How to Select an Rafting Outfitter

Questions to Consider in Evaluating Whitewater Rafting Outfitters:

Does the rafting outfitter stress safety?

Is safety appropriately addressed to your satisfaction in printed literature and/or web information? Can the outfitter's reservation staff answer & address questions concerning safety precautions?

Does the rafting outfitter offer a variety of trips?

A variety of trip offerings usually means the outfitter can fit you into the right adventure for you, not fit you into their trip. Or, does the outfitter try to fit one experience to all groups?

Does the rafting outfitter qualify you?

Asking a variety of questions such as your group’s age ranges, adventure level, level of fitness, desired trip length and time of year for trip, helps to ensure that you are getting into a trip that is right for you and your group specifically. Not all trips are for everyone and often it is impossible to turn back if you decide in the middle of the trip that it is not appropriate for you.

Does the rafting outfitter belong to professional organizations?

America Outdoors (AO) or state outfitters associations, such as Colorado River Outfitters Association (CROA), are professional rafting associations. They guide outfitters in state and national regulations, the newest equipment, and safety protocols. You can check with CROA at 303-369-4632 and America Outdoors at 423-558-3595. While on the line, ask about the outfitter’s safety record and reputation.

Does the rafting outfitter have a good safety record?

Call the regulating agency of the river you are interested in to check on the outfitter’s safety record. The US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management or US Parks Service usually issues the permits for rivers. You can also check with the local Chamber of Commerce or Visitor’s Bureau.

How many years has the company been in operation?

Many years in business does not guarantee good service, although it does allow for a "reputation" and "history" of service. Similarly, if the business has been in the family for generations, this does not guarantee great service under the present management/ownership. A new outfitter, however, has no prior history to investigate.

Is the outfitter up front about cancellation and rescheduling policies?

Cancellation & rescheduling information should be clearly outlined in promotional materials and web site information. It should also be clearly detailed in a confirmation of a reservation.

What does the rafting outfitter provide and what do they rent?

Usually, expect rain-gear or paddle jackets to be provided and wetsuits and wetsuit boots rented. Camp gear such as sleeping bags, cots, pads and tents may be rented or not. Generally, the more equipment the outfitter has available to rent, the more established they are, since providing the equipment requires a lot of investment. On class IV and V rivers, helmets should always be provided and worn. Quality outfitters also make helmets available at no expense on all rivers, including even those of class III and lower. You may also want to ask what the sanitation procedures are for rentals.

Do not shop on price alone!

Low price often means low paid guides with minimal experience and lower quality equipment. Expect to pay between $100 and $200 a day for Class V adventures and between $60 and $125 for family trips. A variety of factors affect the cost of the trip, including remoteness of the trip, the logistics involved, the quality of the equipment, the quality of the guide, and the river-use fees for the Forest Service or BLM.

Ask about the rafting outfitter's minimum age limits!

River flows change throughout the season, usually with highest water during spring runoff. Quality outfitters change the rafting age requirements depending on the water level and speed of the water measured in (C.F.S., or cubic feet per second). Higher water levels usually increase the adventure of the rapid, sometimes even making it a class higher than at normal water levels. It is appropriate to take extra safety precautions during spring snow melt, raise the age limits, or even cancel the trip, even though these are costly to the outfitter!