River Running Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQ's)
Some commonly asked questions.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
Most everyone can go whitewater rafting. No experience is necessary! It does require some paddling and you will get wet. You do not need to know how to swim, but you should feel comfortable if you fall in the water, your life jacket will float you. Participants must be in good health and have a chest size no larger than 56 inches. Participants are required to sign a release of liability waiver.
DO I NEED MY OWN RAFT TO PARTICIPATE?
No. Feel free to joins and see if you like river running. You will share a raft with other rafters. Be very clear when inquiring you don't have your own raft or gear.
IS THERE A MINIMUM AGE?
Yes. We recommend the child must be 6 years of age to go rafting on a whitewater River and have some swimming lessons.
HOW LONG IS THE TRIP?
River trips vary from a few hours to all day. Multi-day Rivers require camping gear and extra clothes. You will receive instructions and safety information and have some time to practice with your group before you begin your river trip.
HOW MUCH OF THE TRIP IS WHITEWATER?
Most rivers have calm spots but there might be sections of continuous whitewater depending on the river.
WHAT IF IT RAINS?
Trips go rain or shine; rafting is the perfect rainy day activity as you are going to get wet anyway. On cool days we recommend splash jackets and wet suits. Wet suit booties help keep your feet warm.
DO PEOPLE FALL OUT OF THE RAFT?
It is possible to fall out of the raft, that is an inherent risk of whitewater rafting. Our main priority is to provide a safe trip with fun, excitement and a memory filled adventure for all. Each participant is required to sign a release of liability waiver.
DO YOU HAVE SELF-BAILING RAFTS? WHAT SIZE ARE THE RAFTS?
Yes we use self-bailing rafts that are 13 to 14 feet in length and specifically designed for whitewater use. The rafts are designed for 7 to 8 rafters, we generally have up to six participants in a raft plus the guide.
HOW ARE THE RAPIDS RATED?
Rapids are rated on a difficulty scale between I and VI. Class I rapids are the easiest and a class VI rapid are the most difficult. The ratings of 1 to 6 is a scale of difficulty and danger. The scale is not to be used in considering the fun factor of a river run. The North Umpqua River is rated as a class III & IV whitewater river. It is one of the most exciting and fun day river trips around.
HOW SHOULD I DRESS?
In warm weather wear shorts, bathing suit and a T-shirt. In cool weather bring a wool, fleece or polyester top and pants, NO Cotton as it has no insulating value. We recommend splash jackets and Wet suits, or dry-suits to go over your clothes on cool days. You must wear some type of shoes with backs on the river, NO FLIP FLOPS or shoes without backs.
HOW COLD IS THE RIVER WATER?
The river location determines how cold it is. Some rivers are colder than others.
Early spring is the coldest time for most rivers.