Where to begin...hmmm. First off, my husband and I have been coming to Shotgun Eddys for the past…read morefew years, and we absolutely love it there! Above all else, we look forward to coming there every year, and we are thankful for the employees/owners who help run and operate such a wonderful place. It's a place that's been around for many, many years, and the experiences you enjoy are proof as to why it's still here.
Many reviews claim it's dangerous, that the employees don't give proper instruction, or that there is too much nature....in nature. To that, I would say this is not some lazy river in the dells. This is out in the wilderness, and you are warned of the dangers and sign a waiver before being allowed to raft. Do not come here expecting someone to hold your hand and guide you through every paddle you take. You are one your own after they drop you off ( you are, however, picked up at the end) . If you have cell service, they have an emergency number to contact them....but if you dont have cell service its not their fault, blame your phone company. Though you are given instructions on which sides of the river are better to take depending on the start and finish( and a map...which is prerty straigh forward...stay to the left/center until you past the first rapid to avoid the strong current of the streams on the right. After that, stick to the center until you come to the bridge at the end where you stay to the right before going over the last rapid.) You are also given a helmet and a life vest that they make sure fit you well before you are sent out. As well they tell you what to do and how to sit in the raft when going over rapids, or if by chance you fall out. Though advice does not prevent you from accidents or injury, you also can not blame the staff/owner on what mother nature herself has built and constructed and that you are fully willing to venture down. On that note, if you are camping there or just rafting, you are in the wilderness, not in some resort! There will be bugs, but this also means that there will be plenty of wildlife to be seen as well. If bugs are the worst of your worries, this place is not for you!
We go there knowing there are risks involved, but then again, what good things in life don't have risks? Also, no one has ever forced us to go. We happily go each year and look forward to it. We aren't some super experienced white water rafting people, we only go once a year here. I will say if the water is low that you'll have to work a little harder to get past some rocks, and if it's high that going over the rapids may seem scarier, but you are provided a helmet and life jacket for a reason. We pay attention to the water and work together to navigate over the rapids as best we can (again just amateurs) , and we've never had anything more than a little bruise here or there. Everyone is different, though, and can do things differently from how we do. But you can not blame the business for your own actions on the river or any injuries when you are fully warned and again...sign a waiver knowing full well of the possible dangers on your trip. Too many people write reviews telling of bad experiences that sound more like someone who doesn't know what the true outdoors are like and wasn't prepared to rough it a little.
Overall, this place is amazing, the campsite is well maintained and cozy, and the rafting brings adventure and many fun memories for those willing to take on the task. This place is one of a kind and will give you moments of a lifetime. But again, don't come if you're not willing to deal with the outdoors, paddling, or if you're looking for some wisconsin dells Waterpark resort. Come here if you're looking to get some thrills, have fun, and enjoy the beautiful wisconsin scenery.
To all at Shotgun Eddys,
Thank you for all your hard work! We'll see you next year.
Jamie and Chris
