Whitewater rafting information-Frequently asked questions about West Virginia (WV) Whitewater Rafting

PO Box 885
Fayetteville, WV 25840
Phone: 1-800-633-7238

Who Can Raft?
      Just about anybody can go rafting with us. We have taken folks ranging in age from 6 to 79. You don't have to be an athlete, just in good physical condition. We are neither trained or qualified in the evaluation of your physical condition, so it is important that you honestly evaluate your own physical condition in determining trip preparedness.

When To Go Rafting?
      We offer trips on several sections of two different rivers. The New River in March, April and May offers HUGE whitewater excitement for those looking for early season action. During the summer months of June, July and August you can expect moderate water levels that are perfect for first-time rafters. The fall months of September and October bring summer-like water levels along with incredible fall foliage.
      The fall draw-down of Summersville Lake, for Gauley Season, in September and October offers controlled water levels that vary only with heavy rains. Scheduled release dates.

Safety
      Drift-a-Bit Whitewater has an outstanding safety record. We employ Type V life jackets, approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, helmets and equip each trip with a medical kit and two-way radios. Our guides are licensed by the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources and are, as a minimum, certified in CPR and First Aid.
      The following whitewater classifications are used as a guideline and are based on the International I-VI Scale of Difficulty. If you have any questions or concerns about which section is appropriate for you experience level and physical capabilities, please call or e-mail us. We will find a trip that is right for you.

Class I Beginner, Easy
Few or no obstacles, small riffles, slow current

Class II Novice, Moderate
Occasional obstacles, medium current, waves up to 3 feet, clear, wide channels. Some maneuvering is required.

Class III Intermediate, Difficult
Longer rapids with strong irregular currents and high irregular waves. Maneuvering required to avoid obstacles and through narrow channels. May require scouting from shore.

Class IV Advanced, Very Difficult
Steeper, longer with numerous obstacles and constricted passages. Scouting from shore is often necessary. Rescue is difficult.

Class V Expert, Extremely Difficult
Consists of large vertical drops, strong hydraulics, and very swift, irregular currents in heavily obstructed channels. Very violent rapids which must be scouted from shore. Rescue is difficult with significant threat to life in the event of a mishap.

Class VI Crazed Team of Experts
Class V whitewater carried to the outer limits of navigability. Nearly impossible and very dangerous. Rescue is extremely difficult with extreme threat to life in the event of a mishap.

What to Bring

Dry clothes and shoes for after the trip
Multi-day trips: sleeping bag and pad, dry clothes for camp, all personal items and toiletries, flashlight

What to Wear

Summer

Swim suit and/ or T-shirt and shorts
River sandals or an old pair of tennis shoes (we will not allow anyone to go barefoot or wear hiking boots)
Sunscreen, sunglasses
Wool sweaters, wool socks and hat (bring these even in summer for that cool, rainy day)

Spring/Fall

Polyester fleece or wool sweater, hat and socks
River sandals or an old pair of tennis shoes (we will not allow anyone to go barefoot or wear hiking boots)
Sunscreen, sunglasses
Raingear (remember, we run rain or shine!)
DO NOT BRING COTTON TO WEAR ON THE RIVER (it will make you colder than exposed skin)
We do rent farmer john wetsuits, nylon rain jackets and pants on a first come-first serve basis (we will not reserve these in advance)

What We Provide

All rafting and safety gear
Professional guides trained in First Aid, CPR and the history and legends of the New River Gorge
All you can eat deli-style lunch (where applicable)
Shuttle to and from the river
Refreshments before and after the trip
Professional photographer on the river to catch you in action
Multi-day and overnight trip provisions are described in following pages

Is there any risk involved in whitewater rafting?
      In any outdoor experience there are inherent risks that cannot be eliminated. A river trip in particular has inherent dangers that could cause injury including, but not limited to, death by drowning. We DO NOT assume responsibility and cannot be held liable for, including but not limited to, loss or damage to personal property or bodily injury. You ride the river at your own risk. The West Virginia Whitewater Responsibility Act (WV Code 20-3B) imposes certain duties and responsibilities on participants in whitewater expeditions. The law prohibits use of alcohol or illegal drugs before or during the trip, prohibits harmful conduct or interference of any kind with safety and requires participants to inform us of any pre-existing medical conditions or use of prescribed medications. Before each trip each participant will be required to sign a release form which includes a release, an assumption of risk and an indemnification agreement. (A copy of WV Code 20-3B and our release form will be mailed to you upon request.)
      Services provided by independent contractors such as horse liveries, mountain bike rental services, rock climbing services, kayaking instruction services, spelunking services, catering etc. are at your own risk and are subject to the terms of time arrangements made on your behalf by Drift-a-Bit with the contractors furnishing the service. Drift-a-Bit assumes no responsibility with respect to those services even though it may collect monies or arrange for the services. The trips organizer (person who calls to make reservations) is responsible for informing all group members of these policies.
      A safety orientation will be giver concerning proper use of equipment, what is expected of you, what to expect from the trip, and safety procedures. Drift-a-Bit reserves the right to refuse participation without refund to: anyone suspected of consuming alcoholic beverages or drugs before or during the trip; or, anyone who we feel is incapable of meeting the day's activities.

Do I need to be in good physical condition?
      Whitewater rafting is a participation sport and it is recommended that you be in reasonable physical condition for the river section being rafted. However, if you have a physical disability and/ or health problems, we may be able to accommodate you. People with a chest size of 52" or more may be restricted from rafting. Please call or e-mail for more information.
      If you have a health condition such as diabetes, epilepsy, pregnancy, heart condition, bee allergy, asthma, obesity, etc., please consult you physician before your trip. Please advise the trip leader and your guide of your condition prior to the trip. Bring any necessary prescription medications with you on the trip.
      We do not carry medical insurance for our guests. Please make sure you present medical insurance provides adequate coverage in case of accident or illness while rafting with Drift-a-Bit.

Do I need previous rafting experience?
      No previous rafting experience is needed for the New River or the Lower Gauley. Previous rafting experience is highly recommended for the Upper Gauley.

Can persons under the age of 18 raft?
      Yes! Although we do have suggested minimum ages for different river section, age is not always the best measurement for determining participation on a whitewater trip. Emotional maturity, physical size and river conditions are important factors to consider. The minimum ages can and will be raised or lowered at our discretion resulting in a change or river and/ or section.

Anyone under the age of 18 who is unattended by a LEGAL guardian MUST have a Drift-a-Bit guardianship form filed out, signed and notarized. Call or e-mail to have a form sent to you.
The trip organizer is responsible for informing Drift-a-Bit of all minor participants and their ages and for presenting the above mentioned guardianship form at trip time.