In the Victorian era, extreme sports were limited to teatime without doilies, writing witty satires about earnesty, and riding a pennyfarthing down a mild incline. Today's Groupon would shock such staid sensibilities: for $23, you get a whitewater-rafting trip with Big Frog Expeditions from the Big Frog Expeditions (up to a $46 value). The outpost is located in Benton, Tennessee, roughly two hours north of Atlanta.

Each trip from Big Frog Expeditions lasts approximately three-and-a-half hours, and provides all of the necessary whitewater equipment––Coast Guard–approved personal-flotation devices, paddles, and helmets––to pit you against Mother Nature's flowing water tresses on the Ocoee River. Today's deal includes transportation to the launching site, pre-trip orientation, and a gearing-up session before you hit the aqueous road. Big Frog's professional guides will climb aboard the self-bailing raft and help you steer through the thrilling sights and frothy spumes of continuous class III and IV rapids. With today's Groupon, you can choose between exploring the Upper Ocoee River or the Middle Ocoee River from the available rafting dates on the calendar.

The Middle Ocoee contains 26 adventure-packed rapids over a five-mile stretch of dam-controlled river. The Upper Ocoee section of the river began displaying its thoroughbred prowess while hosting the 1996 Olympic whitewater competition, jostling the world's best athletes and injecting them with splashes of raw adrenaline. Experience the titillating rush while atop cleverly nicknamed rapids like "Blue Hole," the always-hungry "Mikey's," and the subtly apt "Humongous."

Like most fun activities regulated by state law, you must be at least 12 years old to participate in the rafting trip. Appropriate attire includes a swimsuit, sunscreen, and sunglasses (with retainer cord); bring a towel, change of clothes, and dry shoes for post-water dampness relief. Once teleported back to base camp via shuttle, take advantage of Big Frog's hot showers and changing rooms, where you can cleanse your adventure-groggy torso while reminiscing quietly about the heart-thumping extremes of the day.

Reservations are required, and spots are subject to availability. Upper Ocoee trips on Saturdays in July and August are restricted to the following times: 8:00 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 2:30 p.m., and Middle Ocoee trips are not available on Saturdays in July and August.

Reviews

Six TripAdvisors give Big Frog Expeditions an average of 4.5 stars:

• had a great trip..first time rafting and we had lots of fun and safe travels.. – jbgster
• I can't say enough about the entire Big Frog crew, their training and response was amazing. You're in good hands with Big Frog! Thank you!! – ProfessionalTraveler
• I highly recommend the crew at Big Frog Expeditions. I have not tested any of their other adventures, but if their camping, rafting, and people are any indication.... these guys are the way to go. – SteveScar