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What
Should I Wear?
During the spring and fall rafting seasons, we suggest wearing
wool or synthetic clothing such as polypropylene or pile. Avoid
wearing cotton and blue jeans! Cotton retains water and will make
you cold. Bri ng
a sweater, several pairs of socks, and possibly a pair of fingerless
gloves - all made of wool, polypropylene or pile. Wet Suits and
Paddling Jackets are available for rent from The Rivermen, or
you may provide your own. Save time and money by reserving your
wet suit in advance when you book your reservation. In the summertime,
nylon shorts and/or swimsuits are usually adequate. Temperatures
are normally warm enough to wear t-shirts but remember cotton
wicks warmth from your body. You may also want to bring a rain
jacket to protect from cool wind and rain on cloudy days. Gym
shoes or active wear sandals are the recommended footwear. And
don't forget to bring a towel with a set of dry clothes and shoes
to leave in your vehicle. You'll appreciate getting warm and dry
after being wet all day! Other items you may want to bring are
sunscreen, a ball cap, a waterproof camera, eyeglass retainer
straps for sunglasses, and extra cash for videos, pictures and
souvenirs at our gift shop!
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Where
Do I Go When I Arrive?
When you arrive, go directly to our check-in office. You will
receive directions to your motel rooms, cabin tents, camping assignments
as well as other information regarding your trip schedule and
departure time. The check-in area sells soft drinks, snacks, firewood,
waterproof disposable cameras and several other useful items.
Those not staying at the Rivermen Outdoor Center who arrive the
morning of their trip, must also proceed directly to the check-in
office. Make sure your group has paid any remaining balances prior
to your trip meeting time to avoid problems. PLEASE BE ON TIME
FOR ALL TRIPS. If wet suits or windbreakers are required, rental
will begin ½ hour prior to trip meeting time. Lock all valuables
in your car and bring your keys to our meeting lodge. They will
be safely locked in our trip meeting box. Don't risk taking your
keys on the river.
The Check-in
office is easy to find with well-marked signs and stays open weekdays
until 4:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. on weekends. You can purchase any
convenience items you may need, visit our souvenir shop, or mosey
up to the Lost Paddle Lodge area to hang out at The Rivermen Bar
after you are settled in for the night. The Rivermen Bar hours
are 4:00 -10:00 p.m. weekdays and 4:00 -1:00 p.m. on weekends.
However, if you do arrive after the check-in has closed, refer
to the information board located at the Check-in office for instructions,
campsite locations, and room assignments.
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Can
I Request a Particular Guide?
Have you rafted with The Rivermen before? Were you impressed with
the skills and personality of your guide? If so, let us know who
your guide was when you make your reservation and we will do our
best to put you in their boat on your next trip. We aim to please!
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How
Many People Can Fit in a Raft?
Our 15' self-bailing rafts will accommodate up to 8 guests and
1 guide. When you are planning a trip for a group, try to re serve
in multiples of 8 to assure that your group remains together.
We attempt to maximize our resources everyday so if you arrive
with a group of 10 people, you may be asked to split into groups
of 8 and 2. The group of 8 would go in one boat and the remaining
2 would be placed in a boat with 6 people from a different group.
If you have smaller group of 4-6 people or just want to maximize
your whitewater thrills, be sure to check out our High Adventure
and Team Extreme options to see if they are right for your crew.
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Are
Videos and Pictures Available?
The Rivermen pioneered whitewater videos in West Virginia many
years ago. Since then, our seasoned team of videographers has
mastered the art of capturing whitewater excitement on film and
producing the ultimate video souvenir. You will enjoy showing
family and friends the excitement of your rafting trip and can
reli ve
the adventure for many years to come. We attempt to video as many
trips as possible. Videos can usually be viewed 45 minutes after
your return to basecamp. During the first viewing, 5 copies will
be produced and available on a first come first serve basis. If
you miss the chance to pick up your video the day of your trip
or would like additional copies, prepay your order with us and
it will be mailed to you. Order
your video when you make your reservation and save $5 per tape.
Pictures are also taken on all trips at specific rapids. There
are a limited number of 8X10 prints available at The Rivermen
Outdoor Center immediately following your trip. Additional prints
can be provided on a rush basis and available for pickup the next
morning, or simply mailed to your home address.
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When
is the Best Time to Go?
A host of characteristics accompany each rafting season offering
something for everyone. We'll give you the facts and let you decide.
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Spring
New
The New River season begins in early spring and runs through
the end of October. An early spring raft trip provides an
extremely intense and exciting ride with high water, big
ocean size waves and huge rapids comparable to many western
rivers. If you are a go-for-it type person, this is what
you're looking for in a raft trip but be prepared for cool
weather and big whitewater thrills! Check out our early
spring discounts. And remember this trip is not for everyone.
Summer
New
As the high waters begin to recede and temperatures warm
up, the New River enters its most
popular time of the year. The rocks and boulders that make
up the riverbed get closer to the surface, forming rapids
that were not previously there during high water flows.
The characteristics of the River become entirely different.
You will find powerful new surfing spots, big rollercoaster
waves, and deep punchy hydraulics with explosive action.
Later in summer, during July and August, you will experience
some of our warmest weather and usually the lowest water
flows. The rapids get very technical and some are at their
most exciting levels. It's a great way to wrap up summer
with family and friends!
Spring/Summer
Gauley
During spring and summer we occasionally experience excessive
rainfall in the area resulting in high water flows on the
Gauley River. When this happens we take advantage of it
by offering trips to our more adventurous guests on the
Upper and Lower sections. These trips are more intense with
high water flows so be ready for excitement. We
do accept reservations for these trips however, due
to fluctuating and unpredictable water levels, trip changes
may occur. These include the possibility of substituting
our standard 14' raft with a smaller 12' version or even
our adventurous duckies. The particular
section of River we challenge may also change to the Middle
or New River depending on conditions. Any resulting price
differences will be refunded.
Fall
Gauley
The Gauley River represents the
grand finale of the year for whitewater rafting! Regular
water releases are scheduled during the annual Summersville
Lake draw down,  beginning
the first weekend following Labor Day and continuing for
the next six consecutive weekends. Remember to make your
reservations early, as Fall Gauley rafting is extremely
popular due to the short season, a consistent water level
(2800 C.F.S.), and limited availability.
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How
Can I save Money?
As a general rule, weekday trip rates are usually lower than on
weekends. We also offer early and late season trip pricing incentives
for substantial savings, which can always be found with other
great offerings on our exclusive Web Deals page. Be sure to check
out our Calendar of Events for holiday specials and local festivities.
And if there are several in your group you'll want to take advantage
of our discounted group rates. Contact one of our reservation
specialists for details.
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Who
Can Paddle Whitewater?
Almost Anyone! Whitewater rafting is unique in that it is one
of the most exciting activities most people ever experience, yet
it can be enjoyed by almost everyone. A well-designed raft along
with an expert guide allows you to experience some of the best
rivers in the world . . . without putting in years of practice!
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What
Are the Minimum Ages?
The Rivermen suggests minimum age limits with each trip but takes
certain factors into account such as parental participation, physical
size, maturity and the stretch of whitewater being attempted.
The Rivermen reserves the right to alter minimum age limits as
deemed necessary for safety purposes.
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How
Do I Judge the Difficulty of a River?
The rivers and rapids have been classified to help you gauge their
level of difficulty on a scale of I to VI, from easiest to most
difficult, respectively. This is a subjective scale and depends
on individual experience, water levels, and the type of craft
being paddled. Refer to our Safety page
for a complete description of whitewater classifications and risks.
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Is
Rafting Safe?
There are inherent risks involved with whitewater rafting that
everyone should be aware of before getting on the water. The Rivermen
has an outstanding safety record due to the stringent requirements
we place on our company, guides and equipment to perform beyond
industry standards. Each guide holds a First Aid Certificate at
a minimum and undergoes rigorous training in all aspects of River
guiding and rescue. All trips are equipped with a first aid kit,
River rescue equipment and two-way radios to communicate in the
event of an emergency. You will receive helmets and coast guard
approved floatation devices (maximum chest size of 52") and all
safety procedures will be explained to you prior to your River
trip.
Note:
We reserve the right to refuse anyone participation in any of
our adventures because of physical or size limitations that, in
our opinion, would expose that person to extreme risk. Anyone
under the influence of drugs, alcohol or demonstrating unruly
behavior will be denied service, accommodations, and/or trip participation
and will be ordered to leave without refund or compensation.
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What
about My Medical Condition?
Please inform your reservationist when you book your trip, of
any particular medical conditions you may have including diabetes,
asthma, epilepsy, heart conditions, bee sting allergies, and pregnancy.
We highly recommend that you consult your physician prior to rafting
if you have a particular medical condition and strongly warn against
rafting for women in their first trimester of pregnancy.
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How
Can I Give the Gift of Rafting?
Go to our online Trip Planner and complete the form provided for
you there. Treat your family and friends to a day of rafting,
splurge with a video of their trip, or send them rock climbing
with a delicious dinner buffet in the evening. Check out our trip
planner for a quick reference of trips and prices. Once the information
is processed, a gift certificate will be mailed with a brochure
and complete information on all our trips. It's easy and the memory
will last a lifetime!
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