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Just the FAQs
How do I find a good rafting river?
All rivers may flow to the sea, but finding the right one for your raft
trip is not as simple as tossing a stone in the ocean. Look in outdoor,
travel, and paddling magazines and books. Many states have outfitter or
tourism organizations that can provide information and help narrow your
search. And be sure to try our River Finders, where you can just click on your favorite river for more information.
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One way is through America Outdoors (P.O. Box 10847, Knoxville, Tennessee 37939; +1 423 558 3595, fax +1 423 558 3598), an international association of outfitters that provides a free annual directory listing almost 400 members in 37 states. Contact individual outfitters to request brochures, or check out their Web sites through America Outdoors.
If a river is managed by the USDA Forest Service or the National Park
Service, the federal agency can provide you with a list of the
outfitters licensed to operate on that river. Our River Finders provide
this information for about 60 popular white-water rivers. For a list of
questions to ask outfitters, check out our Outfitters section.
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Even a bad day on the river is better than a good day at work, a wise
person once said. Even if you only have one day, there are still many
rivers you can run. Many others are two-day trips that fit nicely into a
weekend. Five-day trips, with a day of travel on each end, make a nice
week-long vacation. Whatever time you have, theres a river to meet your
needs.
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People from all walks of life and all ages, but mostly those between 25
and 60. Some rivers are suitable for kids as young as four. Quite a few
rafters have never been camping, while others have spent a lot of time
in the wilderness. Some are physically challenged. Some come to hike,
others to sit in the shade with a book. But everyone comes to have a
good time. Different trips can require different levels of experience or
fitness or be more suitable for certain age groups. Ask the outfitter.
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Expect to pay at least $100 a day for each day youre on the river. Most
prices dont include transportation to the town nearest the river,
lodging and food when youre not on the river, rental of some personal
gear, tips, and extras such as books, maps, or special food. Be sure to
ask the outfitter what isand is notcovered in the fee.
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Many trips, such as those on the Selway in Idaho and the Colorado
through the Grand Canyon, fill up as much as a year in advance. Make
reservations early, but be aware that most outfitters have a
nonrefundable deposit policy that could cost you if your plans change.
And always check for cancellations; you may get lucky!
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Desert rivers are usually best in spring, when the temperatures are
still cool. Mountain rivers can be most pleasant in summer, when the
water levels have calmed to runnable levels, or at their heart-stopping
best in spring, when the water is roaring. Some rivers may be nicest in
fall, when wildlife and fall colors reach their peak and crowds begin to
thin.
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Never skimp on rain gear. Invest in the best, and itll pay for itself
on rainy days. Two-piece hooded rain suits are best; avoid cheap poncho-type rain suits. On some rivers, outfitters will suggest wet suits or
dry suits and will often offer them for rent. Take them up on the offer.
Its often an inexpensive way to a more comfortable experience. Consider
wet-suit booties and waterproof gloves as well. For tips on how to keep
your camera equipment dry, check out our Photo Gear section.
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Rafts are floating refrigerators. Huge coolers packed with ice keep food
fresh and beverages cold. Breakfasts may be blueberry muffins served
piping hot from the Dutch oven, apple-pecan pancakes, or eggs Benedict.
Lunches range from deli sandwiches to tuna salad, along with fresh fruit
and cookies. Dinner could be grilled salmon, stuffed Cornish game hens,
juicy steaks, or spinach lasagna followed by double fudge brownies,
gingerbread, or pineapple upside-down cake. If you like to snack between
meals, you might consider bringing your favorites and keeping them handy
on the raft. Theres usually plenty for vegetarians to eat, but be sure
to tell your outfitter ahead of time if you have special dietary needs.
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Some outfitters provide a limited array of beer and wine. Others request
that if you want alcohol on the trip or have favorite drinks, you bring
your own. Often theyll ask that you transfer it to unbreakable
containers before stowing it in your gear.
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Campsites are often on riverside beaches or on a bench overlooking the
river, nestled among pine trees. There, youll bed down on a soft
sleeping pad and in a warm sleeping bag protected from the elements by a
small tent. You can usually rent these from the outfitter, or you can
provide your own. The soft breezes through the pines and the music of
the flowing water come at no extra charge.
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The most frequently asked question on the river is Where do I go to the
bathroom? To keep human impact on the river ecosystem to a minimum and
to maximize human comfort, most river companies use small, portable
bathroom systems. This might consist of a portable toilet set up in a
small tent for privacy, with a nice view of the river. The portable
toilet can then be packed up and hauled out, leaving nothing behind but
footprints.
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One of the benefits of river travel is that its easy on the
environmentno tire tracks left behind, no hoofprints in the mud. On and
off the river, good outfitters minimize impact by practicing the 3 Rs:
Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. They recycle aluminum, plastic, glass, and
tin. They build fires in metal fire pans and take out the ashes.
Everything carried in is carried out, including cigarette butts and the
tiniest bits of litter.
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Commercial white-water trips have one of the highest safety records in
the tourism industry. Modern equipment, up-to-date training for guides,
extensive first-aid kits, and strict safety requirements have helped
make rafting a safe, enjoyable activity. Still, keep in mind that nature
and wild rivers can be unpredictable. Theres no taking the wild out
of the wilderness, and most of us would have it no other way.
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If youre concerned about strenuous activity, chose your trip carefully.
Many outfitters have a rating system on which to base your decision. On
most trips, however, you can be as active or as relaxed as you wish.
Those who simply want to relax can ride in an oar boat or dory and gaze
at the scenery. For the more active, there are often paddle rafts,
duckies, and long hikes once you set up camp.
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Many enthusiastic river runners dont know how to swim. Just be sure to
talk to the outfitter before your trip, and also tell the head guide,
wholl give you some special attention. Everyone wears a life jacket.
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Once youre on the river, paper money is useful mostly for starting
fires. You might keep some handy, however, to tip the guide at the end
of the trip or to purchase maps, books, or other materials at ranger
stations on the ride back to town afterward.
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The outfitter will provide a checklist of gear thats required on the
river youve chosen. For some guidelines, check out our River Gear section.
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Guns, pets, small children, valuable jewelry, and any qualms about having a good, old-fashioned adventure. Many people leave their watches behind and let their days be governed by the sun. Dont bring loud music boxes. Outfitters usually provide all the kitchen utensils youll need. Return |