In the Victorian era, extreme sports were limited to teatime without doilies, writing witty satires about Earnest, and riding a penny-farthing down a mild incline. Today's Groupon would shock such staid sensibilities: for $52, you get a half-day Kings River rafting trip from Zephyr Whitewater Expeditions (a $105 value).

Zephyr Whitewater Expeditions has been soaking up water-dousing revelry since 1973 with an assortment of safe aquatic adventures on California’s scenic rivers. No experience is necessary for this half-day voyage, which begins at noon and typically concludes about 5:30 p.m., on the Kings River, one of the last undammed and unspoiled rivers flowing out of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. At the Zephyr base-camp meeting place, groups of water wanderers 7 years and older receive a brief prepping on the journey ahead before donning a life vest and joining a CPR-certified guide in a six- to eight-person paddle raft. River explorers then embark on a 10-mile journey full of untamed splashes and feral rubber duckies, and seasoned guides answer any questions and fish-themed riddles that come up along the way. Between each lively bit of rapids, which can vary in classification from season to season, calm stretches give rafters the opportunity to reflect on the Kings River’s tremendous beauty or newly acquired life-vest tan lines. Victorious paddlers end the day with a complimentary snack and beverage before a Zephyr shuttle returns them back to their vehicles.

If low water levels force an early end of the season, Groupons will be honored the following year.

Reviews

Examiner.com and LAist featured Zephyr Whitewater Expeditions. TripAdvisors award Zephyr Whitewater Expeditions a four-owl-eye average, and Yelpers give it a 4.5-star average. More than 750 Facebookers like Zephyr Whitewater Expeditions.

• The trip down the river was so safe, professional and, most of all, great fun. – thay, TripAdvisor
• The rapids are really fun to go through. The views are incredible. The guides know their stuff and all-around fun-loving types. – Dennis L, Yelp, 7/4/08