Guided River Kayaking

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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

Our Guided River Kayak trips will paddle a five-mile stretch of up to class II whitewater! Our guides are there to give you as little or as much help as you need. They will get you fitted correctly with your boat, lead you down the deepest river channels, show you the best eddies and surfs to catch, and they will also do their best to reunite you with your boat if you unexpectedly find yourself in the water.

Participants must be at least 10 years old and under 250 lbs for a kayak. For guests exceeding 250 lbs or are taller then 6’3, please call the office to book at 413-339-4010. We have a limited number of inflatable kayaks on reserve just for you.

All participants should be prepared to paddle and may have to self-rescue by climbing back up onto the kayak from the water or swimming the kayak, the paddle, and yourself to shore. Halfway through the trip, we’ll pull over at a private swimming area for a swim and a light snack and rehydration.

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!

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