When is the Best Time to Go?

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 an adventurous person, this is what you're looking for in a raft trip but be prepared for cool weather and big exciting whitewater! 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 are 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.

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 and limited availability.

What Should I Wear?

During the spring and fall rafting seasons, we suggest wearing wool or synthetic clothing such as polypropylene or pile. Avoid wearing cotton and blue jeans, which will make you cold! Bring a sweater, several pairs of socks and possibly a pair of fingerless gloves - all made of wool, polypropylene or pile. Wet Suits and Paddling Jackets are available for rent from most outfitters or you may provide your own. In the summertime, nylon shorts and/or swimsuits are usually adequate. You may also want to bring a rain jacket to protect from cool wind and rain on cloudy days. Gym shoes or active wear sandals are the recommended footwear. And don't forget to bring sunscreen along with a towel, a set of dry clothes and a pair of shoes to leave in your vehicle. You'll appreciate getting warm and dry after being wet all day!

Who Can PaddleWhitewater?

What Are the Minimum Ages?

West Virginia outfitters usually suggest minimum age limits with each trip but take certain factors into account such as parental participation, physical size, maturity and the stretch of whitewater being attempted. Consult your outfitter of choice for specific requirements concerning minimum age guidelines.

How Do I Judge the Difficulty of a River?

Most West Virginia outfitters have developed a rating system to help customers gauge the difficulty of each trip and section of whitewater. 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.

Is Rafting Safe?

West Virginia outfitters maintain an excellent safety record although rafting is not without risks. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources regulations require all guides to meet specific first aid and safety standards. All WVPRO outfitters provide first aid kits, river rescue equipment and appropriate emergency communication devices on the river. Life jackets must be worn at all times on the river and helmets are required in advanced whitewater. Safety procedures are explained in detail prior to and during your trip and it is every rafters' responsibility to adhere to these procedures.

What about My Medical Condition?

Please inform your outfitter of any particular medical conditions you may have including diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, heart conditions, bee sting allergies, and pregnancy. It is highly recommended that you consult your physician prior to rafting if you have a particular medical condition.

· West Virginia offers nearly 2,000 miles of mountain streams and rivers.
· Over 240,000 visitors raft with west virginia outfitters annually
· Over 35 years of whitewater - 1968 was the year of the first commercial river trip
· Over 60% of the US Population is less than a day's drive away
· There are over 25 rafting outfitters in West Virginia
· States most represented by commercial guests: New York, Ohio, Virginia, Maryland
  Michigan, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina & Washington D.C.

Rafting Participation by market segment from AO's research of participants in outfitted trips nation wide.

• Raft with spouse, 56.8%
• Raft with children, 40.9%
• Raft with friends, 47.1%
• Raft with business peers, 13.8%
• Raft with church groups, 10.3%
• Raft with organized tour groups, 5.7%
• Raft with youth groups (scouts, schools), 8.0%
• Raft with social or community clubs, 1.1%
• Raft with other type of groups, 1.1%