How many people usually go in a boat?

We generally put 5 to 7 people in a boat, but this doesn’t mean that you need to have a group of 5 to 7 to go rafting. For example, if you’re reserving two people, you may be paired with a party of 4 or 5. If you have a group of 10 people, we would just divide you into two boats that travel together on the water.

While we have an excellent record, the sports of whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking, zip lining, rock climbing, skiing, snow shoeing and biking have inherent risks. It should be recognized that accidents can and do occur. For this reason, we cannot assume responsibility for injury or loss of property. Participants in all activities will be required to sign a waiver stating they are aware of the risks involved and are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Those with health problems limiting their normal activities may be prohibited from participation at Zoar Outdoor’s discretion. Pregnant women will be prohibited from participating in Zoar Outdoor Activities.

Do you have group rates?

Yes! We have special pricing for youth groups, corporate groups, bachelor/bachelorette parties and family groups of 12 or more. Check out our group booking page for more details.

Is there any food served?

Since our Concord River trips are half-day long, we do not serve any food.

Can we rent wetsuits?

Wetsuit packages are included in this trip at no extra cost!

Are wetsuits required?

Wetsuits are not required, but included in the cost should you want them! Wetsuits are ideal for those wishing to layer up for colder weather or those who tend to get chilly easily. The extra wetsuit layer helps to keep you warm, so it depends on personal preference!

Will there be photos of my trip?

Yes! Our photographer will be stationed at the class III rapid taking high quality pictures of each raft. Back at base you’ll be able to view your photos in the rafting pavilion. If you’d like, you can purchase the photos of your raft.

What happens if the forecast calls for rain or storms?

We run our trips rain or shine, so you should come prepared for the weather. If we do have to cancel the trip, that decision would be made on the morning of the trip. However, it’s rare that weather forces us to cancel our rafting trips.

Where do we park? What do we do with our car keys?

There is PARKING available at the Lower Locks Garage next to the hotel. Keep your car keys with you during registration, as we will collect those and put them in a lock box just before gearing up, then return them to you when you get off the boats.

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.

Can I request a guide?

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. Please be aware that we are not always able to match request, but we will do our best!

Alcohol and Drug policy

The use of recreational drugs or alcohol is prohibited on all programs. If you arrive here under the influence, you will be prohibited from participating in the day’s activity and you will not receive a refund.

May Travels

By Elaine Campbell

May has been a pretty fun month for me. I got to paddle a bunch so that was pretty sweet, I turned 34, found out I’m going to be an aunt, and my best friends had a beautiful baby girl! It’s been a good month!

The month started off with working a few events. I went to the Saratoga Springs and Old Forge, NY Paddle Festivals. It was fun talking to people about the sport of kayaking and getting them into the right kayak that best suits their needs. There was a SUP race at the Old Forge event with Reps and customers competing for the win. It was a pretty hilarious race and was pretty competitive at the same time. I had a ton of fun racing and was told to stop cross bow paddling! I guess it’s not fast but the cross bows gave me a second place finish in the womens class. I was crushed by the first place winner. The events were fun and I’m looking forward to going back next year!

I didn’t get to race as much in May since I worked but I did get to race the BoatEater Challenge in Burlington, CT on the Farmington River. The race was 6 miles long mostly class I with maybe 2 class II’s. I raced this sweet new kayak that I bought off this guy from Maine called the River Runner R5, it’s pretty old school and around 13 feet. It’s going to be a great Lozer Cup boat! I placed 2nd in the long boat class. I tried really hard to beat Jean in her Cobra Viper which is 16 and a half feet long but I couldn’t catch her. I also want that boat now! It was a fun race trying to chase her down and big props to her for maneuvering that beast in the rocky sections. Jeff also raced in the Wave Hopper and came in 3rd place. He was pretty happy with that and because he beat my time. He’s getting fast, I’ve got some work to do!

Haley Mills came to visit and spent a few days with us in VT and then we spent a week in NY paddling on the Black River. The levels were around 6,000 cfs making Hole Brothers a funky wave hole. It’s a tricky level but still pretty fun and a great way to get you into paddling shape. We had a great week hanging out and paddling.

Next up in May was my trip to CO. I flew to Buena Vista to attend the BV Pro Rodeo and CKS Paddle Fest. I rented a mini-van which was my home for the week. I was excited to paddle my Wave Sport Mobius in the BV play park. There’s a bunch of different play features, each offering up some really good tricks. The Mobius is a great boat to have in BV with all the different spots you can play in. The Mobius is a great all around play boat which will give you big pop for loops and other hole tricks plus a fast hull for blunts and other wave tricks. CKS has the Wave Sport Mobius in all 3 sizes to demo so you can see for yourself.

BV always gets me in trouble and this year I didn’t have Jeff to get into trouble with me so I was on my own. CKS had an opening party for the event and I decided to go big and “ElaineCation” kicked into full swing. It was not a great idea because I had to compete the next day but I was on vacation! It was a fun night of music, screaming, laughing and dancing! Friday morning came quickly and I was not feeling so well and pretty much spent most of the day sleeping. We competed at 3pm so I had some time to rest. I finally got myself up and ready to compete. I decided to take a couple of practice rides which was fun and I felt good. When the comp started I couldn’t get any of my tricks to go and I couldn’t catch my breath because of the elevation. The final result was no finals for me which was all good I was not disappointed. I had a great time competing and judging.

The Paddle Fest itself went well. I worked in the shop for both days getting people into Wave Sport boats and talked to people about gear, paddling, and life. Jeff’s step-brother and family showed up and I got to hang out with them which was really great! It was another great Paddle Fest in BV! I love that town!

Next up for me is to get back into Wild Water racing shape and I’ll be at the Zoar Outdoor Demo Fest which is June 20-22.

WB of the Westfield River