White water rafting FAQs

Below is a list of some of the most frequently asked questions about whitewater rafting on the New and Gauley Rivers:

Whitewater Rafting

Why should I raft with NARR?
FUN! North American River runners has been in business since 1975 and is one of the oldest and most respected outfitters in West Virginia. What does that mean to you? Behind the scenes, our guides and support staff – among the most highly trained and experienced in the industry – pull out all the stops so you can relax and enjoy the important things: friends, family, and having a good time.

Whether you come for the whitewater, zip line, ATV trips, fishing, ropes courses, climbing, paintball or camping -- our skill, experience, state-of-the-art equipment and attention to detail mean you can just focus on the FUN!

Do I need enough people in my party to fill a raft?

No. Actually it is a great way to meet people, spending a day rafting with others can build great friendships. The more friends and loved ones you bring can give you additional savings... you could even raft for free!

How many people are in a raft?
We have three rafts sizes so that number varies with each raft.

16-foot Raft: This is the Industry Standard Raft that seats 8+ guests and a guide. They are the largest rafts we have, offering the most stable and comfortable ride. They are also the most economical raft we have and are ideal for groups and first-time rafters. All pricing is based on these rafts - upgrading to a smaller raft is a great way to upgrade the action!

14-foot Raft: This is our High Adventure Raft that seats 6+ guests and a guide. Smaller than the 16-foot raft, these rafts are very reactive in the white water! Lighter and more manuverable, these rafts give guests more thrills and spills, putting you right in the thick of the action. This is our most popular raft and well worth the extra money. Minimum age 14.

12-foot Raft: This is our Extreme Raft that seats 4+ guests and a guide. You would be amazed how many crazy people want this raft! It's almost 100% guaranteed you will be swimming. Minimum age is 18, previous experience highly recommended, strong swimming skills highly recommend and a desire to push the limits of white water rafting. This is the smallest commercial raft available on the river!

What time do the trips leave?

Your trip time is your DEPARTURE TIME! It's very important that you arrive far enough ahead of your trip time to allow for breakfast, check-in, and/or wet suit rental. If you are not ready to go when your trip departs, you may miss the bus...and the trip. We recommend the following time allowances:

Breakfast, check-in, and wet suit rental.....arrive 90 minutes prior to your trip time.
Breakfast and check-in.................................arrive 60 minutes prior to your trip time.
Check-in and wet suit rental*.......................arrive 60 minutes prior to your trip time.
Check-in only (no breakfast)........................arrive 30 minutes prior to your trip time.

If you have a large group, they may need additional time to get ready, so plan accordingly and allow sufficient time. *Wet suits are recommended for Spring trips, Fall trips, and Summer Gauley River Trips.

Do I have to know how to swim?
Swimming is not necessary due to the fact that you will be wearing a life jacket that are designed to assist you to stay afloat. However; if you have a fear of water, unfortunately rafting may not be right for you.

What is the water temperature?

New River the water temperature ranges from 40 degrees in early April to 55 by May. The summer months average 70 degrees.
Gauley River in September and October averages between 40 and 55 degrees. Surprisingly the water gets warmer later during the Fall Release because the dam starts to draw off the top water, so October trips usually have warmer temps.

What should I wear?
Always bring a swimsuit. In the spring and fall, bring wool (or other synthetic) socks, gloves, hats, and be prepared to wear a wetsuit. In the summer, a T-shirt, shorts or swimming trunks, and sun block. Footwear for all seasons should be old tennis shoes or a sandal with a heel strap (NO FLIP FLOPS!) We also rent wetsuit booties for $5.

What happens if it rains?
We raft rain or shine. You're going to get wet anyway ;)

What's for lunch?
Our typical deli lunch includes sandwiches, salad, vegetables with dip, cookies, and drinks. We serve hot grilled lunches on the Gauley Fall Release dates. it can vary slightly but it usually has burgers, vegie burgers, tuna steaks, chicken, pasta salad, potato salad, pidding, cookies, chips and salsa, veggies and dip, fruit, hummus and pita bread and drinks.

Will I fall out of the raft?
There is always the possibility that you may fall out of the boat. You will have a complete safety instruction talk-up before your trip and your guide will give you full safety instructions before each rapid as to the correct things to do when, and if, you should happen to fall out. You will be wearing a class III Life Jacket that will help you stay afloat and there are some rapids we allow guest to swim intentionally.

Camping

What's included in camping fees?
Camping fees provide reserved camping space and access to all campground amenities. Guests should bring their own camping equipment including tent, sleeping bag, lantern, camp stove and other utility items. Tent rental is available. All sites have a fire ring and picnic table.

Can I bring my own firewood?
No. Unfortunately that state no longer allows you to bring firewood from other areas due to the destructive nature of the Emerald Ash Borer. Learn more here Guests at NARR can purchase firewood from our Camp Store at a reasonable cost.

Is it ok to bring my pet camping with me?
Your pet will be more comfortable and safe at home, or with a careful sitter. We can, however, provide you with information on a nearby kennel.

Refund Policy

What is your refund policy?
New River & Other Activities
A non-refundable $25 deposit per person, per day of activity is required. The full balance is due 30 days prior to the activity date. Please see our list of Policies & Procedures .

Fall Gauley River
A non-refundable deposit of $50 per person, per day of activity is required. For Gauley trips in September, the balance is due July 1. For October trips, the balance is due August 1. For reservations made after these deadlines, full payment is required.

Due to government restrictions on the number of river guests, we can not hold spaces for guests not paid in full. Please see our list of Policies & Procedures.

Directions

How do I get to Minden, West Virginia?
Check out driving directions from Google Maps here
Plenty more maps are available here

In order to provide our guests the best adventure opportunties, NARR has moved from our Hico location to the rim of the New River Gorge! Our 1,500-acre basecamp has more on-site activities and lodging than any other outfitter.

General Questions

Do you have wireless internet access?
Yes. Our restaurant and big top tent has WiFi-enabled.

Are photos and videos available?
Photos are taken of each raft on the river and are available for purchase in the Outfitters Store immediately after your trip. Videos are available on most trips, and will be shown approximately 30 minutes after your trip. To guarantee that your trip is shot, you can purchase a minimum of 3 videos in advance.

What if I want to purchase a photo or video later?
To order a photo of your trip, you may search the NARR archives below by river section and trip date. You will be leaving the NARR website to order from Leisure Sports Photography This is the company responsible for still photography on the New and Gauley Rivers.

To order a video of your trip Call 800.950.2585 with your trip date/time, river section, group name and choice of format: DVD or VHS.

Rapid Classifications

Which trip is best for me?
See the Rapid Class descriptions and suggested trips below:

Easy/Beginner: CLASS I-II
Rivers with Class I flat water interspersed with occasional Class II rapids: waves 1-2 feet high. Using a self-guided watercraft (duckie) is an option. Best for young children and tentative adults.

Suggested Trips:
Upper New Raft
Upper New Daring Ducks
Upper New Overnight

Beginner/Intermediate: CLASS III
Rivers with Class I - II water interspersed with Class III rapids: waves usually 2-3 feet high, passageways contain some obstacles. Rapids are challenging but not overwhelming. Best introduction to rafting for the widest range of people.

Intermediate: CLASS III-IV
Rivers with Class I - III water interspersed with occasional Class IV rapids: waves and drops 4 feet high and sometimes higher, difficult passageways containing some obstacles. Unintentionally falling out of the raft may mean an uncomfortable "swim". Best for athletic, adventurous first-timers, or those with previous Class III experience wanting to try-out Class IV.

Intermediate/Advanced: CLASS IV+
Rivers with Class I - IV water and more difficult Class IV+ rapids: 4-5 foot waves and drops, complicated by difficult passages containing obstacles that require quick, precise maneuvering. Falling out of the raft and "swimming" in a rapid can be tiring. Best for those with Class III experience wanting to try-out Class IV, or for athletic, adventurous first-timers.

Advanced: CLASS V
Rivers with Class I - IV+ water interspersed with long, tumultuous Class V rapids: 5-8 foot drops and obstacles that must be avoided. Falling out of the raft means a difficult and potentially lengthy"swim". Best for experienced rafters seeking a challenge.

Unrunnable: CLASS VI
Rivers containing rapids that are so difficult that safe passage is doubtful and chances of serious incident, injury and death are almost certain. Not commercially runnable.

Do you have addirtional questions?
Give us a call at 800.950.2585