We know that most people are concerned about the safety of a whitewater trip. As with any physical activity there is an element of risk involved in rafting. As a professional outfitter, our job is to minimize that risk through preparation, guide training, and high-quality equipment. Appalachian Wildwaters has some of the highest skilled on-river staff you'll find anywhere. Our guide staff completes a rigorous training program and must be certified in First-Aid and CPR before taking customers on the water. In addition, Appalachian Wildwaters, has made a substantial investment in high performance equipment to enhance the overall quality of your rafting experience. This effort is being made to maintain our standards of excellence.
Family Class Whitewater
Perfect for younger children and first-timers. These trips provide a gentle, low-risk introduction to rafting for the whole family.
| Minimum Age: |
6 years old |
| Experience Needed: |
No |
Adventure Class Whitewater
Action packed and exhilarating, our Adventure trips pick up the pace. More challenging than our Family Class trips, these rivers are ideal for older children, adventurous first-timers, and experienced rafters.
| Minimum Age: |
12 years old |
| Experience Needed: |
No |
World Class Whitewater
The ultimate in thrilling outdoor adventure, this class of whitewwater is highly technical, fast, and difficult. Experienced paddlers only.
| Minimum Age: |
16-18 years |
| Experience Needed: |
Yes |
What size raft will I be in?
Typically our rafts hold 9 people and 1 guide. However, this is subject to change with varying water levels. Also, some of our summer trips will be run in ducks and/or thrillkats (one person inflatable kayaks).
What is a duck and/or thrillkat?
Thrillkats and ducks are one person inflatable crafts. These are used generally on the Upper New River and the Summer Gauley trips. A duck is shaped like a kayak, but open like a canoe. A thrillkat looks like a small version of a pontoon boat. The seat for this sits in between two large tubes. You do not have to have any experience with either of these crafts, and they are both stable and easy to maneuver.
What gear is provided?
Appalachian Wildwaters provides all gear necessary for your raft trip (i.e. helmet, life-jacket, paddle, and raft).
STAFF PROFILES
