W.Va. Rafting Industry Sees Rebound In 2011

FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. (AP) – West Virginia’s whitewater rafting industry saw some growth in 2011.

A new report from the state Whitewater Commission says 156,962 people took rafting trips in 2011. That’s up 1,250 from the previous year.

But it’s still below the industry’s heyday. In 2002, more than 222,000 people took rafting trips.

Adventures on the Gorge managing partner Dave Arnold tells The Register-Herald that the decline forced his company to diversify. Its activities now include rock climbing and an aerial adventure park.

Arnold says business has doubled in the past four years.

ACE Adventure Resort founder and co-owner Ernie Kincaid says his company is focusing on social media as it continues to expand marketing. ACE also recently launched a smart phone app.

Information from: The Register-Herald, www.register-herald.com