Family Rafting
Have you ever taken your family rafting? If not, then like most parents, you may have a slew of great questions and concerns about this marvelous, total nature-immersion sport. Or, maybe you've done a few rivers with your older kids and now you are looking for a more exciting river experience.
Your Family’s Introduction to Whitewater
Upper New River
Ages 6+
Easy class 1-2 rapids. Helmets required in the rapids- we tend to take them off while floating in the pools between rapids. Playful waves, big wide friendly river. Paddle rafts, oar rafts, and inflatable kayaks (aka duckies) are all the boats available. Kids ages 8 and up can paddle their own ducky with a parent as co-pilot. Kids ages 10 and up can comfortably paddle solo in their own ducky.
Lower New River
Ages 12+
This is also known as the New River Gorge. It's steeper, bigger, and more exciting than the Upper New. Kids have to be age 12 and up to raft this section of the New River in summer and fall season. Kids must be age 14 and up for spring rafting season on the Lower New. Helmets are required, guides are in every raft, and both paddle rafts and oar rafts are available. Spring is BIG water, summer and fall calm down a notch. For first-time families with kids 12 or older, come in summer or fall. Set your family up for success with a fun water level appropriate for their first rafting experience.
Take it Up a Notch!
Lower Gauley River
Ages 15+
"I have rafted the New River but don't know if I am ready for the Gauley." The Lower Gauley is the perfect choice for a similar experience with more rapids and a bit more maneuvering required. This is a thrill of a lifetime river rafting experience for older families. Helmets are required, expert guides are in every raft, and participants will work hard paddling at the guide's command. Teens with a go get 'em attitude who like thrills will love this trip. Set your family up for success with your white water rafting experiences and choose an intensity level that each family member is ready to sign up for. The Lower Gauley is intense and strenuous, and it is an ideal choice for families who have rafted class III and IV rivers before. It is also breathtakingly beautiful with calm stretches in between big rapids so you have time to catch your breath.
Upper Gauley
Ages 15+.
First timers are NOT encouraged to choose the Upper Gauley for their introduction to white water rafting. That's kind of like taking the chairlift to the top of the mountain and picking the double diamond cliff hanger for your first run as a novice skier. You are much better off choosing the dynamic, powerful, but friendlier Lower Gauley or preferably the Lower New River Gorge for your first run. The Upper Gauley requires helmets, is maximum intensity, very strenuous, requires active paddling and ability to swim. Only expert guides work on the Upper Gauley. Paddle rafts and oar rigs are available. All family members doing the Upper Gauley should have Class IV white water experience and be comfortable in that level of whitewater madness. If you have this kind of background, your family will experience peak excitement, adrenaline, and super natural endorphin highs. This is one of the best white water rafting trips in the world. We aren't kidding.
