Zoar Gap Rafting FAQs
Should I book the Full-day or half-day trip?
Full day trips start at Fife Brook Dam and finish at our base camp in Charlemont, MA. The trip usually takes 6 hours, including registration, transportation to the river, swimming stops, a picnic lunch served on the river, and a slide show of your run through the biggest rapid. This trip comes with a freshly prepared picnic-style lunch which includes sandwich wraps, chips and salsa, a summer salad, and dessert. In the colder months of April and October, our kitchen staff will add a homemade hot side dish of chili or soup.
The half day trip meets at 12:15 and rafts the beautiful upper Fife Brook section, ending with the class III Zoar Gap. Lunch for the half day will be served before your trip during registration. Both the full day trip and the half day trip end at approximately 4:30, leaving your late afternoon and evening free to explore the local hiking trails, sight see surrounding towns, or relax in our campground.
How much experience do I need for this trip?
Is it safe?
Participants in all activities will be required to sign a waiver stating they are aware of the risks involved, that they assume those risks, and are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Those with health conditions limiting their normal activities may be prohibited from participation at Zoar Outdoor’s discretion. Pregnant people will be prohibited from participating in Zoar Outdoor Activities.
What is a non-guaranteed day?
By booking a non-guaranteed day you understand that we may need to alter the day’s itinerary or cancel based upon the water release. If we are unable to run the trip or if the scheduled start time changes, we would call you by 7PM the evening before your trip. If you do not receive a call, the trip will be running as scheduled and you should plan to arrive for your trip at the start time indicated on your guest confirmation.
Our non-guaranteed day trips are half day Gap trips, meeting at 3:45 pm, with a light dinner served either during or after your trip.
What if I have food allergies?
You’re also welcome to call our office with any questions about the menu. If you intend to bring your own meal, please let us know ahead of time, since we take all of the food for the day out on the river with us, and would need to plan on including your food.
Do you have group rates?
Can we rent wetsuits?
Online or over the phone, you can pre-rent a wetsuit package for $15 plus tax; this package includes a wetsuit, a pair of river booties, and a splash jacket. Pre-rentals online or over the phone are non-refundable if you choose not to use them.
You can also rent them here at Zoar before you trip for $15 for the wetsuit, and $7.50 each for the booties and the jacket or $25 for the whole package.
Are wetsuits required?
Will there be photos of my trip?
What happens if the forecast calls for rain or storms?
What do we do with our car keys?
Should I tip my guide?
Can I request a guide?
How many people usually go in a boat?
If you have a group of 10 people, we would just divide you into two boats that travel together on the water. We also have two 8-9 person boats that are sometimes available for this trip.
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.