For four Bethlehem College students, Mangatepopo River will always hold happy memories, so the tragedy this week has come as a great shock.
Just six months ago, the four were enveloped in the toasty wrap of thermals, two wetsuits, a life jacket, boots and a helmet. It was their first time canyoning and they were excited.
None are in any doubt as to whether they would do it again.
Going over the dam, into the canyon, jumping rocks and then crossing the bridge and abseiling into the clear waters of the Mangatepopo River _ it comes as a cold, sharp shock.
It is loud in the canyon and as you go upstream, falling mist dampens your face.
Steep banks rise on either side and if you're stuck in the middle _ with rising water _ there's no easy way out.
"There are a few rocks but they probably would have been [submerged] under water by then ... it was probably impossible to grab on to anything," Taylor Cooney says.
"The water probably just rose really fast ... There are also huge walls on either side, so you can't just walk out."
The students yesterday reflected on the tragedy at Mangatepopo River and all four said while they were shocked and saddened, they were adamant that canyoning was both fun and safe _ in the right conditions. ``It was probably one of the best camps I've been on,' the students agree in unison, of their trip to the Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre.
"It really just seems like a freak accident and really, really unlucky," adds Eremia Tapsell.
"Yeah, it's not really a place where you'd think something so bad could happen," Matthew Smalberger agrees.
"You picture yourself there again ... they were pretty much doing the same thing as us," says Teagan Adams.
The Bethlehem students visited Mangatepopo over three "perfect" days of weather last year, where canyoning was just one activity they took part in with the pursuits centre.
At worst _ the deepest parts of the river reached their waists.
They at no time felt unsafe, and were prepped by OPC, whose instructor they claim "had everything under control".
"The most dangerous thing is crossing ... the possibility your foot might get caught in a rock and getting swept away," Matthew says.
"It gets pretty deep and the current gets fast ... you have to link up to get across," Eremia adds.
The four were confident in their decision when asked if they would do it again _ a unanimous "yes".
Bay pupils sad at deaths in place of `happy memories'
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