The first season of Chattahoochee River whitewater rafting is almost complete and it has Whitewater Express' owner downright giddy.

The lone commercial outfitter on the new urban course estimates the first year will produce a profit for his Decatur, Ga.-based company.

The Chattahoochee course has been operational for about four months and will be open through the fall and winter, though the bulk of the traffic is done until next March.

"I expected to lose a ton," Gilbert said of the first season that opened as the upper part of the 2.5-mile course was still under construction.

Because of more rafters than anticipated and the withdrawal of North Carolina-based Nantahala Outdoor Center weeks before the Memorial Day weekend opening, Gilbert said his first year on the Chattahoochee has been profitable.