If you want to clear your head and get your adrenaline pumping, riding a swirling whitewater river should be on the “to do” list. There’s nothing quite like sliding skillfully through a rage of churning river water speckled with boulders. If you’ve never been totally tuned in with all cares on the back burner, the river will channel your energies and thoughts and leave you refreshingly exhausted.
Though whitewater rafting is considered an extreme sport and though paddling the higher rated rapids can be individually challenging, almost anyone can take on the raging waters. Pre-teens to senior citizens yearly put paddle to water and successfully make river runs. Even small children can enjoy the sport on beginner courses or during low water seasons. Whitewater rafting is much more about paddling smart than paddling strong. So, don’t rule out a whitewater trip simply because you’re not the biggest or the strongest person on the block.
Whitewater courses are spread out across the United States. Where you have mountains and rivers, you most likely have white water. From California to Colorado to Pennsylvania and West Virginia, there are a host of rivers and runs to suit any water fanatic. Most states actively advertise whitewater rafting trips. You can even hit the white waters internationally with New Zealand, Chile, and Africa being favorite overseas spots for paddle sports.
Setting up a Whitewater Trip
Be sure to plan ahead for a whitewater trip.
It’s advisable to read up on the course or courses and to plan around water levels. Water levels vary depending on the time of year, the amount of rainfall, and dam schedules. A beginner river can be quite challenging if rafted after a storm or following snow run off. A generally choppy course with more advanced water can be rather dull during the off season or if a drought sets in.
Once you’ve decided on a river and course, call ahead. Rafting outfitters can offer information and advice and give a general idea about water conditions and local weather and water predictions. You should be able to get a good ballpark timeframe for a trip to match the needs of the group. A general rule of thumb is that water is wilder in spring and sometimes in fall and generally calmer during the hot summer season.
Make reservations ahead especially if you are traveling in the summer or over major holidays. Nothing is more discouraging than planning to whitewater raft and then discovering that every outfitter has committed every raft. You’re left to sit on the bank watching others ride those fabulous waves.
Which course is right for your party?
When considering rivers or courses, you’ll see classification numbers for the water. These numbers are quite helpful in deciding on a destination and a specific section of water.
Water is classified from Class I through Class VI on an International Scale of Difficulty. Though it may be hard to almost impossible to compare different paddling situations, the general guidelines provide good rule-of-thumb comparisons and a guide for selecting appropriate courses.
Class I (easy)—The water is lightly bubbling with some small waves. Rocks and boulders are almost non-existent. If a member of the party falls overboard, it should be no problem to get to shore or back in the raft. This level is good for beginners and for small children.
Class II (novice)Some rapids are evident in class II sections, but water channels are wide enough to avoid rougher waters if paddlers are timid and opt to paddle around. Paddling on Class II might be thought of as the training wheel stage. If you’ve never been white water rafting and have not learned paddling skills, class II is a good starter course.
Class III (intermediate)—Starting with class III, rapids come into play. While the lower rated courses may have some leeway as far as paddling around, most class III sections are unavoidable. Once you start the course, you’re in for the wild ride. Some paddling skills are required to ride out class III sections. If a member of the party falls overboard, it takes a little more skill to get the person back on board.
Class IV (advanced)—Water is churning powerfully, and good paddling is essential to ride out class IV water. Narrow channels, churning waves, and deep holes characterize the more advanced portions of courses. If a boater goes overboard, it generally takes a group effort to rescue. Risk of injury is higher at this level of rafting. First timers do not want to learn paddling skills on class III. It’s also advisable to watch other rafters battle the rougher water before making a run.
Class V (expert)—Class five is classic white water with violent rapids and often long stretches of uninterrupted churning. Drops, larger waves, and congested chutes all contribute to making class V very challenging. Only highly experienced rafters should attempt class V water. All members of the paddling team should be solid on rescue skills. Attempting class V without the proper training and equipment could be deadly.
Class VI (extreme)—Very few paddlers ever tackle class VI. The water is very dangerous though potentially runable. Only experts should attempt extreme white water. Rescue would be difficult to impossible at this level.
Do keep in mind that water changes from one section of the river to the next. So, a class II with two class IV rapids will be generally calm water with a couple of rougher spots.
Which outfitter is the best bet?
When you have a river with whitewater, you’re going to have multiple outfitters in most cases. Drive down a riverside road in a whitewater town, and you’ll see a variety of signs offering river trips. Check online, and you’ll be offered a number of outfitting options.
Again, reading up is a good idea. Phone calls also are helpful. Get a feel for the company and the way they do business. The company can make or break the trip, so select carefully.
Some things to consider:
1. Does the outfitter provide a guide in each boat?
Some “guided tours” include one guide in one boat with other rafts manned by untrained and often inexperienced rafters. While more advanced paddlers may fare fine with little supervision, new white water rafters often end up spinning around and around and bumping into boulders.
2. Are the guides trained?
Most “river rats” (as the guides are dubbed) are college students or young people earning extra summer money. With good training and experience, these young people are loads of fun and help make the trip a real adventure.
3. What types of boats are offered?
Rafts vary in terms of size. Most seat paddlers on each side with a guide or a leader in the back to call out paddling instructions. Small rafts can be handled by a couple of adults and a leader while bigger rafts may be best controlled with three paddlers on each side. In addition, some outfitters offer individual vessels like kayaks or Duckies that can be rented by singles.
4. How old are the rafts?
Newer models are almost all self bailing. Older ones may hold water and require extra work to remove excess water. It’s a lot more fun to paddle and ride the river than to try to shovel water out of a boat.
5. What extras are offered and/or included (and do you need those)?
Some outfitters are bare bones. You show up, rent the raft, take your trip, and leave. Generally, you’re provided access to a bathroom and hopefully a dressing room with showers. If you’re only going for the rafting, this is fine.
Other outfitters offer full vacation packages on-site. You may lodge with the outfitter, take meals both during the rafting trip and back at the center, and a variety of other activities are provided or available. Such all-inclusive deals tend to be expensive, but you’re covered for the entire trip if you go with one of the more upscale outfitters.
Most rafting companies fall between these two extremes, so it’s a good idea to ask what is offered. If you need or want something available with the outfitter, you’ll probably get good information about other local companies providing the needed services. For example, some rafting companies have riverside camping. If not, they will likely know of a number of nearby campgrounds.
How much does it cost to ride whitewater?
The average short day trip (4-6 hours) runs about $80 dollars while longer trips go $150 up per person. Rates vary depending on the time of year and the conditions. Most outfitters offer week day and group specials.
Preparing for the whitewater trip.
Most companies will send a brochure or direct customers to a web site with specific information about trips.
The basics needed for whitewater rafting include:
1. Water friendly clothing in summer is important. A bathing suit under nylon shorts and a t-shirt are the standards on the river. The cover clothing provides protection if a rafter goes overboard. The swimming suit will come in handy at various points in the trip when swimming is usually an option. During the winter, most outfitters provide or rent wet suits and paddling jackets. Wool socks and warm under clothing are needed.
3. Tennis shoes or river sandals are needed when getting in the raft and out. Rocks hurt bare feet. Be sure you wear footgear that you don’t mind getting wet.
4. Be sure to rub up with sunscreen before the trip. It gets hot out of the water, and the sun reflects. Even if you don’t burn easily, your skin needs the extra protection.
5. A picnic lunch and drinks will be most welcome at the end of the trip, unless you’ve signed up for a trip including a meal or meals. Many of the river areas are remote and offer minimal options for eating out.
What NOT to bring.
Remember that you’re going to be out on the water and working hard. Don’t plan to carry cameras, video cameras, ball caps, sunglasses and the like. You’ll also be asked to leave jewelry, billfolds, pocketbooks and keys with the outfitter. If you don’t want to leave your belongings with the outfitter, lock them in the car.
Ready, Set, Raft
When you’re ready to raft, you’ll be suited up with a lifejacket. Be sure to select one that fits. A loose jacket will not be much help if you fall overboard. A tight one will just get tighter and more uncomfortable as the day goes on. If you need help with adjustments, ask.
You’ll also be expected to help launch the crafts and to paddle as you go. If you want a cruise where you sit back and do nothing, then book a yacht. Whitewater rafting is a participation sport.
Chat with the other rafters and the guide(s). You’ll learn a lot, and the trip will be more fun if you interact.