Many people disqualify themselves needlessly from a whitewater rafting vacation because they don't know what it's all about. When you're educated about the adventure, the quality of the equipment and what you get for your money you'll see why this is a favorite yearly vacation for so many.
What is whitewater rafting? It's the maneuvering of a watercraft down a river. For professional whitewater rafting the term indicated the watercraft is Coast Guard approved. The raft is maneuvered many ways: one person with large oars rigged to the raft or a group of people holding individual paddles and led by a guide calling paddle instructions (most common) or a combination of both referred to as an oar-paddle combination with the oarsman in the back of the raft playing two roles, the major power and the guide shouting commands.
We can agree on what a river is, a flowing channel of water headed to lower elevations to settle in a lake or an ocean. Some are narrow and descend rapidly others are wide and slow, nonetheless, a river is a river. How the professional rafting community evaluates a river is different, most use a 1 to 6 classification. Class 1 is mellow, near still waters and Class 6 for rafting purposes, is not navigable in a raft: Waterfalls to streams are class 6 to a raft. This classification speaks only to rafts, as different watercraft such as kayaks can run incredibly narrow, rapidly dropping gorges. For the once a year rafter, class II (for very young families) to IV is doable with class III being the sweet spot. For this reason the South Fork of the American River in Northern California is one of the MOST rafted rivers in the whole of the United States. The South Fork of the American River is a class III river perfect for families, youth groups, work trips, private parties. It is good for the adventurer and the beginner.
You can expect the following on your raft trip: a guide. The guides are professional rafters, equipped and trained to navigate the river. Many of these folks chase summer 'round the globe, both male and female are excellent boaters. You shouldn't be caught off guard if your guide speaks with an accent. You should be at ease knowing one of these competent professionals are in the back of your raft. Do know, it's completely acceptable and much appreciated for you to tip your guide. Guides work piece meal, often 10 - 12 hour days for some $65 - $75 dollars and they only get to work 2 - 3 days per week. So, their job choice is a matter of lifestyle not 401K enhancement.
Here's something you probably knew came with your trip, a RAFT!! Yep, either Hypalon or Urethane/PVC a rubber or a plastic. Either type is specifically design for commercial whitewater rafting use and are completely capable of getting you down the river. Rafts come in a variety of sizes, from just 9' to well over 20'. Most often the outfitter is going to choose a raft that's applicable for the river you're running. While these rafts are rugged, your guide and outfitter will notice if you remember one thing, rinse your feet before climbing into the raft. Sand is really the most detrimental element to a raft, it gets in the seams and rubs and rubs and rubs. Eventually it wears pin holes into the fabric and the boats leak. For those curious, rafts run nearly $5000.00 a piece.
You'll most probably be handed a paddle so you can do your part to get down the river. The paddle will be near 6' in lenght, an aluminum shaft coated in a colored plastic with a durable plastic blade.
Rest easy once you have your Class V Coast Guard approved personal flotation device fitted and buckled. These are the most durable, commercial grade PFDs in use and every commercial company uses them.
Helmets are not required on all rivers. More outfitters are making the decision to have their guests use helmets. The truth is, a rock is just as hard whether in or out of the river. To err on the side of caution, outfitters are having you buckle up. We encourage you to embrace the helmet, it's only done for your safety. As more foreign guides come to the States, they're demonstrating safer and safer rafting practices, if the guide won't get in a raft without a helmet, how can an outfitter deny their guests the same protection?
Not all trips will include a lunch, but here on the banks of the American River in Northern California, you're almost certain to be fed an amazing deli styled lunch. All meats and cheeses are deli cut and set out for your enjoyment. You can find 2-3 bread choices, 2 cheeses, 2 meats, onions, tomatoes, avocados, lettuce, sprouts, spreads, pb&j, chips, cookies, fruits and drink. People rave about the food.
Two day trips will further include paid camping, dinner, breakfast, a second day of rafting and another lunch.
The typical price for whitewater rafting is near $100 per day, per person. When you consider all you get, professional guide, professional equipment, the unique opportunity to see the beauty of a river canyon in a way you couldn't see otherwise, the opportunity to travel through whitewater rapids, an excellent lunch and stories to tell over and over.
I often compare the cost of whitewater rafting to the cost to visit Disneyland. My whole family loves Disneyland. When you go to Disneyland you're not provided a personal guide, you're not fed, you're not experiencing something natural and majestic and most often you're paying more than you will for whitewater rafting. Value is in perception and knowledge. It's our hope this brief article on basic whitewater rafting knowledge will help you to overcome some fears you may had with regard to the unknown and has encouraged you to try this incredible and affordable vacation.
What is whitewater rafting? It's the maneuvering of a watercraft down a river. For professional whitewater rafting the term indicated the watercraft is Coast Guard approved. The raft is maneuvered many ways: one person with large oars rigged to the raft or a group of people holding individual paddles and led by a guide calling paddle instructions (most common) or a combination of both referred to as an oar-paddle combination with the oarsman in the back of the raft playing two roles, the major power and the guide shouting commands.
We can agree on what a river is, a flowing channel of water headed to lower elevations to settle in a lake or an ocean. Some are narrow and descend rapidly others are wide and slow, nonetheless, a river is a river. How the professional rafting community evaluates a river is different, most use a 1 to 6 classification. Class 1 is mellow, near still waters and Class 6 for rafting purposes, is not navigable in a raft: Waterfalls to streams are class 6 to a raft. This classification speaks only to rafts, as different watercraft such as kayaks can run incredibly narrow, rapidly dropping gorges. For the once a year rafter, class II (for very young families) to IV is doable with class III being the sweet spot. For this reason the South Fork of the American River in Northern California is one of the MOST rafted rivers in the whole of the United States. The South Fork of the American River is a class III river perfect for families, youth groups, work trips, private parties. It is good for the adventurer and the beginner.
You can expect the following on your raft trip: a guide. The guides are professional rafters, equipped and trained to navigate the river. Many of these folks chase summer 'round the globe, both male and female are excellent boaters. You shouldn't be caught off guard if your guide speaks with an accent. You should be at ease knowing one of these competent professionals are in the back of your raft. Do know, it's completely acceptable and much appreciated for you to tip your guide. Guides work piece meal, often 10 - 12 hour days for some $65 - $75 dollars and they only get to work 2 - 3 days per week. So, their job choice is a matter of lifestyle not 401K enhancement.
Here's something you probably knew came with your trip, a RAFT!! Yep, either Hypalon or Urethane/PVC a rubber or a plastic. Either type is specifically design for commercial whitewater rafting use and are completely capable of getting you down the river. Rafts come in a variety of sizes, from just 9' to well over 20'. Most often the outfitter is going to choose a raft that's applicable for the river you're running. While these rafts are rugged, your guide and outfitter will notice if you remember one thing, rinse your feet before climbing into the raft. Sand is really the most detrimental element to a raft, it gets in the seams and rubs and rubs and rubs. Eventually it wears pin holes into the fabric and the boats leak. For those curious, rafts run nearly $5000.00 a piece.
You'll most probably be handed a paddle so you can do your part to get down the river. The paddle will be near 6' in lenght, an aluminum shaft coated in a colored plastic with a durable plastic blade.
Rest easy once you have your Class V Coast Guard approved personal flotation device fitted and buckled. These are the most durable, commercial grade PFDs in use and every commercial company uses them.
Helmets are not required on all rivers. More outfitters are making the decision to have their guests use helmets. The truth is, a rock is just as hard whether in or out of the river. To err on the side of caution, outfitters are having you buckle up. We encourage you to embrace the helmet, it's only done for your safety. As more foreign guides come to the States, they're demonstrating safer and safer rafting practices, if the guide won't get in a raft without a helmet, how can an outfitter deny their guests the same protection?
Not all trips will include a lunch, but here on the banks of the American River in Northern California, you're almost certain to be fed an amazing deli styled lunch. All meats and cheeses are deli cut and set out for your enjoyment. You can find 2-3 bread choices, 2 cheeses, 2 meats, onions, tomatoes, avocados, lettuce, sprouts, spreads, pb&j, chips, cookies, fruits and drink. People rave about the food.
Two day trips will further include paid camping, dinner, breakfast, a second day of rafting and another lunch.
The typical price for whitewater rafting is near $100 per day, per person. When you consider all you get, professional guide, professional equipment, the unique opportunity to see the beauty of a river canyon in a way you couldn't see otherwise, the opportunity to travel through whitewater rapids, an excellent lunch and stories to tell over and over.
I often compare the cost of whitewater rafting to the cost to visit Disneyland. My whole family loves Disneyland. When you go to Disneyland you're not provided a personal guide, you're not fed, you're not experiencing something natural and majestic and most often you're paying more than you will for whitewater rafting. Value is in perception and knowledge. It's our hope this brief article on basic whitewater rafting knowledge will help you to overcome some fears you may had with regard to the unknown and has encouraged you to try this incredible and affordable vacation.
About the Author:
Christopher Pyle has been rafting the forks of the American River for 24-years. As owner/director of Action WhitewatersSummer Adventure Camp, Christopher mixes a love for the river and his passion for sharing Mother Nature with today's youth.. For a peek into camp-life, and to learn how you can join him, visit the camp page.
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