How To Choose the Right River Rafting Company
Photo by Angga Indratama at Unsplash
Whitewater rafting is a fun, exhilarating way to explore Southern Oregon’s scenic Rogue River. Bear Gulch Outfitters is a local, family-owned business, and we’ve been rafting the Rogue since 2011. We know there are many good options when choosing a rafting company. Before you make the heart-pounding plunge downstream, asking a few questions can help you find the perfect captain of your boat.
Here is a checklist with some get-to-know-you questions when looking for a reputable rafting company.
Experience
Has the rafting company been in business for one year or twenty? You can learn a lot about an outfit before you ever suit up by asking about the company’s background and years in operation.
Guide Training & Experience Level
How many trips has your guide taken down the river? This person is important - they are the captain of your ship while you are on the river. Many outfitters and rafting companies will place that information on their websites. A river resume is important.
Safety Record & Practices
What is the rafting company’s safety record and protocol? Are the river guides trained in first aid? If something happens on the river, you want a captain trained to handle any situation. Ask this question when you book your trip, so you can hit the river with confidence. It’s also good practice to confirm the rafting company is licensed and insured.
Equipment
Is the equipment up-to-date and in good condition? You will depend on this gear to carry you safely down the river. Prior to your trip, consult with the rafting company on specific items you may want to have onboard. Check out this article from Paddle Camp for a detailed list of gear to consider for your trip. If you are very sensitive to cold water, you may want to inquire about renting a wet or dry suit, booties, or a splash jacket to make your river excursion more enjoyable.
Mandatory Personal Floatation Device (PFD) and Helmet will be supplied by your rafting company.
Trip Variety & Difficulty Level
Does the rafting company offer a variety of trips and difficulty levels? Rivers can sometimes have Easy/Beginner runs in one section and Class IV/V Advanced in another. Find out what the rafting company offers for various skill levels.
It’s important to determine what level of whitewater difficulty is right for you. River classification runs from Easy Beginner to Advanced, and knowing what your experience or comfort level is on that scale is helpful.
Whitewater rafting is a breathtaking way to experience the outdoors. You can relax while having the ride of your life if you put yourself in good, experienced hands. And you do that by asking a few questions and finding the right, reputable river rafting company to be your guide.
Bear Gulch Outfitters is here to answer all your questions, and make your whitewater experience on the Rogue River one to remember. We offer day and multi-day trips to guide you through some of Southern Oregon’s most wild and stunning scenery. Ask us which trip is right for you!