Kite-boarding
The first time I tried this, I found that kite-boarding is just like wakeboarding but with the use of a kite to add maneuverability and control. You can effortlessly jump 30 feet in the air or catch hundreds of waves in a blown-out day. The kite acts as a lifting force as well as a pulling force, which gives you a lighter sensation and allows you to launch huge aerial maneuvers never associated with any kind of other water sport. It can be simple enough for beginners to learn the sport with the right instruction, yet extreme enough to make even the most hardened athlete skip a heartbeat or two!
Whether you’re a wake-style charger or a freestyle guru, call 1-888-FLY-LTKB for details and all the latest gear. Kite-boarding lessons run about $75 an hour.
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Whitewater rafting on the Truckee River.
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Courtesy of Tributary Whitewater and Truckee River Photos
Whitewater Rafting on the Truckee River
There’s a great river rafting company called Tributary White Water Tours. Its white water rafting trip is close to Lake Tahe and Reno. It is a fun and exciting, 7-mile guided white water adventure, with many Class 2-3 rapids for the first six miles and exciting Class 3+ rapids in the last mile. This section of the Truckee River should not be confused with the self-guided float out of Tahoe City. The duration of this rafting trip is about 3.5 hours.
More Thrills
Heavenly Flyer: Zip-RidingHeavenly Mountain Resort in South Lake Tahoe recently introduced a thrilling ride called the Heavenly Flyer. Located at the top of the Gondola, this high-speed, zip-rider has two seats on side-by-side cables that send passengers down 3,100 feet in a mere 80 seconds, with speeds reaching up to 50 m.p.h. This is not a ride for the fainthearted! www.skiheavenly.com/mountain/heavenly_flyer/
Ski-Biking
Combine the thrills of skiing with the stability—and seated comfort—of a bike! Ski-biking is great for beginning skiers because it allows more maneuverability and control. Heavenly is among the few Lake Tahoe ski areas that have ski bike rentals.
Ice Climbing
Ready for a chilly challenge? Lake Tahoe’s ice climbing scene is great for beginners and expert alike. Cold Stream Canyon near Donner Lake in Tahoe National Forest has several ice climbing routes, and Eagle Creek Canyon and Emerald Bay are two other popular ice-climbing areas.
Each raft is lead by a professional river guide who calls out commands and helps steer. Early in the rafting trip, you will practice your maneuvering and paddling skills. The Truckee River—west of Reno—passes through the High Sierra desert, with cottonwoods lining the banks. At the take-out point, the equipment will be loaded while refreshments are served and you’ll return to your meeting location in Truckee.
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Drop 525 feet in elevation in minutes on the Heavenly Flyer high-speed zip line at Heavenly Mountain Resort.
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Courtesy of Heavenly Mountain Resort
Kids from 7 and older are welcome. For children under 7, the Class 2 runs on the Lower Middle American, or the East Carson, are recommended. Seniors are welcome. Still, some participants may wish to walk around the last section of Class 3+ rapids.
Tour participants meet at the Granite Chief store near the town of Truckee, about 22 minutes from Kings Beach, 35 minutes from Reno and about 75 minutes from South Lake Tahoe. During the peak season, two trips a day are scheduled, at 9:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. In early June and after Labor Day weekend, there is usually just one trip, at 12:30 p.m. Custom group trips are available, and transportation from the Reno and Lake Tahoe areas can be arranged. Adult costs: Mon-Fri $69, Sun $74, Sat $79. Youth costs: 17 and under get a 10 percent discount (15 percent off with 6 or more people in a group). Tel. 800-672-3846; www.whitewatertours.com.
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