What Should I Wear?

Cold Weather Rafting (Rain, Early Spring, Late Fall)

Wetsuit/Splash Jacket (available for rent) Swimsuit to wear underneath Shoes that tie, buckle or Velcro (old tennis shoes, athletic sandals, booties) Polypro, capilene, wool, neoprene or fleece top to go under splash jacket Tight fitting cap (wool, fleece, etc.) Fleece or wool socks

Warm Weather Rafting

Swimsuit Shorts (nylon or other quick drying material) Shoes that tie, buckle or Velcro (old tennis shoes, athletic sandals, booties) T-shirt (to avoid sunburned shoulders) Baseball cap Sunglasses with strap Sunscreen

We provide helmets, PFD's and paddles. All participants are required to wear our Type V PFD. Please do not bring your own lifejacket.

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 smlef5. 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 10:00 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.

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!

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 reserve 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.

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 relive 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 within one week or it is free. 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.

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.

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.

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 Vacation Packages 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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Do You Have Gift Certificates?
Go to our Online Trip Summary 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!

How can I become a raft guide?
Click Here! To find out how to join the Rivermen Team of Outdoor Adventure Specialists!