Wednesday 21st Nov

Mad Dog River Boarding time! As it didn't start till 12.45pm, we made the most of the lie in, catching up with our beauty sleep! We decided to go on the internet elsewhere as we found a cheapest one in town to waste our waiting time for our activity to start. After reading up more on the activity, we were starting to regret to book it as we didn't realise that there would be alot of instructions given by the guides during the boarding. we were worried about it due to not hearing or at least following the instructions.

We decided to wait till we spoke to the guides and see what happens. Once we arrived, we explained about our deafness, they said that it wouldnt be a problem. We were bit relieved but still concerned on how it would work in the river.

After at least 45 mins drive away, we got our wetsuits, helmets and the most important part was a life jacket!! We proceeded to the river and was still unable to understand on their instructions/rules, that was even before we got into the river! There were a few guides giving out different kinds of instructions which caused us confusions.

After a practise session with one guide, it was still unclear cos we had a mini rapid to practise with and she was giving out instructions but we couldn't follow what she was saying with all the water splashing about etc. It dented our confidence cos we felt that we are definately at high risk of anything happening in the river.

One of the guides offered to hold onto us so they can ensure for our safely. Unfortunately for Daniel, noone didn't hold onto him. They must have thought that he would be okay.

As we were about to leave, we were already hitting towards the rapid. It was very scary as at one point, the guide was shouting out the instructions so Lisa was pleased that the guide was holding onto her to fight against the rapid.

Daniel was behind Lisa and was boarding on his own. Unfortunately the group was leaving at the same time, causing the tumble, banging against each other etc, somehow it affected Daniel's knee. It caused the cramp and suddenly locked his joint. He was unable to kick with his flippers to fight against the rapid with the board. He was in pain so one of the guides rescued him and held onto him for 10mins till we were in the safe and calm area for a short break.

The guide tried to release the pain by unlocking the joint twice, and was trying to get rid of the cramp. It didn't work. Daniel was unable to move his leg so it meant the adventure ended for him. He was unable to do the activity so the guide had to drag him along the river to the point where Daniel can be collected by the bus to return back to the base safely.

Lisa was left behind and had to continue with the activity. The guide was still holding onto her till at one point where he had to let go to help others for a min. Luckily for her, another guide was available and managed to grab her to continue through the rapid. It was a big one so it was a perfect timing for him to save her!

From the start to the end, it was 45 mins ride till it was at least 10 mins ride along in the calm river. In that area, the guide was riding a jet and each of us got a go on holding on to the pulling board which was at the back of the jet. Lisa didn't get a chance as she was already back at the base before she could have a chance.

At the base, we had a choice of doing the rock jumps, sliding down or swinging into the river. Lisa didn't do any of that as she didn't want to do it without Daniel. She wanted to get back to have a hot shower while it was quiet before getting back to Daniel.

Daniel was still in pain while waiting on the bus for everyone to return back. Once we were back to the pick up location, we were taken to the medical centre to have a check up on Daniel's knee. We didn't have to wait very long for the doctor to see him. After at least 10mins check up, it was a conclusion of knee strain. The doc just gave him a R.I.C.E Techinque (Kathryn, do you know that?) It mean Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. He was also given the painkillers.

It was a good job that we both were covered with travel insurance so hopefully we can get the money back as we already spent $75 for the consultation and $30.30 for the prescriptions. He had to be on the crutches too.

Hopefully it will be going well overnight cos we aren't too keen to return back for another check up, meaning more money forking out on the consultation! It was a shame that his sister, Kathryn (For you guys who doesn't know her, she is a nurse) wasn't around cos she probably could save us alot of money, or at least sort him out for Lisa! :P

So Daniel is fine, nothing serious to worry about. We haven't got anything planned tomorrow luckily. Daniel may be able to get his money back from Mad Dog River Boarding Company.

We both are kinda regretting to book this adventure and rather spend the money on Canyon Swing! Daniel enjoyed that one much more than we have done today.

You probably notice that there is a lack of photos of Mad Dog Boarding, we couldn't take any photos unfortunately.

Tomorrow is our last day before leaving for Christchurch.