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White Water Rafting FAQ

These are some F.A.Q.s from that year, that may help you make a decision:

q: I have never done rafting before, I am fit ... is non experience a problem?
a: Being fit is a plus, but this isn't high level athletics. Most of the participants in our group and others are 'desk jockeys'. Willingness to paddle, get wet, and pull your own weight are more important.

q: I am ... single. Can I come alone?
a: Absolutely. Many of us are single, couples are welcome, and you can even come without your better half (if you have one). There will be from 150 – 200 people at the campground, and on the river to meet. We will start out by partnering people up to boats within our group. Then, we often trade off paddle partners along the way. You can be 2, 3, or 4 to a raft. The 2's are more maneuverable, and thus more popular.

q: I assume you've been on a trip with them before?
a: Personally, I've done this trip about a half dozen times over the past decade. First with family and close friends. In the year (2000) a group of 10 of us took this trip (2001, the group was 24. 2002 we are expecting about 10 additional people from another group). Most of the group didn't know each other until the trip, and now have several new friends. We had a lot of fun, even though the sun was not real cooperative (2000 was overcast. 2001 was not). (Weather is always a risk.)

Whitewater Adventures are very good hosts, and you can't beat the price, which includes Saturday lunch and (amazing!) dinner, and Sunday breakfast (huge!) and lunch. Get someone who went last year to tell you about the food!

q: By when do you need to know?
a: I need to know ASAP. I need to mail everyone's $129 by a month prior to the trip. I will ask for volunteers to help gather money in different locations. If you look at the website you will note that with every 12 sign ups, one is free. I do not do this to earn a free trip. I pay my way, and if there is 'free' money, it will be spent on something agreed to by the planning committee like carpoolers' gas, the traditional stop on the way home for root beer floats, or refreshments at a post-trip picture exchange.

Other thoughts:
The scenery is beautiful. Cache Creek cuts through a rocky canyon. It is wilderness. We will be roughing it, except for the food. No sinks. No showers. No mirrors. Porta-Potties only. (Leave no trash along the way.) From the parking area we are bussed to the starting point, where the rafts await us. You carry your sleeping bag, etc. to a bus. It is driven to the campsite for you, while you paddle down the river. The end of the trip is at your car, where your gear will be waiting for you to retrieve.

There is brief instruction on paddling, and others can help instruct you, if you need some pointers. It will be a breeze if you have past canoeing, rafting, or boating experience. However, this is not a 'difficult' river run, as some people associate with 'White Water'. It is considered Class 3, or moderate. It is more rapid than the Russian River, but not like the American River near Folsom. This trip is not without risks, but you don't feel like you are taking your life into your hands. I think the average person would consider this a fun and exciting activity.

A good attitude is essential. Don't leave home without it.

This trip is a lot of fun - we hope you can join us!

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