Whitewater Rafting
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best trip for me?
2. How are rapids rated for difficulty?
3. Is rafting really safe?
4. What if I cannot swim?
5. Do I need to be physically fit?
6. What do I wear?
7. What happens if there is bad weather?
8. Do I have to fill a raft?
9. What meals are provided and what is for lunch?
10. What are guaranteed days on the Pigeon River?
11. What is a cap day?
12. How will the Chattooga River levels affect my trip?
13. What factors determine the age/weight requirements?
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How are rapids rated for difficulty?
International Scale of River Difficulty
Class I- Easy. Few or no obstructions; fast moving water with riffles; risk to swimmers is slight.
Class II- Novice. Wide clear channels; occasional maneuvering; rocks and medium-sized waves are easily missed by trained paddlers; swimmers are seldom injured; assistance is helpful but rarely needed.
Class III- Intermediate. Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid and capable of swamping a canoe; complex maneuvers in fast current and narrow passages require good boat control; large waves, holes and strainers may be present but are easily avoided; powerful current; scouting advisable; swimmers are unlikely to be injured but assistance may be needed to avoid a long swim.
Class IV- Advanced. Intense, powerful rapids; turbulent water; may involve long, unavoidable waves, holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure; may require "must" moves above dangerous hazards; risk of injury to swimmers in moderate to high; group assistance to swimmers requires practiced skills.
Class V- Expert. Long, obstructed, turbulent rapids; drops may contain very large unavoidable waves, holes or steep congested chutes with complex demanding routes; several of these factors may be combined at the upper level of this class; rescue is extremely difficult; above average rescue skills are essential.
Class VI- Almost Impossible. Difficulties of Class V are carried to the limits of navigability; very dangerous; risks are high and rescue may be impossible; for teams of experts only under favorable conditions.
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Is rafting really safe?
Wildwater Ltd. has been in business for 30 years and has maintained an excellent safety record. Our Team Members go through extensive training before being "checked out" as a trained guide. All of our guides are trained in CPR and First Aid with many being trained in Advanced Wilderness First Aid as well. Wildwater takes pride in providing our guests with a quality trip that is both safe and enjoyable. However, due to the nature of whitewater rafting and other associated activities, Wildwater Ltd. and its affiliates assume no responsibility for personal safety or loss of personal property. All participants are required to complete a personal liability and photo release form before their trip.
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What if I cannot swim?
Many rafters cannot swim but you should be comfortable in water. On all trips, Coast Guard-approved lifejackets are provided and must be worn. On advanced trips it is recommended that you have basic swimming skills. In general you should be comfortable in water and all rafters should be able to follow directions.
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Do I need to be physically fit?
Participation is required on all of Wildwater Ltd.'s trips, you must paddle. On all Chattooga trips there is a 1/4 mile hike into and out of the river carrying all equipment needed for the trip. You do not need to be an athlete, however a good physical condition is recommended. Lifejacket limitations are a maximum girth of 52". For any medical conditions that may be affected by strenuous activity please consult your doctor. IF YOU ARE PREGNANT, YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE!
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What do I wear?
In the summer shorts, a bathing suit and shoes that will stay on your feet are recommended. For the spring and the fall we recommend layering with synthetics such as fleece or polypropylene. On the Chattooga River Wetsuits are provided March, April, October and November free of charge. Other rivers rent wetsuits for $10. Wetsuit booties rent for $5. Check out our "What to Wear" page for more information about seasonal weather and clothing to wear.
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What happens if there is bad weather?
Rain: Trips go rain or shine. You are going to get wet anyway so why not enjoy your river trip when other activities like hiking and biking are better suited for sunny and dry weather. Rainy days also provide some of the most beautiful scenery as fog and mist rises off the river. A baseball cap can help by keeping rain out of your eyes.
Lightning: In the event of a locally severe lightning storm, trips may stop and pull over on the bank. Exposure while on the river is at a minimum because of the high ridgelines and trees that surround the river. Trip starts may be delayed if a storm is occuring at the rafting center.
High Water/ Flood: Wildwater, in conjunction with the Federal Agencies that license the outfitters, have established a protocol for paddling at specific water levels. On the Chattooga, as the water level rises, we move upstream. If the water levels on any of the rivers exceeds safe levels, trips may be cancelled or relocated to another river. In the case of a trip cancellation, guests are offered the option to reschedule, get a credit voucher or receive a full refund.
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Do I have to fill a raft?
No. Whether you come by yourself or with a large group we can accommodate you on a trip. If you do not have a full boat we will combine groups. The rafts on the Chattooga hold 4-5 per raft and on the Ocoee, Nantahala and Pigeon Rivers the rafts hold 6 people. These numbers may vary depending on the size of the group. Whitewater rafting is a participatory activity and everyone is expected to help paddle.
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What meals are provided and what is for lunch?
Lunch is included on these trips: Nantahala Raft & Rail©, Chattooga III & IV, and Ocoee Combo. Lunch consists of a sandwich, cheese, meat, condiments and fixings, pickles, chips & salsa, fruit, veggies, trail mix, cookies and a drink. (The exact menu varies slightly depending on the trip).
The Chattooga Friday includes a BBQ dinner and Saturday Chattooga includes a cookout with hamburgers, hotdogs and grilled chicken. (Memorial Day weekend- Labor Day weekend)
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What are guaranteed days on the Pigeon River?
Carolina Power and Light is required to release water for recreational purposes 3 days a week from Memorial Day to Labor Day, Noon until 6:00pm. Wildwater will book trips early in the year for non-guaranteed days, but if you book on a non-guaranteed water release day you must call the Friday before to check on the release schedule- your trip could be cancelled!
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Cap days are days in which the number of guests the outfitters can carry on the river is limited by the permitting agencies. This occurs on the Ocoee and the Nantahala on certain Saturdays in July and August. Each company has a carrying capacity that they can not exceed for the day.
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How will Chattooga River levels affect my trip?
The Chattooga River is a free flowing river that is affected by the amount of rain received in the area. Typically the Chattooga has higher water in the spring with water levels dropping in mid-late summer. If you are looking for big whitewater then we recommend the spring. If you are looking for a great day out in the wilderness with family and friends with less intense whitewater, then the summer is our recommendation.
The exact stretch of river you will navigate depends on the water levels on the day of your trip. Please expect changes if the water is very high or very low. Water levels below .85 can cause changes in river schedules- please check with our reservations to make sure your trip time has not changed before leaving for the Rafting Center.
Click the icon below for Chattooga River levels- be aware that the gauge at this site reads 0.2 higher than the gauge the outfitters use.
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What factors determine the age/weight requirements?
The line has to be drawn somewhere. We have seen kids below the minimums that were perfectly capable and we have seen kids that meet all the minimum requirements, but still are not ready!
The determining factors usually revolve around the likelyhood of a flip or swim and at what age a child listen to and understand instructions. Can the child understand the dangers? Does the child have enough size or body fat to have control of their body in icy water? Can the child rescue themselves or will the parents be so concerned about a young child they put their own health at risk?
Minimum ages and/or weights are usually set by the managing agency who regulates each river. Wildwater will not knowingly take an underage person on our trips, we do ask and we do require a signature from a parent signifying proper age. Should you push the limit with your child? No, it is not worth the risk!
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