Checklist and Frequently Asked River Rafting Questions

2.  What can we bring?
In the raft, bring as little as possible.  On the Lehigh River, a light lunch.  On our other rivers, a candy bar or light snack.  If there is medication you might require, keep it with you on the river.  Towels, dry clothes, valuables, and other than waterproof cameras should be left locked in your car.

3.  How do we get back at the end of the day?
Your vehicle will remain at our rafting center, and our free shuttle buses will take you to and from the river.

4.  How deep is the water?
River depths vary.  Slow, calmer stretches of water tend to be those that are deeper.  Faster, choppy water tends to be shallow, often 4 feet deep or less.  Regardless of the depth, however, if you should find yourself overboard (this is rare, indeed) in fast moving water, the proper procedure is to float on your back, feet pointed downstream. Don't attempt to stand until the water is less than 18 inches deep.  When you reach calmer water, swim toward a guide or nearby raft, or swim to shore.

5.  Do I have to know how to swim?
Swimming ability is not required.  Nevertheless, if you are especially apprehensive in or around water, you may want to consider one of our land-based adventures.  Rafting, by its nature, places you on, in or around water most of the day.  On all of our trips a PFD is worn at all times.  Safety equipment will not fit all shapes and sizes, so please consider this in planning your reservations.  Also, please remember that whitewater rafting is an active sport that requires some exertion on your part.  The larger the rapids, the better your physical conditioning should be.  

6.  How big are the rapids?
Rapids are rated from Class I (easiest) to Class V (most challenging).  Class VI is considered to be not navigable without unreasonable risk of injury.  Our easiest trips feature Class I or II rapids.  At the Lehigh River, the Salmon River and the Moose River, it’s not uncommon to see Class III whitewater. At the Hudson and Black Rivers in New York, you'll often find Class IV rapids.

7.  what do i do if i fall out of the raft?
Your first priority is to get back into the raft as quickly as possible.  Grab onto the raft, or its carrying rope.  Your raftmates should reach under your armpits and then lean backwards, helping pull you up and ofer the raft tube.  You can help by kicking, just as if you were swimming.

8.  what do i do if i fall out into the rapids and get separated from my raft?

Whatever you do, DO NOT STAND UP in moving water.  The force of the water is powerful, even if only knee-deep. Instead, lie on your back, feet pointed down stream, and float through the rest of the rapids.  Then in the next calm spot, you can swim back to your raft, or to whatever raft is closest.

9.  Do I need experience?
No.  All of our trips are guided and are appropriate for first timers.  Be sure to check minimum age requirements, though.

10.  How old must I be?
Minimum age for our easiest trips is 5.  Other trips post minimum ages of 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14 and 16.  Please refer to individual trip descriptions for specific minimum age requirements.

11.  How do I decide which river to run?
For youth groups, families and first timers, we generally recommend beginning with a trip on the Lehigh River, the Salmon River, the middle Moose River or a summertime trip on the Hudson River.  For a more challenging adventure, select a Springtime or Dam Release Lehigh River trip, a summertime Black River trip, or a Springtime Hudson River trip.  For very challenging whitewater, choose the Black River in May or early June, or the Hudson River in April or early May.

12.  can we tip our guide?
We strive to deliver top quality service.  If your guide has met your expectations, you may feel free to show your appreciation. 

13.  How do I choose the best outfitter?
Refer to our guidelines for Choosing the Right Outfitter.

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