Rafting FAQs

Do we need reservations?

While we do take walk-ins and last minute reservations, we strongly suggest that you book your trip as far in advance as possible. Our trips fill up quickly, especially during the peak rafting season of Memorial Day through Labor Day. Some trips we offer are by reservation only, please do not hesitate to contact us with any reservation questions.

Is rafting dangerous?

Rafting is thrilling, exciting, wet, wild, and unbelievably fun. However, as with all adventure sports, there is inherent and assumed risk involved. Risk contributes to the excitement, and is one of the reasons people enjoy rafting at all levels. The guides working for us are trained to minimize and manage risks, and statistically speaking, you’re safer in a raft than in your car.

A very important aspect in any emergency is the ability to self rescue; please take this into account when reserving your rafting adventure.  Our adventure specialists are available to help you pick the best possible adventure for your experience and abilities. Please do not hesitate to ask any and all questions concerning what may be the best trip for you and your party.

If I can’t swim can I still go rafting?

Yes. Everyone on commercial rafting trips wears a coast guard approved ‘life vest’ or personal flotation device (PFD). Many non-swimmers go on rafting trips, and they have a great time. Your guides will give you an in depth and engaging river orientation talk before your trip explaining what you should prepare for and do in the event you fall out of the raft. Our reservation specialists are trained to place you on a trip that suits your party’s abilities and concerns. Guides are trained in swiftwater rescue and will work with the rest of your guide team to ensure that you feel comfortable with the whitewater conditions on your trip. All non-swimming folks should inform their guide on the trip.

A very important aspect in any emergency is the ability to self rescue; please take this into account when reserving your rafting adventure.

How fit should I be to go rafting?

The majority of our trips use paddle rafts. This means that rafters will be an active source of power to move the boat in the river.  Our guides will instruct you on how to paddle, and you will need to learn easy commands from your guides to help maneuver the boat as it moves downstream. You should be reasonably healthy, and must be able to fit into the PFDs we supply. Paddling can sometimes be tiring, but your guides will instruct you on paddling techniques, which are lots of fun to learn. If you’re in doubt about your fitness to go rafting, please check with your health care provider before you go.

A very important aspect in any emergency is the ability to self rescue; please take this into account when reserving your rafting adventure. Our reservation specialists are available to help you pick the best possible adventure for your experience and abilities. Please do not hesitate to ask any and all questions concerning what may be the best trip for you and your party.

I have a family with young children, can they go rafting?

Yes. There are, however, age and weight restrictions specific to each river trip, so please check into the details for the trip you’re interested in, and contact us with any questions or concerns.

I am a senior citizen, can I go rafting?

Many healthy people of all ages, including spry folks in their 70′s and 80′s, enjoy rafting at all levels.

How early should we arrive beforehand?

Please arrive by the time your confirmation email shows. Double-check your reservation to confirm the right location (we have several), and confirm your familiarity with the directions.  If you’re new to the area, you may want to allow extra time to ensure you arrive at least 15 – 30 minutes prior to your trip’s departure. Every once in awhile, guests end up at the wrong rafting company.  Allowing extra time will provide the opportunity to correct the error and arrive at the right location with time to spare. All trips leave our outposts at their scheduled departure times, so if you are late, you will miss the trip.

What to expect:

Your trip begins when you meet us at our office at check-in time. We collect any necessary release forms and distribute  gear. Then everyone gets geared up.  The trip leader will assign you a guide, and your guide will deliver a safety talk  – a vital twenty minute discussion about how to be safe on the water.  We will then load on the bus which will transport you to the “put in.” At the put-in we move quickly to get out on the river. You’ll help carry rafts (many hands make light work). Once the rafts are on the river, so are you. You’ll receive a paddle talk, learn to paddle as a team, and be rafting before you know it. Then you’ll head on down the river, learn a little, enjoy the scenery, and hopefully, see some wildlife.

Do you take photos? Can I bring my camera?

We have a photographer taking quality photos on most of our trips. These photos will be for sale when you return, and are posted on our website for online purchasing. These are professional pictures and make for fantastic souvenirs and keepsakes! This is a great option if you don’t want to fool around with your own waterproof camera, though you are more than welcome to bring it. Be advised though, bringing your own camera is at your own risk, and we are not responsible for any lost or damaged cameras in the event of any rafting incident.

Should I tip my guide?

Tipping is always appreciated but never expected. As with all of our adventures, your guide works hard to ensure that you have a fun, yet safe adventure, and they appreciate being tipped. If you feel your guide has done a good job at keeping you entertained and sharing the wonderful environment with you, feel free to tip them. Using a restaurant calculation is usually the norm.