped by the bay, the tide’s range dwarfs expectations at 11 to 53 feet (3.5 to 16 metres). If you’re more of a volume person than a height person, that’s about 115 billion tonnes of water flowing in and out, twice a day. Ironically, it’s the in that has the Tidale Bore Rafting Resort team and their guests heading downriver. “A tidal bore,” according to Bayoffundy.com, “is a tidal phenomenon in which the leading edge of the incoming tide forms a wave of water that travels upstream, against the current of a river or narrow bay.” The tidal bore wave storms inland at 15 kilometres (10 miles) per hour paving the way, so to speak, for a rafting experience like no other. “After the tidal bore passes, depending on the river bed shape, it creates 10-12 and sometimes 15 foot rapids, which last for about 10 minutes at each location along the river,” Steve explained. The guides who turn these menaces into memories are, in Steve’s words, “the young and dynamic spark plugs of the operation – I’m like the experienced rudder,” he laughed. “But as fun as the rafting component is for our guests, it demands a variety of guide skills, which we measure in three ways. Firstly, and most importantly, safety for everyone involved is paramount. The rafting experience happens in Class IV rapids, and that means that things can get interesting very quickly. Accordingly, all guides are trained in First Aid, as well as standard operating and emergency procedures. Second, all guides are trained in boatsmanship. Guiding a powered Zodiac with eight pas- sengers through waves up to 15 feet high requires specific skill and experience not commonly found in other types of boating. How to consistently find the waves, approach them, and then how to ride them, is something that our guests rely on. Our guides know what is expected and are trained to deliver this in all weather conditions on an ongoing basis. Lastly, our guides are trained in what we call Customer/Guest Experience. They need to develop a rapport with guests before we launch, allay any concerns, be direct but yet fun, flexible yet cautious, and give a great ride despite varying conditions. They need to banter with guests from all walks of life, share stories and information about the flora and fauna of the mighty Shubenacadie River, and bring a smile to guest’s faces at every turn.” The founders of Tidal Bore Rafting, Hilbert and Eppie Knol, were intrigued in 1985 by the potential to offer to tourists and visitors the amazing experience of passing through the rapids. “They conceived the idea of bringing guests downriver in a powered raft, waiting for the tidal
“Our mission was to restore the entire property back to that of a four star resort.”
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FEBRUARY 2017 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
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