Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe?
Do I need any Rafting Experience?
When is the best time to go?
Which section would be best for me?
What about singles, couples, or one- boat trips?
Do I need to know how to swim?
Gratuities?
What if the weather is bad?
When should I arrive?
Am I on the Raft all Day?
Who can go on a rafting trip?
How many people fit in a boat?
Can I reserve my own boat?
Can I request my guide?
What about cameras?
What are the guide's qualifications?
Should I paddle or ride in the oar boat?
Is the trip all whitewater?
Do I need to make reservations in advance?
I have young children, can I take them rafting?
How long are the trips?
What do I need to wear?
What else do I need to bring?

Is it safe?
While there is an inherent element of risk in every outdoor adventure, running rivers with our professional guides should not be considered dangerous. Our professionalism is unsurpassed and our safety procedures are second to none. In the unlikely event of an emergency, our guides are thoroughly trained in First Aid and CPR.

Do I need any Rafting Experience?
Prior rafting experience is not required. The majority of people who join our expeditions are first time rafters. You'll receive a detailed safety talk before getting on the river, and it will cover every aspect of your river adventure. Once trained, an oar or paddle crew can work in harmony with their guide to maneuver a raft in the most challenging rapids. It's only natural for you to be apprehensive about running rivers, however our staff is specially trained to address your concerns and prepare you for an experience you'll never forget.

When is the best time to go?
For those looking for the most action, the time to go is June, when the spring runoff is at its peak and the water will be running fast, high, and exciting. The water runs cool, clear, and steady all summer long and as the water levels drop, the river continues to change and adds new and exciting routes to experience.

Which section would be best for me?
If this is your first raft trip, we recommend Brown's Canyon or Parkdale. They are Class III trips with plenty of excitement, even for experienced rafters. For those who want even more thrills, we suggest the Royal Gorge on the Arkansas River. Other Class IV & V sections of the Arkansas include The Numbers and Pine Creek. These are our most challenging sections with continuous fast water, tight constrictions, and non-stop rapids.

What about singles, couples, or one- boat trips?
Absolutely! Just call our office and we'll make arrangements to include you with other single bookings or small groups. Everyone can experience the excitement of whitewater rafting.

Do I need to know how to swim?
Knowing how to swim is recommended but it's not necessary. Everyone wears the very best Class V life jackets at all times while on the water and they float regardless of whether or not you do.

Gratuities?
While all of our employees are paid a base salary for their services (and do not expect a tip), they certainly appreciate it. If you feel your boatman, cook, or bus driver has made your trip especially enjoyable, tipping is a great way to express thanks and appreciation.

What if the weather is bad?
All trips run rain or shine. Only rarely do we cancel due to high water. In the unlikely event that we cancel a trip, a full refund will be offered. Any person choosing not to participate because of weather will not be eligible for a refund or rain check.

When should I arrive?
Your trip time is your DEPARTURE TIME. It's very important that you arrive far enough ahead of your trip to allow for check-in, and/or wet suit rental. We recommend the following time allowances: Check-in and *wet suit rental -arrive 45 minutes prior to your trip time. Check-in only - arrive 30 minutes prior to your trip time. *If you have a large group (more than 10) you will need to check in 1 hour before trip departure.

Am I on the Raft all Day?
No, we stop at various spots along each stretch of river to enjoy the area, swim some rapids or have a riverside lunch.

Who can go on a rafting trip?
From an introduction whitewater class III on Brown's Canyon to the "adrenaline rush" on Pine Creek, River Runners offers a river trip to satisfy all types of adventurous individuals. We welcome anyone, young or old, in reasonable physical condition.
Age requirements vary depending on the trip. Springtime trips may require older minimum age requirements as the level of difficulty increases. Persons who are extremely overweight, or have a chest size over 52" (life jacket maximum size) cannot participate in a trip. If you or a member of your group are pregnant or have special health or physical considerations, please call our office and consult a physician for recommendation.

How many people fit in a boat?
Our boats can comfortably accommodate up to 7-8 guests plus their guide. However, depending on the water levels smaller boats may be utilized to negotiate the tighter chutes and rapids typical of Class IV & V rapids. Most of these boats may accommodate 5 or 6 guests, plus a guide.

Can I reserve my own boat?
Please direct special requests to our office in advance. Reservations are based on available space in each boat. Chartered trips and reserved boats can be made available in special circumstances. Our staff of guides will keep parties together whenever possible and they reserve the right to make final crew assignments.

Can I request my guide?
Our guides are professionals in their field, and requests for a specific guide are not uncommon. If you have had a guide you especially liked, and would like to have them guide your next trip, we will do our best to match their schedule to yours. Simply request your guide when you make your reservation.

What about cameras?
We encourage you to bring cameras to record your journey. River Runners provides waterproof bags for average sized cameras. We provide professional photographers who take photos of your trip on the biggest rapid sections, and make those shots available for purchase after your adventure.

What are the guide's qualifications? ****
We pride ourselves on our professional guide's, most of who have been with the River Runners family for many seasons. Each year, we train new guide's at our own intensive whitewater school, and choose only the most qualified to work for us. knowledgeable about the outdoors, and are trained in local and natural history, conservation, camp cooking, and in both CPR and first-aid. Over the years, many of our adventures have resulted in long lasting friendships between our guides and clients.

Should I paddle or ride in the oar boat?
Its up to you...you can do either. Paddling is an exciting, participatory way to run the river. Each boat contains about 6 paddlers plus a guide to call commands. There is a thorough explanation and practice session for paddlers before we start out. The paddle option is available provided water conditions permit. On the oar boat, your guide does all of the work using oars. Oar boats offer the luxury of relaxing and taking in the scenery.

Is the trip all whitewater?
No. Most rivers are "pool and drop", which means that stretches of exciting whitewater are interspersed with calm sections.

Do I need to make reservations in advance?
We highly recommend you make reservations as far in advance as possible to ensure that there is space available on the trip you want when you want it. By contacting us ahead of time it will also give our staff the opportunity to discuss the different options with you to make absolutely sure that the right trip is chosen. However, we are always busy taking last minute reservations and are happy to accept walk-ins if we have space available. Please call us at toll-free (800) RAFT-W-US / (800-723-8987).

I have young children, can I take them rafting?
Most definitely! Our guides will pay special attention to the younger guests. The minimum age for Class III trips is 5 years and 50 pounds. All age requirements are variable with water levels and conditions, which can only be determined the day before the trip.

How long are the trips?
All trips have set departure times and predicted return times posted in the trip descriptions. With any activity, it depends on Mother Nature, a number of variables come into play when we predict how long a trip will take. Please take this into consideration when planning activities upon your return from a rafting trip.

What do I need to wear?
Nylon swim trunks, swimsuits, river sandals or old tennis shoes are great for rafting. Try to stay away from anything cotton if possible. Hats are good for sunny days and for those rare overcast or cool days a fleece pullover, a wool hat and socks and a windbreaker would be a great way to stay warm. Wetsuits, splash gear and neoprene booties are available to rent and are required for some trips and at certain water levels. Please note: Cotton WILL NOT keep you warm when it is wet.

What else do I need to bring?
Dry clothes for the ride home, towels, sunscreen, and an adventurous attitude. All possessions are left in your locked vehicle and we can keep your keys for you at the office. DO NOT TAKE ANYTHING THAT YOU DO NOT WANT TO LOSE OR GET WET! We recommend that you leave those good cameras behind. We have professional photographers staged on the river to capture your adventure on film.

IN ANY CLASS ENJOY THE SUN, THE RIVER, THE SCENERY.