RAFTING FAQ’s – TIPS – ADVICE
WHY CHOOSE ZOAR OUTDOOR?
Our 19 years of guiding experience, wide selection of whitewater rafting, kayaking, canoeing, climbing and biking trips and our friendly professional guides make Zoar Outdoor a great choice for your next New England adventure vacation. With on-site camping and lodging and a comfortable base camp located right on the Deerfield River in Massachusetts, we are the only full adventure resort in southern New England.
Read what our guests say about their experience with us…
WHO CAN GO ON A WHITEWATER RAFTING TRIP?
We welcome rafters and adventurers from age 5 to 85 on our whitewater rafting trips. Class II and III rivers are appropriate for beginners to intermediates with Class IV reserved for those with previous whitewater rafting experience. Each river has a minimum age requirement so check individual trips for details. We love to teach first timers how to run rapids so beginners are always welcome on Zoar Outdoor rafting trips!
Each participant should be able to swim. Persons who are extremely overweight, or have a chest size over 52" (life jacket maximum size) unfortunately cannot participate in a Zoar Outdoor rafting trip. Also, if you or a member of your group are pregnant or have special health or physical considerations, please consult with your physician.
A parent or guardian must give permission for an unaccompanied minor (aged 17 years or younger) to participate in a Zoar Outdoor whitewater rafting trip. Please see our waivers.
All participants must also sign a liability release form, which are made available at our trip check-in the morning of your trip.
WHICH RIVER TRIP IS BEST FOR ME?
Depending on your location, ability and previous rafting experience, a trip on the Deerfield, Millers, Concord, Housatonic or West River may be better for you. Check our detailed trip descriptions to learn about the rapids, minimum ages and Class Rating for the river trip you are interested in. If you have more questions call our office at 800 532-7483. Our staff of New England rafting specialists are experts at matching individuals and groups to the appropriate river.
WHAT DO THE DIFFERENT RATINGS MEAN?
Rivers are rated using roman numerals I to VI according to the International Scale of River Difficulty. A river's rating can also change with fluctuations in water levels (a river rated Class IV at normal water levels might resemble a Class III river at lower water levels, while at peak flows, might look more like a Class IV+). Call us if you need more information about the flow levels for your river around your trip dates.
- CLASS I : Easy - Waves small, passages clear; no serious obstacles.
- CLASS II : Rapids of moderate difficulty with passages clear. Suitable for everyone.
- CLASS III : Moderate - Waves numerous, high, irregular; rocks; eddies; rapids with passages clear though narrow, requiring expertise in maneuvering.
- CLASS IV : Difficult - Long rapids; waves powerful, irregular; dangerous rocks; boiling eddies; powerful and precise maneuvering required.
- CLASS V : Extremely Difficult - Exceedingly difficult, long and violent rapids, following each other almost without interruption; riverbed extremely obstructed; big drops; violent currents; very steep gradient. Paddlers should have prior Class IV or better whitewater experience.
- CLASS VI Unrunnable!
WHAT'S THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO GO RAFTING?
Zoar Outdoor offers rafting trips on scheduled water releases on the Deerfield and West Rivers between the months of April and October. We also offer springtime trips on the Bulls Bridge section of the Housatonic River, the Concord River and the Millers River. These trips run on seasonally available flows which depend on the snowpack and rainfall. We provide free wetsuits for spring trips before May 15th. At other times full wetsuit, spray jacket, and bootie rentals are $20.00 + tax. Spray jacket and booties only are $10.00 + tax.
WHEN SHOULD I MAKE A RESERVATION?
While reservations are generally required in advance for raft trips, kayak and canoe clinics and rock climbing adventures, we are always busy taking last-minute bookings. Certain days during the season sell out quickly, so we encourage calling our office to ask about availability.
HOW MANY PEOPLE FIT IN A RAFT?
Our paddle boats can comfortably accommodate up to 7 guests plus a guide.
CAN I RESERVE MY OWN RAFT?
Our trip leaders keep parties together whenever possible. We will talk with your group of more than 6 to split your group in a way that works for you.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
A complete list of what to wear and bring is included on each trip page by clicking on the "Details" link. If you are picking a springtime trip, be sure to read our wetsuit information.
CAN I REQUEST MY OWN GUIDE?
Our guides are professionals in their field, and requests for a specific guide are not uncommon. If you have had a guide you especially liked and would like to have them guide your next trip, we will do our best to match their schedule to yours. Simply request your guide when you make your reservation.
SHOULD I TIP MY GUIDE?
This is completely at your discretion. If you feel the service you receive from your guide is exceptional, and you want to say "thank you" with a tip, although it is not expected, it is always appreciated.
