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.

The end of our CO trip

By Elaine Campbell

After team trials I paddled Castle Creek with some of the Team Indecision boys. Got pinned, swam and walked out before the Slaughterhouse section, apparently I wasn’t feeling it that day.

Next up on the tour was the Teva Mountain Games. Teva is one of the funnest events on the tour. The paddling is great (even though the water is crazy cold and high elevation), you meet lots of new boaters, and the party on Saturday night is ridiculously fun. My parent flew in from New Bedford, MA to watch the competition and do some sight seeing. It was really great for them to come and get a taste of what I’m doing. I paddled a couple of days before the competition and worked on my mcnasty. Prelims went well I had my first mcnasty in a competition so I was pretty excited about that. Semi-finals didn’t go as well as I hoped. It was a great event even thought I didn’t place in top 5 I was still pleased with my performance.

We left Teva with a stow-away named Taylor Cote. Her dad had to fly back home so she came with us to finish the tour. We stopped to paddle at the Lawson hole and I was feeling a bit tired and thought I had a little too much fun the night before but was sick most of the week with a cold. That night we stayed with my brother-in-law Allyn and his wife Minty and their two girls, Abbey and Kylie, and their two dogs, Bear and Stinzy, outside of Boulder. Next day Taylor and I headed to Lyon’s and Jeff flew home for work. It was just the four girls in Lyons: Brook, Laya, Taylor, and myself . Plenty of estrogen to go around. We paddled at the play-hole and then went to Six Flags with a crew and had an awesome time. Kelsey Thompson went on his first roller coaster ride which was pretty funny. The competition went fairly well for me, I came in third with a 310 point ride and had a Phonix Monkey and some other moves. I won two cases of beer from Oskar Blues which was so sweet! Taylor also came in third in Lyon’s in the Womens “Not so Pro” class, a glimpse of things to come for the petite teen. Then, off to Salida.

We picked Jeff up at the airport and almost took the top of the RV off because of low clearance, my bad. We made it to Salida and the crew was back together (Team Indecision). FiBark Fest is a good time and is where the tour ends for a lot of people. It’s a little sad because everyone you have been hanging with and paddling with is about to part and go home. I’ll have to admit I was looking forward to going home. Seven weeks is a long time to be on the road. It didn’t go well in the competition for me but I had a lot of fun. Taylor took first in the Jr. women competition which was awesome. Clearly a result of my expert tutilidge!

All around, an amazing trip: driving from VT to Reno and then all over CO. Who’d a thunk that me, a city girl from New Bedford, MA would one day be traveling across the country to compete in freestyle kayaking competitions and would make the US Freestyle Kayaking Team!

I’m finally back home on the couch in VT. I got to paddle the Dryway on the Deerfield River and soon I’ll be in NY training for the World’s and sailing.