Whitewater Industry Leaders Launch “One Stop Shopping” for Rafters Online: Rafting America Hires Executive Director & Launches Expanded Website

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – May 2006 – Rafting America, an alliance of 15 whitewater industry leaders, has hired a new Executive Director and launched an expansion of their website www.RaftingAmerica.com, aimed at reaching the growing number of consumers seeking adventure vacations in North and South America. The new Rafting America site provides a “one-stop shopping” resource for consumers looking for white water rafting, kayaking and canoeing trips, from beginners to experts, across over 50 rivers across the Americas.

Rafting America members, in combination, have taken over 4.1 million guests downriver to date and offers over 175 unique whitewater trips across 18 US states as well as international trips in Chile, Peru and Ecuador. Members of Rafting America span all the top white water rafting markets from California to Maine, even offering trips on world renown rivers such as the Futaleufu River in Chile in South America. Members include Western River Expeditions, ROW Adventures, Whitewater Voyages, Adventures Mountain River, Zoar Outdoor, Wildwater Ltd., Earth River Expeditions, Landers River Trips, Montana Rafting Co., New England Outdoor Center, Pocono Whitewater and Rogue Wilderness.

Earlier this month, Rafting America hired Ryan Hutchings, a marketing professional with extensive internet marketing experience.. Mr. Hutchings prior to his position at Rafting America was cofounder of a business solutions internet service company based in Clearfield, UT. Most recently Mr. Hutchings was a Product Line Manager and Internet Marketer at iboats.com, one of Inc. 500’s fastest growing companies and the fastest growth small business in Utah in 2004.

“The companies involved in Rafting America deliver some of the highest quality rafting trips in the nation. With high standards for guide training and experience, we selectively accept companies who are dedicated to providing superior service and unparalleled adventure for their guests. This is one of the most critical requirements for membership in our organization” notes Ryan Hutchings, Executive Director. “We are very excited to move forward with an updated new logo and website and an expanded scope of trip offerings and member company profiles for our visitors. The members of Rafting America have been involved in the development of our new marketing plan and website launch process, coordinated by LeapUp Marketing Solutions and Zee Creative, from beginning to end and are excited about the growth prospects ahead for this dynamic organization.”

The new Rafting America website allows consumers to pick a rafting location from an interactive map as well as view additional ratings, summaries, charts, graphs and company contacts about member companies, rivers and specific trips. “Rafting America is the best website for anyone looking for a rafting trip anywhere in the U.S. We give you complete river information, pictures and in depth company profiles. Our site also links rafters directly to individual white water rafting company websites for additional contact information.”

About Rafting America:

Rafting America, an alliance of America's white water rafting industry leaders guiding trips on the 50 most popular rivers in North and South America. For additional information, visit www.RaftingAmerica.com or email Ryan Hutchings, Executive Director, Rafting America at Ryan@RaftingAmerica.com..