JACKSON, Wyo. — The Knowlton family has been rafting the whitewater stretch of the Snake south of Jackson since 1982, and several decades of that has been with Dave Hansen Whitewater (DHWW).
This summer, they will take to the water with DHWW again.
Last year, the family had members spanning from patriarch Hooper Jr., at 102, to the youngest great grandchild, age six, on the water. Hooper Jr. passed away about a month after that trip, leaving his son, Hooper III, 78, as the oldest family member on this year’s raft.
The trip is a highlight of the year for the Knowltons.
“There’s something about bonding as a family in whitewater,” Bill Knowlton, Hooper III’s son, says. “It brings everyone back to center. You’re engaging in class III whitewater in a breathtaking canyon with bald eagles and wildlife and people from all over the world.”
Bill estimates that 25 family members will be on this year’s journey, spread across several rafts. The family has made its own traditions on the water, including water fights and trying to be the first to throw others overboard when the raft reaches calm water.
“It’s so nice to slow down, to focus on being present, being mindful and just being around the most beautiful country in America,” Bill says. “I think it has a way of recharging everyone’s batteries.”
Those who plan to be on the river this weekend can look out for the family members splashing and paddling their way down the canyon in DHWW boats and give them a wave.
“We are pretty lucky to offer an activity where such a wide age range of family members can have some adventure and laughs together,” Bud Chatham of DHWW says. “Having three generations in a raft is pretty awesome….to have four generations together in the same raft is something special. We have had some great times with the Knowltons, they are an amazing family.”
