Have Rafting Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions about
Rafting the American River
Got a few questions about rafting trips? We've got
some answers! Here are a few of the questions that we hear the most often - and
the answers to them. If what you're looking for isn't covered here please do
not hesitate to call our reservations staff at 800-825-3205 for some
answers.
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WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO? |
For those looking for the most
action, the time to raft is in April when the spring runoff is at its peak and
the water will be running fast, high, and exciting. The summer months are the
most popular for our dam-controlled rivers with great water continuing through
September. Midweek river trips offer a slower pace, lower prices, and fewer
rafts on the water. The locale of the American River is unique in its weather
pattern. Summer arrives early, sometime around April, with temperatures in the
high 70's to 80's, climbing into the 90's and 100's in mid-summer. So, bring
your river shoes, shorts, and T-shirt for an exciting, fun-filled river
trip.
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WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME? |
For April Thru September you'll need the
following:
- Sleeping Bag - available to rent.
- Tent - available to rent.
- Foam Pad use is complimentary.
- Sheet for very warm night when it is too hot to get
into your sleeping bag.
- Duffle bag or soft pack to carry your gear.
- Tennis shoes to wear on the raft and when swimming.
They'll get wet, so don't bring your best shoes.
- Or river sandals* or equivalent only. NO
flip flops, wet shoes or aqua shoes.
- Swimsuit or shorts* and T-shirt* to wear on the
rafts.
- Extra tennis or other shoes for something dry to
wear around camp.
- Long sleeved shirt and pants for evening. In April,
May and September, the nights and early mornings are cool, so bring warmer
clothes, i.e., long pants, warm jacket, sweater, etc.
- Folding chair.
- Towel, washcloth, toiletries.
- Wide-brimmed hat*, visor* or cap* (tie-on*).
- Sunglasses* with neck strap*, suntan lotion*,
sunscreen*, lip ointment*. The sun is very hot.
- Plastic water bottle w/strap*. (We refill your
bottle with our on-board supply.)
- Pillow.
- Flashlight*. You'll need this for getting around at
night. There are no lights on the way to the bathroom.
- Waterproof camera*.
- Fishing equipment including bait suitable for bass
and trout.
- Light rain jacket or nylon windbreaker, polar
fleece jacket or vest, wool sweater and wool socks in case it's overcast.
*Items found in our river store
In addition on spring
trips:
- Any garments made of polarplus, synchilla, wool,
fleece, capilene, etc.
- Hat made of above materials.
- Heavy pair of wool socks.
- Warm sleeping
bag, especially in April and early May.
- Wool or fleece sweater, vests, etc., for nighttime.
- 4-man tent. Inquire before bringing larger
tents.
- Wetsuit, booties, jacket, sweater or dry suit.
Wetsuits available to rent. (Wetsuit
packages included on North Fork trips.)
Please do not bring any cotton items on the river with
you if you are concerned about staying warm. (This includes jeans and
sweatshirts.) When cotton gets wet it robs your body of heat and is unsuitable
for physical activity. Synthetic clothing, such as fleece, poly-pro, or
capilene provides the best option for warmth retention.
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WHICH RIVER WOULD BE BEST FOR ME? |
If this is your first raft
trip we recommend the South Fork
American River, a Class III trip with plenty of excitement even for
experienced rafters. For those who want more thrills, we suggest the
Middle Fork American River with
Class III - IV rapids or the North Fork
American River with Class IV - V rapids and enough paddle action to satisfy
anyone. For those wanting the most action and time on the water, try one of our
Combo Trips. For large
groups, over 100 people, the South Fork
American River is your best choice.
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NOT EVERYONE WANTS TO RAFT THE SAME RIVER. WHAT CAN WE
DO? |
It's no problem. Part of your group can raft the
Middle/South Forks Combo and
the rest can raft the South Fork
American River. You'll all be at the same campground and will raft the same
stretch of river together on the South
Fork American River for one day.
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I'M NOT PART OF A GROUP ~ DO YOU HAVE A TRIP FOR
ME? |
Absolutely! Just call our Reservations Office at
800-825-3205 and we'll make arrangements to include you with other
single bookings or small groups so you can experience the excitement of
whitewater rafting.
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We take care of you during most of your stay with us,
but we recommend that you bring a small amount of cash. You may desire to
purchase a T-shirt from us, a photo of your
rafting trip, or a souvenir. We think that $50.00 - $100.00 will be adequate.
Visa, MC, American Express & Discover are accepted at our Souvenir Shop.
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DO I NEED TO KNOW HOW TO SWIM? |
No! Even though knowing how to
swim is recommended, it's not necessary as all of our guests are outfitted with
the very best life jackets at all times on the water. Before anyone gets
on the river our guides check everyone's personal flotation devices (PFDs) to
make sure that they fit properly, are appropriate for their body weight, and
are adjusted correctly.
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WE HAVE WATER ALL SUMMER LONG. WHY??!! |
There are a series of dams upstream of the
South and
Middle Forks of the American River
which provide water for electrical power, irrigation, and drinking for
residents of California. The most water is released in the spring and summer,
supplying plenty of exciting whitewater action. This assures you of a great
raft trip all the way through the end of September, even in low snowpack years.
The North Fork American is NOT dam
controlled, and is therefore runable only in April, May, and early June,
depending on the snowpack and rainfall each year.
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While all of our employees are paid for their
services and do not expect a tip, if you feel your boatman, cook, or bus driver
has made your trip especially enjoyable tipping is a nice way of expressing
thanks and is certainly appreciated!
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RIVER TRIPS FOR DIABETICS |
Having diabetes does not
preclude you from experiencing all of the fun, excitement, and adventure of a
whitewater raft trip. People with diabetes raft with us all of the time without
incident. Our guides are all trained in the "highs and lows" of the diabetic.
Give us a call at 800-825-3205 for more information.
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DO I HAVE TO SIGN A WAVIER |
 Yes. American Whitewater
requires that everyone who joins us on the river sign a standard adventure
travel industry waiver. Click HERE
to download or preview a copy of the waiver. Note: you will need a copy of
Adobe Acrobat Reader to view, print, or download the
waiver. If you do not want to use the PDF format, you can view the waiver as an
MS Word document.
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Take the Plunge
Find Out More About American River
Rafting...
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