Choosing the right river outfitter can be a daunting task. Some key points to keep in mind when planning your next whitewater adventure are: Experience, Safety, Trips, Guest Services, Facilities, and Cost vs. Value.
Experience
Nothing can be substituted for experience. Consider how long your outfitter has been in the adventure business before investing your confidence, valuable time and money.
Verify that your have chosen a West Virginia commercial whitewater with many years of experience, not only in running rivers but in delivering a hassle-free trip from arrival to departure. Ultimately your outfitter's experience will determine what type of experience you take home.
Safety
Make sure that the outfitter you choose balances all of the fun, with safety. Some outfitters let their boatman dictate the experience, which can lead to excessive ‘out of boat’ experiences. This usually delivers far more than the normal rafter is comfortable with. Although no outfitter can absolutely guarantee safety, a careful examination of an outfitter’s brochure, website and photos hint at the experience you can expect to receive.
Consider the following:
- Company owners: are they involved and do they actively guide?
- Are shuttle buses & vehicles kept well-maintained by a mechanic and driven by licensed commercial drivers?
- Are guides trained in river rescue and how many have advance first aid (like Outdoor Emergency Care -the same first aid program required by ski areas)?
- How many years of experience does the guide staff average?
- Are communication devices (2-way radios, cell phones, other) utilized on river trips?
Trips & Packages
The New and Gauley Rivers offer a variety of experiences which vary depending on the season and water flows: mild float trips on the Upper New during the summer to the extreme whitewater on the Upper Gauley in the fall, or the Lower Gauley in the spring
It is important to understand the length of the trips you are purchasing. Make sure you ask about shuttle times. Some outfitters have as short as a 7 minute shuttle at the end of the day, along with ice cold drinks. Other outfitters have a 40 minute ride or more one way. So make sure to get a good fit by researching all the available options. Make sure to ask plenty of questions. If the reservation staff is in the dark... it might be a good clue to look somewhere else.
Guest Service
This is your vacation. You are committing precious resources: time and money. Each West Virginia outfitter has a different personality and offers a different experience. In some outfits you are herded everywhere… the accommodations are rough and the facility dirty. Others outfitters take pride in making you feel special, offering a high end outdoor experience similar to what you might find at a nice ski area. Choose an outfitter that is committed to providing the highest quality whitewater trips and making sure their guests walk away with a fulfilling experience. Make sure to look for guest quotes and testimonials on their website or in their literature!
Facilities
Outfitters’ facilities run the gamut: from downright minimal, rough looking structures to elaborate timber-frame facilities that offer gourmet restaurants and pristine bathhouses. The difference in trip costs is minimal in most cases, so decide what type of experience you want. Is there dining and entertainment in the evenings? What about a store for last-minute items? Is there on-site lodging? Make sure your outfitter of choice has the things that will make you comfortable during your stay.
Cost vs. Value
Make sure you understand exactly what's included in the price of your trip. Many ‘discount’ outfitters strip everything possible from the experience in order to control costs. Many times, the first place they cut is in the guide staff. Experienced guides earn more wages, so many outfitters chose to hire new, recently trained staff at a lower pay rate. If an outfitter trains a large number of guides each year, it may be a red flag to look for a more experienced outfitter.
Expect to pay an initial deposit and the balance about thirty days before your trip date. Ask about group discounts if applicable, and always ask whether your deposit is refundable should you (or your outfitter) cancel. Do they offer packages that bundle food and lodging for a better value? A good outfitter will offer you the best value for your money and help you organize a hassle free white water rafting trip.
Reccomended Outfitter
 Since 1978, Class VI River Runners, Inc. has provided almost 500,000 guests with quality West Virginia white water rafting trips and adventure vacations. Their attention to detail, commitment to safety, and a friendly staff of trained professionals puts them in a class all of their own. And they are the ONLY West Virginia outfitter that offers you a " Satisfaction Guarantee " .
We reccomend Class VI as the Best White water rafting Outfitter in West Virginia |
