About Eagle Rafting

    Toby Chesney and her son Joe originate from Ridgecrest California, the scenic backdoor  into the splendor of the Kern Valley and its plentifully waterways.  Joe was raised with an appreciation for the “great outdoors” and learned to be a whitewater guide in 1979.  After finishing college Joe resumed rafting on the Kern River and returned to the thrills of whitewater.  Being on the river all the time, Joe thought about starting a little rafting business.  Not only would this give him the opportunity to do what he loved, but would also allow him to share his love of rafting on the Kern River with others.  So he proposed a rafting business venture to his mom Toby, and she agreed to purchase the gear and help with the business. Thus, with the help of Southern California Edison, South Winds Kayaking of Irvine, and Rick Roberts (owner of Kern River Tours), Kern River Adventures was established.  The new business opened its doors to rafting enthusiasts at the beginning of the 1996 rafting season.  

    In honor of Toby’s late husband/Joe’s late father, the first fleet of rafting boats for Kern River Adventures was bought in an assortment of bright colors.  A well-respected and loved member of the Ridgecrest community, Joe Chesney Sr. was the professional clown “JoJo”, who loved to make children happy.