Bryan Iversen – Wisconsin USA – International 3rd place team Raft Race 2006

Congratulations on entering the Great Amazon Raft Race. By simply getting to Iquitos you have already accomplished more than the majority of people on the planet. With that in mind, I can assure you that the adventure is just beginning. Here are a few words of wisdom from a former racer to help you get the most out of your experience.

1) It’s about the people. No matter what else happens over the next several days, make friends with your fellow rafters, especially those from Peru and other countries you may not know well. Don’t worry if you don’t speak the same language — you’ll figure out how to communicate. In a few days the race will be over, but your friendships will last a lifetime.

2) Take care of yourself and your fellow rafters. The Amazon is a big place — no matter how well the race is organized, there will be times when you are on your own. Stay safe and make it to the finish. Don’t worry about alligators, piranhas, or tarantulas. They don’t bite. At least not often.

3) Despite your best efforts to the contrary, you just might win. Experience has shown me that patching together a team of random people minutes before the race and spending a good deal of time trying to keep your raft from falling apart can somehow lead to victory. Hint: The current is your friend!

Go forth and race, make friends, and have the adventure of a lifetime.

Dale Baskin
Amazon Rafting Club President, 2006-07

To the 2009 rafters of the Great River Amazon Raft Race;

I congratulate you for commiting yourselves to this race.I know the sacrifices you have already made.You have spent a lot of money and time training and stressed your relationships with family and friends to get to this meeting at the Amazon Pub in the Iron House in Iquitos,Peru.You are days away from going up river to Nauta to construct your rafts and paddle three days back to Iquitos.It will be no cakewalk.The Amazon is one powerful unforgiving body of water with banks that collapse in to it,hiding uprooted trees and shrubbery that create swirls and obstructions that will command your attention for five to seven hours a day.But you will be up to the task.I am sure of it.You will take home with you the “bragging rights.I did the Amazon on a balsawood raft!” I envy you all.God speed and good luck!

Tom Richards,from the team,Great White 2008,with Wayne Daughtry,Carlos and Kennedy

To 2009 Rafters

Wait! Wait! Turn back before it’s too late! No, just kidding. Be safe and have fun. Watch out for the river monsters.

Ross Britt, Dragon Boat Healers Raft 2009

Hi from Canada to all you new rafters on your exciting three day adventure. I hope all of you have a few extra days to explore Beautiful Iquitos and its surrounding area.
First of all it is a extreme adventure, and just to complete the race makes everybody a “winner”
As for advice treat the river with respect as anything can happen, trust me I know.
My 19 year old granddaughter was on a raft with two other woman and a guy . The second day they were on the river for 10 hours . She was quoted as saying ” That was the most excruciating painful 10 hours of my life, and if i survived that I can survive anything in the future. Rafters complete the race , When you get home you will have Bragging rights forever.

David Petroski, Captain Canada One 2008

To 2009 Rafters

The Amazon Raft Race was one of the most spontaneous things I’ve ever done, and certainly turned out to be a life-changing experience. Though we came in last place, I feel like I saw the Amazon as well as any body could and that the experience gave momentum to the rest of my time spent in Peru. While it will certainly be hard at times and a test of your patience, you will always be blessed to have been a part of this unique event. I will remember it for the rest of my life. God willing, I will have the fortune someday (and level of insanity) to participate again.

Trevor Merrion, Raft No.42 2008