So you say you're going whitewater rafting and you don't know what to do!
Here are some answers to the most Frequently Asked Questions at River and Trail Outfitters. Just follow these simple hints on these Whitewater FAQs to keep warm and have fun! Notice I did not say DRY.

• How do I get to that road across from Harpers Ferry?
  Comment: We know this question has nothing to do with Whitewater, but it is our most frequently asked question.
  Answer: Turn onto Keep Tryst Road from U.S. 340, the flashing yellow lights just on the Maryland side of the Potomac River Bridge. Turn onto Sandy Hook Road from Keep Tryst. After you pass through a long row of houses on the right, Sandy Hook Md, you are on Harpers Ferry Road. Do not park in the school bus turn-around at the end of Sandy Hook. There is parking near the C & O Canal access points just after the bridge.
   

• Where do I sit to stay dry?
  Answer: The Bus. You are going to get wet. If you somehow manage to get through every rapid dry, someone is bound to take pity on you and dump a, or likely many more than one, bailer full of water on you.
   

• Since I am going to get wet, is it at least OK if I wear my warm sweats?
  Answer: DO NOT WEAR COTTON ON COLD DAYS.
  Cotton wicks the heat away from you when it gets wet and will cause you to become hypothermic. Wear wool, or PolyPro^tm -- these will keep the heat in. Sweats are most definitely out, until after you get back to dry land.
   

• Where can I put my beer so it does not get lost?
  Short answer: At home.
  Long answer: Leave the alcohol alone till after you get back where you are staying.
  Not only will it rob your body of heat, but real river rats hate having to boat around stumbling fools. If you show up for the trip intoxicated or on drugs, you will not be allowed to go and your money will not be refunded. Drunk or drugged boaters pose a serious danger to themselves, our other customers, and our staff. This policy will be enforced at all times.
   

• What can I drink to stay warm?
  Answer: Drink warm liquids.
  These will help you replace lost body heat and warm you from the inside. Please note that warm food will have the opposite effect. A good hot meal an hour or so before the trip would, however, give you energy reserves to keep you warm.
   

• Do I have to wear a life vest?
  Answer: YES
  Always wear your life vest. Not only does this add another layer to keep you warm, it also keeps you floating should you decide to leave the boat mid trip. Our U.S. Coast Guard approved PFDs are required by law, our insurance, and our company policy. We will provide you with an approved life vest, so please do not bring one with you.
   

• How do I know what to wear?
  Answer: Know the weather conditions.
  Being prepared is the best way to keep warm. Check to see what the water and air temperatures are. If you add the air temp, adjusted for wind chill, and the water temp together and they equal less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, you are in prime hypothermia conditions. You can get current weather, water level, and water temperatures from the National Weather Service and other river forecasting links from our Links Page. Our Outfitter Store will be happy to rent you a wetsuit when the weather conditions call for it , but please reserve them in advance. You must also wear shoes.
   

• Should I bring my camera?
  Answer: Like you, your camera will get wet. Things also have a way of going into the river, never to be seen again. This being the case, we would suggest a sturdy strap. Then again, you can buy a one-use inexpensive waterproof camera from our outfitter store.
   

• Should I bring my cell phone, wallet or keys on the water?
  Answer: As stated above "Like you, your cell phone, wallet and keys will get wet. Things also have a way of going into the river, never to be seen again." This being the case, we highly recommend that you DO NOT BRING THESE ITEMS ON THE TRIP WITH YOU. Our staff carries cell phones for emergency situations and to communicate with our office staff and your wallet and keys serve you no purpose since there are no shops on the river to buy things and your vehicle is back at our parking lot. We suggest that you lock your personal belongings in your car or turn it in to our retail staff for safe keeping. Watches can be worn if they are waterproof. Keep in mind that River & Trail is not responsible for any of these items mentioned that are damaged by water if you choose to take them on the trip with you.
   

• Listen to your guides.
  All of our guides have passed a training course approved by the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources, and you will find them to be a valuable source of paddling knowledge.

If you still have a question, just e-mail it to us and we will have one of our experts send you a reply. Please note that your reply will probably not be instantaneous, especially in the off season.