Participants: Experience for 1, in a group setting of up to 9, plus guide
Duration: 5 to 7 hours from base camp and back
Essential Information: Minimum age is 12 years old; no previous rafting experience required, however, participants should have no fear of water activities, and be prepared to get wet
What to Wear: Suggested wear for warmer months: a bathing suit, shorts, t-shirt, hat sunglasses, sun screen, and old tennis shoes or river sandals; for Spring and Fall, a sweater, cap and socks of wool or polypropylene, over swim wear plus a wet suit and/or nylon paddling gear with old tennis shoes or river sandals.
Weather: Not weather dependent
A Great Gift Idea For:
Christmas Gifts
Groomsmen Gifts
Birthday Gifts
Graduation Gifts
Bridesmaid Gifts
For Him
For Her
For Kids
Availability:
April through October, Sunday through Friday
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. What do the Rapid Classifications mean?
A. Rapids and rivers are subjectively rated Class I through Class VI. These ratings are dependent on volume of water, geography of the rapid and any downstream dangers and ease of recovery. In general the following classifications are appropriate:
# CLASS I-II: Mild/Easy/Beginner - Family Class
# CLASS III-IV: Moderate/Intermediate - Adventure Class
# CLASS V-V+: Advanced - World Class
Q. Who can whitewater raft?
A. Almost anyone from 6 to 86 can find whitewater fun on both the New and Gauley Rivers. No experience is necessary on the milder sections of both rivers. Although being able to swim is helpful, many non-swimmers raft with each year since each guest is given all necessary safety equipment: a Coast Guard approved Type V Life Jacket, Paddle and Helmet. Handicapped folks often raft as well
Q. What if I have a medical condition?
A. When making your reservation, please be sure to inform Excitations of any medical condition, physical disability or allergy that may require special attention or accommodations. Obtain your physician's written approval to raft if you have special medical conditions, such as, diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, heart condition, bee sting allergy, etc. While we can accommodate most conditions, it is always best to know prior to rafting and be prepared for any contingency.
Q. What if I am pregnant?
A. If you are pregnant, you will not be permitted to go rafting. Consider that you won't always be pregnant, but the river will always be here. We do not think it is worth the chance of risking it, no matter how early you are in your pregnancy.
Q. What if I can't swim?
A. While it is helpful to be able to swim, it is not required, as everyone on a whitewater trip is required to wear a Type V Personal Floatation Device (PFD or Life jacket). These US Coast Guard approved PFDs are designed to be able to float a person upright. The only folks who should not come are those people with an inherent fear of water. A whitewater raft trip is no place to face your fear of water.
Q. Will the raft be guided?
A. Each raft has a fully trained, professional guide. All guides are qualified in First Aid and CPR. Many have advanced medical skills (EMT, Wilderness First Responder, etc.) All are extensively trained in rescue procedures from difficult terrain or rivers.
Q. When is the best time to raft?
A. Every season brings its own special excitement to the rivers of West Virginia. Spring rains generally bring high water to the New and Gauley River Basins, which bring the ultimate in Big Water Thrills and chills. The water and air temperature is usually lower and wet suits are welcome apparel. Historical nature tours to the Old Coal Mining Ghost Towns are also more popular in the spring because of tremendous beauty of the blooming mountain foliage in the New River Gorge National Park. Summer brings sunny days and warm nights to spend on overnights along the river. Water levels are nearer normal and the water temperature is 70°. Summertime river trips are great outings for the whole family. Fall brings some of the most exhilarating whitewater in the world with the release of the Summersville Lake and the World Class challenges of the Gauley River. As the beautiful fall foliage peaks with color raft trips on both the New and Gauley Rivers are not only exciting, but the mountains are breathtakingly beautiful. Not much can match the beauty of Southern West Virginia as seen from a raft on the New or Gauley River.
Q. What should I wear?
A. In warmer months, a bathing suit, shorts, t-shirt, hat, sunglasses, sun screen, and old tennis shoes or river sandals are suggested. In spring and fall, a sweater, cap and socks of wool or polypropylene, over swim wear plus a wet suit and/or nylon paddling gear with old tennis shoes or river sandals are suggested.
Q. Will my raft trip be videotaped or photographed?
A. In-house videographers highlight excitement from the day featuring the major rapids, slow motion, cool graphics and music. Advance purchase is recommended to guarantee your trip will be filmed. Photos - Quality digital images of your trip are also available to view and purchase as glossy prints on Kodak paper or CD format. You can even order your photos online after the trip. Get the rafting DVD and Photo CD as a combo for the ultimate rafting souvenir!
Comments from our Customers:
White water rafting trip on the New river was a blast ,I have not been in 15 years and this trip was worth the experience...great guide Heather..
Reviewed By: Edward R.
Annapolis, MD