Whitewater
FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions About
River Running
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.
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Do we need any paperwork?
Yes. Before each
activity a waiver must be filled out. A new waiver must be filled out and
signed for each day and for each activity before participating. Waivers can be
found under the waivers link on our website. A copy of the waiver can be mailed
or faxed upon request.
Minors Anyone under the age of 18 is
considered a minor and must have a parent guardian permission form filled out
prior to each activity. The form is available online or can be faxed or mailed
upon request.
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Are videos and photos available?
Currently we
do not video our trips, we do have a freelance photographer that takes pictures
of our rafters on as many of our trips as possible. Special requests may be
made.
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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 and dump a bailer full of water on you!
-
Where can I put my beer so it does not get
lost?
Short answer: At home. Long answer: Save the bottled fun for
after the run. 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 about my physical & medical
conditions?
Please inform your reservation specialist before arrival of
any physical or medical conditions of anyone in your group. Also inform your
trip leader prior to the trip. We highly recommend you consult a physician
prior to participating in our activities if you have any concern. We advise all
ASTHMATICS to bring their inhalers. We also advise that anyone who has
allergies requiring an epi-pin to bring it.
Note: We reserve the right to refuse anyone
participating in our adventure activities due to physical, mental or size
limitations that, in our opinion, would expose that person or group to extreme
risk.
-
What are the age limits?
At River and Trail we
have suggested ages for each of our trips. Age limits will change depending on
water levels and trip formats.
Suggested Ages:
Rafting, Shenandoah 7
yrs
Rafting, North Branch 10 yrs
Kayak Lesson beg. 8 yrs
Kayak
Lesson interm. 12 yrs
Sit-on-tops 12 yrs
Antietam Tubing 7 yrs
Bike
Rentals 12 yrs
Hikes 7 yrs
History Tour 10 yrs
XC Ski trips 7 yrs
*Minimum chest size for a Type V PFD is 24 inches. Maximum chest size is 54
inches. Minimum weight for River and Trail Trips is 50bs.
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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.
-
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 and a
waterproof camera. We do sell waterproof cameras in our
outfitter store.
-
Should I bring my cell phone, wallet or car 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 recommend that you DO NOT BRING
THESE ITEMS ON THE TRIP WITH YOU unless you have a completely waterproof
container. Our guided trips carry cell phones for emergency situations. We
suggest that you lock your personal belongings in your car trunk and give your
keys to our shop staff. 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. We
try to keep dry boxes and bags for cell phones stocked in our shop.
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Can I request A Raft Guide?Yes, if you liked your
raft guide last time, please request them when making your reservation. We will
be happy to do our best to accommodate you.
-
How many people to a raft?
Anywhere from 4-6
plus a guide, this depends on water level and group size.
-
What, when and where are we gonna eat?
A
picnic is served water-side on rafting, sit-on-top, Antietam tubing, and
beginner kayak lessons. Food is served mid-way to ¾ way down the trip. A
typical picnic consists of Water, fruit drink, fried chicken, potato salad, and
fruit. Vegetarian alternatives are possible. Beginner kayak lessons have wraps.
Please see the website link "Group Information Packet" or "Planning your trip"
for our fantastic picnic options!
-
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.
-
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 PolyProtm --
these will keep the heat in. Sweats are most definitely out, until after you
get back to dry land.
-
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.
-
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.
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.
RIVER FLOW
LEVELS
|
Whitewater Rafting
Reservations |
Call today for reservations, spaces fill fast
CLICK HERE or call 888 I
GO PLAY (888 446-7529).
*Prices do not include tax. See our
reservations page for tax
information. |
