FAQ
Where do I check in and what time? Please check your itinerary / invoice. For all guided trips, please arrive at the outfitter store at the time quoted on your invoice: All Lower Yough Rentals MUST CHECK IN 1 1/2 HOURS PRIOR TO YOUR LAUNCH TIME. The check in location is at Wilderness Voyageurs Outfitter Store. Click here for directions.
What Facilities are Available? Bath and change house is located across from the check in location with hot showers. There is a full service Outfitter Store for last minute sun screen, t-shirts and other fun items. Falls City Restaurant, Pub is just down the street & Rapid Java Gourmet Coffee Stand offers organic coffee and espresso drinks, great breakfast, treats & homemade ice-cream.
What should I wear? The quick answer is quick drying clothes you don't mind getting wet or dirty.
- Water shoes, sandals or old sneakers - you must wear shoes and they need to stay on your feet.9 Don't bring flip flops unless you have a roll of duck tape as well to strap them on with)
- Do NOT wear any cotton. Cotton will make you cold.
- Early spring the air may be warm, but the water is still very cold. Wear a synthetic underlayer.
- For more details on how to dress appropriately, please click here.
- We have wet suits & paddling jackets to rent for the day.
- Please be sure to check the weather before your day of rafting.
- Click here for a more detailed information
What are the local Accommodations?Trillium Lodge is located just 4 miles from our base. There are also multiple bed and breakfasts, hotels, motels and campground options in the area.
What is the minimum age? The minimum age for Family Raft trips on the Middle Yough is 5 and no experience is necessary. For Lower Yough Whitewater trips it is 12 and no experience is necessary. For Upper Yough and Cheat Trips it is 16 and previous experience is recommended.
What if I can't swim? Many rafters can't swim. On all trips, Coast Guard-approved life jackets are provided and must be worn. On advanced trips, it is recommended that you have swimming skills.
Do I need to be physically strong? Participation is required; you must paddle. You don't need to be an athlete, but good physical condition is expected. Life jackets limitations are a maximum girth of 54". If you have medical conditions that strenuous activity may affect, consult your physician.
Do I have to have enough people to fill a raft to make a reservation for the Lower or Middle Yough? No. Whether you come alone or bring 80 of your best friends, rafts for the Lower Yough will be filled with 4 to 6 people.
What if it is raining? This is a popular question. Trips do go rain or shine. You're going to get wet anyway, so come along and make like a duck. Afternoon showers are a regular occurrence in the summer.
What is the water level? The Lower Yough is a dam controlled river and has great water level all year. The spring can bring higher levels due to rain.
What if the water is really high? If the water raises above a certain level, the trip format will change. Larger boats will be used with a guide in every raft. Wilderness Voyageurs reserves the right to change the section of river. Our goal is to provide you with a raft trip of similar experience! There are many options in the area.
Is rafting really safe? Wilderness Voyageurs has maintained an excellent safety record for over 40 years. We take a great deal of pride in providing our guests with a trip that is safe and enjoyable. Every guide is trained in First Aid and CPR. Our river staff maintain certifications and training that is twice the state minimum. Every guide undergoes an intensive 3 month training course and then must complete 20 trips before being allowed to guide. However, due to the nature of the activity, Wilderness Voyageurs Inc. assumes no responsibility for personal safety or loss of personal property.
What does class I-VI mean?
Class I: Easy. Fast moving water with riffles and small waves.
Class II: Novice. Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium sized waves are easily missed by trained paddlers.
Class III: Intermediate. Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid and which can swamp an open canoe. Rapids that are at the lower or upper end of this difficulty range are designated "Class III-" or "Class III+" respectively.
Class IV: Advanced. Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. A strong Eskimo roll is highly recommended. Rapids that are at the upper end of this difficulty range are designated "Class IV-" or "Class IV+" respectively.
Class V: Expert. Extremely long, obstructed, or very violent rapids which expose a paddler to added risk. Because of the large range of difficulty that exists beyond class IV, Class 5 is an open ended, multiple level scale designated by Class 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, etc... Each of these levels is an order of magnitude more difficult than the last.
Class VI: Extreme and Exploratory. These runs have almost never been attempted and often exemplify the extremes of difficulty, unpredictability and danger. After a Class VI rapids has been run many times, It's rating may be changed to an appropriate Class 5.x rating.
Is a raft our only boat option? No. You can upgrade to a Shredder or a Duckie. On the Middle Yough, Canoes are also available (we do recommend previous experience for Duckies and canoes).
Will I have other people in my rafts? Possibly. We'll do our best to keep groups together
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Do I have to wear a helmet? Yes
Can I wear my own life jacket? No
Can I wear my own wet suit? Yes
How long does the trip last? 3-6 hours depending on river levels
When will we stop for lunch? Approximately half way through your trip
What will we have for lunch? Deli style sandwiches, fruit, drinks, and cookies
Are there vegetarian/vegan options for lunch? Yes
Can I bring animals? Nope
Will there be time for hiking or nature walks? No but there may be time for swimming.
What is the maximum physical size the you can accommodate on your trips? 54” girth
Will I have to paddle? Yes
Do I have to wear shoes? Wouldn’t it be better to just go barefoot? Yes you have to wear shoes, no going barefoot can be dangerous and uncomfortable.
Can we drink alcohol on the trips? No
Can we smoke on the trips? No
Are there lockers where I can keep my things? No you should secure you belongings in your locked vehicle. We will secure your keys for you while you are on the trip
Will my family be able to watch me raft? Yes, there are various spots along the river where you can view rafts running the rapids.
Do I have to carry my raft? At the beginning and end of the trip all participants will help load and unload rafts from the river.
What if I get too scared, can I leave the trip? Leaving the trip while in progress is only allowed in emergency situations.