SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017
TIDAL BORE RAFTING RESORT
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SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2017
There are certain numbers in our lives that diminish with age. The distance between home and the cottage seems a lot shorter – literally speaking, of course – when you’re an adult. The time between Labour Day and Christmas just isn’t enough once you’ve developed a working relationship with Santa Claus. One thousand dollars, it turns out, isn’t all the money in the world. But the height of a basketball net – there are 10 feet between the court and the hoop – always sets my perception to kid mode. I suppose that’s because when I was playing pick-up ball at school growing up, Michael Jordan was redefining what it was to be a professional athlete. My friends and I used to pretend we were His Airness taking off from the top of the key – 15 feet from the hoop – at the 1988 Slam Dunk competition. Of course our net was no more than six feet high and we jumped from maybe three feet away with a non-regulation ball – but most of us had the Air Jordan shoes. When you’re a kid, your imagination has a way of putting it all together and for one split second in the air, while your eyes are closed, you embody Jordan’s words: “I don’t know whether I’ll fly or not. I know that when I’m in the air, sometimes I feel like I don’t ever have to come down.” Steve and Licia Elder are in the business of putting you back into your old basketball shoes and making you fly again. They own and operate the Tidal Bore Rafting Resort on the historic Shubenacadie River in Nova Scotia, Canada and their Zodiac inflatable boats are piloted by guides who can ride the oncoming onslaught of 10-foot swells in the aftermath of the Tidal Bore with the grace of MJ. T he Tidal Bore waits for no man,” Steve Elder laughed when I asked him if working side-by-side with a force of nature was a challenge. “If we are 15 minutes late, it’s difficult to get downriver without grounding out at some point. We’ve become experts in boat engine maintenance. We carry quite a set of tools and spare parts – and even spare engines. We do plenty of preventative maintenance to keep the boats and engines in good and reliable working order. Boat maintenance is the number one issue we have in rafting season on the Shubenacadie River. We depart at low tide in a muddy river and cannot see the bottom – ever. So we sometimes get propeller strikes, gummed-up water pumps, water in the gas, and corrosion issues affecting steering and throttle. And that’s just the engine side of things. It’s the toughest environment imaginable for both the engine and the Zodiac itself.”
“The rafting experience happens in Class IV rapids, and that means that things can get interesting very quickly.”
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FEBRUARY 2017 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
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SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2017
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
riverfront deck around it – a perfect site for weddings, gatherings, reunions and such. They also added three Russian-built log chalets and a Banya – a Russian word for gathering place – meant to be a sauna and spa.” Sadly, Jack passed away in 2011. “Operations continued well under the leadership of Heather, but the business encountered some unfortunate challenges and unfortu- nately, four years later, was forced to declare bankruptcy in May of 2015,” Steve explained. “Licia and I studied it long and hard and decided that we could undertake the venture,” he continued. “Although I didn’t have experience in the hospitality and adventure tourism sector, I did enjoy a 30 year career in Technology Leadership in the medical, aerospace, and energy sectors. I remember reflecting, ‘There must be some learnings lurking somewhere in there that would be applicable to this type of business.’ Hence, we worked with Grant Thornton, the trustee, and BDC to provide loan funding and, long story short, acquired the land, buildings, and equipment through an order in the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia in October 2015. So, we are the third owners of the business and could not appreciate the efforts of the two predecessors more. The foundation they laid has made us what we are today: the largest tidal bore rafting business in the world.” The Elders exemplify the graceful modesty that Shake- speare’s Hamlet eulogized at Elsinore Castle. The fact is, their efforts have been worthy of coverage by a renova- tion reality show – calling Mike Rowe! “Our mission was to restore the entire property back to that of a four star resort,” Steve said. “This included equip- ment overhauls and replacements of major systems, like heat pumps. We installed new energy efficient doors and windows, decorated the rooms with new drapery, dressed the beds in new linens, that sort of thing,” Steve recalled. “The main lodge was not winterized, but we recognized its vast potential in the off-season, so we insulated it, sided it with split shakes, built a proper entrance and reception area, tore out and replaced bathroom facilities where it was needed, and added a servery. These changes have made the Tidal Bore Rafting Resort the perfect destina- tion for meetings, reunions, weddings – you name it. And business in these areas is certainly picking up. We con- verted the Banya into a rentable cottage – and it’s lovely. It’s well-equipped, with a hot tub on the back deck. At the main lodge, a deck was removed, the pool was replaced, and in the spring of 2017, we will be adding a new deck with a patio bar as well as another hot tub. We took the showers out of the main lodge, which I understand was an issue in the past in terms of plenty of river mud in the building drains. Men’s and Ladies’ hot showers are now housed in sturdy 12-person tents at the North end of the lodge area. It is much more functional andmuch more ecof- riendly. Trip Advisor has recognized our eco and energy savings initiatives, and awarded us a 2016 Green Leaders
bore to pass, riding the waves to the upriver side, then going downriver to catch several more sets of rapids before they dissipate,” Steve explained. The Knols, Steve clarified, also laid the foundation to the dry side of the business. “They built cottages and devel- oped the resort’s reputation as a leader in lodging,” he said. “Then in 2005, Jack Robinson and Heather Smith bought the property and launched some impressive projects, which really took things to the next stage. They built the Sandbar Restaurant and a three-level covered
Silver Rating. It’s not just about renovations, though,” Steve added. “The people part had a major bearing on the first year’s operation. We were lucky to retain some of the best staff from the former business – dedicated folks who love this business, know the ropes on both the water and land operations, and who were happy to renew their work here.”
ations for meetings, company seasonal parties and cater to the ATV and Snowmobile communities, who can access our 180 acre property directly across from our driveway.” We’ve developed partnerships with several recreational associations, including Penn Hills Golf Course and the Canadian Armed Forces. It’s win-win. We are indebted to the many friends and associates that have helped us in our first year, with special gratitude to Gordon Stirrett Wealth Management for donating two terrific billboards in Halifax to help spread the new story,” he lauded.
Tidal Bore Rafting Resort sees up to 100 rafters on peak days throughout the rafting season.
The business community has certainly felt the call of the rapids. Over the last decade or more, government and uni- versity studies throughout North America have become increasingly louder and the message is clear: Work smarter, not harder. Each year, more corporations are planning retreats to the Tidal Bore Rafting Resort for team building and then coming back for conferences, planning sessions, and company celebrations. “We can provide many things that cannot be found downtown,” Steve said. “Our prices are reasonable, the setting is as natural as it gets, the air is fresh and clean, it’s tranquil, the variety of wildlife is astonishing, not to mention our activities – which form an important part of modern corporate agendas.” “Our working guests know they’ve made the right choice as soon as they arrive at the main lodge,” he continued. “Our friendly and knowledgeable staff takes customer service to a level only to be found here in the Maritime provinces. After check-in, guests can proceed directly to their lovely one or two bedroom pine cottage or log chalet. There, they’ll find all the modern amenities: a private deck, true high speed internet, HDTV, gas BBQs, full kitchens, gas fireplaces, and more. The next day, they gather in our Sandbar Restaurant for a welcome breakfast varying from continental to full fare. As they dine, they’ll be constantly tempted to stray away from conversation to look outside the expansive windows framing the water- front – and they nearly always notice our two resident eagles “Boatie” and “Wavie” flying past or hanging out in nearby tress. When it’s time to get to work, they usually hike back to congregate in our large 3300 square foot log chalet with an occupancy of 45 people, or our main lodge with an occupancy of 95 people. There they find coffee, snacks, full complement of tables, sound systems, and the necessities of business to attack the challenges of the day. The Sandbar stands ready to serve a wholesome lunch and dinner, right on time, in the style of a family get together. Usually by mid- evening, guests are sipping something nice by the fire in the main lodge while listen- ing to recorded music or a musical artist we arrange. Not a bad way to take away the normal corporate meeting anxieties and really get things done!” It’s also not a bad way to celebrate your engagement, your bachelor or bachelorette party, or a company picnic. “We hold events that range from one to four days long and we’re not only at capacity during rafting season,” Steve explained. “We host many businesses and associ-
“There they find coffee, snacks, full complement of tables, sound systems, and the necessities of business to attack the challenges of the day.”
“We appreciate the first time explorers, the lifestyle and health style folks, and those people with an infectious attitude for a combination of relaxation, excitement, and fun,” Steve continued. “We believe that “basics are best.” Eat well, live well, and be well. We think that a natural setting, having fun with mother nature and the physics of the river, going hiking, observing nature, building crafts from the land, contribute to a sense of wellbeing in both a physical and emotional sense. We also think that if we all do our part to control emissions, use less energy, burn less carbon, produce less garbage, we can make a con- tribution to the planet in the long run. We are big fans of healthy lifestyles in every sense, including ecotourism.” “From a geographical perspective, we market around the world and entertain guests from the UK, Europe, and, of course, all parts of the US and Canada. Of particular note, we welcomed many guests from the East Coast of the US this past season. In general, tourism this past season was up eight percent with August being the real bread winner. We enjoyed our part of this certainly and we know the fantastic weather played a big part. It’s our goal in 2017 to show more people that the Tidal Bore Rafting Resort can offer a truly unique Nova Scotian and Canadian experi- ence in all four seasons.” Tidal Bore Rafting Resort is located approximately one hour north of Halifax off Highway 102 at Exit 10 in Urbania, along the banks of the Shubenacadie River. Raftingcanada.ca is your gateway to everything the Elders and their team have to offer. Steve added that this environmental stewardship is in itself a major draw factor formany potential guests around theglobe.
TIDAL BORE RAFTING RESORT 12215 Highway 215, Urbania, NS B0N 2H0 (902) 758-8433 • info@raftingcanada.ca
www.raftingcanada.ca
as spotlighted in the FEBRUARY 2017 issue of SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
www.spotlightonbusinessmagazine.com
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