Guided River Kayaking

Book This Adventure

Kayaking down Massachusetts’ Deerfield River is a great way to see the Berkshires and spend a warm summer day outside and active! These boats are easy to paddle and very stable, making them a great way to get a taste of whitewater kayaking with minimal instruction.

AGE

10+

DURATION

Under 4 Hours

SEASON

June - September

INTENSITY

Moderate

Typical Day

Kayaking down Massachusetts' Deerfield River is a great way to see the Berkshires and spend a warm summer day outside and active! These boats are easy to paddle and very stable, making them a great way to get a taste of whitewater kayaking with minimal instruction.

While these trips are not instructional clinics, guides accompany every trip helping you find the correct line to maximize your river experience.

Featuring both Class I and II rapids, as well as opportunities to swim and splash in the waters of the Deerfield, this trip provides a wonderful afternoon adventure for families, schools, scout and camp groups. The trip takes about 3 to 3 1/2 hours, including registration, outfitting and transportation to or from the river.

Please be on time, since we must work within the schedule of water releases decided on by the power company. You will be required to read and sign a release of liability at this time. All guests will be required to wear a Zoar Outdoor issued PFD (Personal Flotation Device) and helmet. You will also be provided with a paddle. Trips take place on the Fife Brook section of the Deerfield River in Northwestern Massachusetts.

What to Bring

Expect everything you bring with you in the kayak to get wet!

In warm summer weather, some guests are comfortable in bathing suits/swim trunks or light layers. Shorts and sun shirts are recommended, as most guests find just bathing suits uncomfortable.
In cooler weather, wool and synthetic materials such as polypropylene, nylon, and fleece, are appropriate for cooler air and water temperatures.
Wetsuits, splash jackets, and neoprene river booties are available for rental if you need them. We ask you to not wear cotton, as it will keep you cold and wet throughout the trip.
You are required to wear sneakers or other shoes that can be secured to your feet. No flip-flops or Crocs!
Extra money for souvenirs, snacks, gratuities, etc.
Bring any required medications such as EpiPen, inhalers, diabetic medications.

Before the trip, please leave any and all valuables including money as well as your dry clothes and towels for after the trip in your locked vehicle. Keep your car keys with you during registration, as we will collect those and put them in a lock box before gearing up, then return them to you when you get off the boats.

Participation Requirements

Adventurers on the Guided River Kayaking Trip:

Must be 10 years old or older.
Must sign their own waiver, and if under 18 also have a legal guardian sign for them.

For all of our whitewater trips, guests must be able/willing to do the following:

Must wear our helmet and our personal flotation device (PFD)*.
Respond to and follow verbal or visual instruction.
Independently roll face up in water while wearing a PFD
Demonstrate dynamic sitting position with head above water (sitting upright), and float with feet up in water.
Be able to navigate with minimal assistance on rocky, uneven ground and descend staircases with no railings.

*Our helmets fit a maximum head circumference of 62cm (24.4 inches). Our PFDs fit a maximum chest size of 56 inches.

Specifically for our Guided River Kayaking trip, guests should be able to:

Paddle in the rapids, but with frequent rests.
Remain calm, lay flat, and orient their body so their feet are aiming downstream if they find themselves unexpectedly in the water.

Don't forget to read your confirmation letter (there is a lot of useful information in there!). Call our office if you have any additional questions: 413-339-4010. We're always happy to help!

DIRECTIONS

WAIVERS

FAQ's