Our Story
Sharing the Excitement
It all started in 1973 with a borrowed boat and a group of friends.
The moment Norm Schoenhoff first paddled the South Fork of the American River, he was hooked. Fueled by his passion for adventure, he founded Whitewater Excitement, which quickly became a premier rafting outfitter on the American River near Coloma and the Merced River near Yosemite.
Today, the company is proudly owned by his son, Phillip Schoenhoff, who grew up learning the art of rafting alongside his father. With 18 years of guiding experience worldwide, Phillip has returned to his roots on the American River, working side by side with Norm.
Together, they share their love for the river, creating unforgettable California whitewater adventures for families and groups. After 40+ years, Whitewater Excitement remains dedicated to the same family-focused service that has defined it since the beginning.
Experts in Excitement
For over 40 years, Whitewater Excitement has been sharing the thrill of river adventures, earning a reputation as one of the most trusted names in rafting. From the start, our goal has been simple: to make every guest feel like part of our family while exploring California’s stunning rivers.
We’ve had the privilege of guiding thousands of guests through some of the state’s most beautiful and exciting waterways, creating unforgettable experiences while respecting the rivers and environment we call home. With a dedicated team and a focus on fun, every trip is crafted to leave you with lasting memories of laughter, adventure, and the thrill of the rapids.
Whether it’s your first time paddling or you’re a seasoned adventurer, our experience ensures your trip will be safe, fun, and expertly planned. Rafting isn’t just what we do—it’s what we love, and we’re passionate about sharing that excitement with you.
The Whitewater Excitement Team
At Whitewater Excitement, we understand that our staff is the cornerstone of every guest’s experience, which is why we take great pride in selecting and training our guides. We believe that fostering a caring, fun, and growth-oriented atmosphere for our team leads to a rewarding experience for our guests—one they’ll remember for years to come.
What truly sets us apart is our team of skilled and personable guides. Each guide undergoes extensive training to ensure that your trip is not only thrilling but also safe. They bring a wealth of knowledge about the rivers, wildlife, and local history, enriching every adventure with unique insights.
Our dedicated crew is committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment where every guest feels comfortable and well-cared for while enjoying the excitement of whitewater rafting.
Phillip Schoenhoff
Owner/Operator
At a very young age, Phillip was introduced to whitewater, and since then he has rafted and kayaked all over the US and several other countries. “I love sharing my passion of the river with people of all ages and experience levels. Theres nothing quite like introducing the river to someone for the first time.”
Norm Schoenhoff
Company Founder – River Guide
Norm’s first trip on the river was May 1973, where he was guiding some friends down the South Fork in a old rented military styled raft. After that trip, “I was hooked on whitewater rafting and kayaking”. He is one of the very few rafting company owners that still gets out on the river and guides.
Charlie
Trip Leader
Charlie grew up in Southern California and played on the Women’s Soccer team at the University of Redlands, where she recently finished up my Master’s degree in Teaching and Learning. Charlie works as an Educator in the winters and Guide in the summers, is getting ready for her 5th year with WWE.
Brice
Trip Leader
Brice (aka zippy) is from the local town of Coloma, and has been guiding with us for 10 years. Growing up in the Coloma area has gotten him familiar with many California whitewater runs, both in rafts and whitewater kayaks! “Where ever I go in life, whitewater will always be a part of it!”
Audrey
Trip Leader
Audrey has worked with WWE for four seasons. Originally from Florida, go Gators, her love for whitewater started in college where she studied Outdoor Education and Environmental Studies/ Audrey’s favorite part about rafting is all the laughs and joy it brings, and can’t wait to spend another season taking people down the American River.
