In the Victorian era, extreme sports were limited to teatime without doilies, writing witty satires about earnesty, and riding a penny-farthing down a mild incline. Today's Groupon would shock such staid sensibilities: for $17, you get a two-hour Blaster whitewater-rafting trip down the Kern River from River's End Rafting & Adventure Company (a $35 value).

Featured in Bakersfield Life for its summertime thrills, River's End and its certified and experienced rafteraunteurs lead thrill-seeking water wanderers on fun, exciting, and safe adventures down the Kern River. During the two-hour Blaster trip, rapids-romantics begin their journey at the mouth of the Kern Canyon and encounter Class-II (moderate) and Class-III (moderately difficult) rapids, suitable for voyagers of all skill levels. River’s End’s energetic adventure guides will navigate and talk about the river’s wildlife and propensity to gurgle ‘70s lite-rock as rafters head down to Lake Ming on a 3.5-mile jaunt. The tour departs four times daily and is suitable for groups, families, and gung-ho whippersnappers aged 6 and up.