Frequently Asked Questions for Ultimate Kids Rafting Trip, As Young As Age 4
What is the age limit for this trip? - Age 4 is our guideline minimum, age 3 1/2 is our absolute minimum. Young kids should be comfortable with water and a go-getter. Kids who are somewhat shy, apprehensive &/or not physically active may want to wait a year or two.
What about older kids? - Over the years, we have taken hundreds of older kids (including teens) on our trips. Most are rafting with us on this trip because they have a younger brother or sister that's rafting with us. Older kids almost always have a great time on our trips. Yes, they can do bigger white water. Before the trip, they are concerned that they'll be bored. They never are. On the trip, they realize it's fun for everyone. They can be (and usually are) more playful than the younger kids. One or two person Duckies can be a great option for older kids. They add adventure and independence to the trip for them.
Is this the right trip for my family? - If you have kids under age 7, then this is the best trip for your family. If you have kids age 7 to 10, this is the best trip if you're not that active and adventurous or if someone is apprehensive. Active and adventurous kids age 7 to 10 usually do good on our Nantahala Family Adventure. Anyone age 11 and up usually does good on the Nantahala Family Adventure, unless you have someone really apprehensive about rafting in your group.
Is this trip guided? - Our Ultimate Kids Rafting Trip is guide-assisted. This means there are guides along, but not normally in your boat. They are in solo boats leading, following, helping out. They are always on the river with you. This works great for most people. You can pay extra ($10.00 per person, minimum of $40.00) to guarantee a guide in your boat.
What kind of boat will I be in? - As part of the trip check-in process, we help you choose the best boat(s) for your family. You can choose from small and medium rafts and one and two person Duckys. Choosing the proper boat(s) for your family is important for fun and safety on the trip. We recommend you wait until you get here and talk with our guides before you decide.
How deep is the water? - Average water depth is 3 to 5 feet. There are calm pools over about 10 feet. Still water runs deep.
Will I get wet? - Yes. It's rare to stay completely dry on a rafting trip. Getting splashed is part of the fun. We usually stop and play a time or two on this trip. You don't have to get into the water. Anyone can fall into the river, most people do not.
Will I fall into the water? - Most people do not fall into the river, but anyone can fall into the river. It can be a little scary to you, but our guides are always nearby. If a child falls into the river, guides, parents and other nearby parents all react to help. If you fall in, you usually just get wet and we help you get back into the boat. Again, most people do not fall out of the boat into the river.
How long is the trip? - You usually spend 2 to 2 1/2 hours on the river. There is additional time for a safety briefing, getting outfitted, etc. Your total time here is usually about 3 1/2 hours.
Do you provide a snack? - We do provide a light snack on this trip. It's usually cookies, crackers (peanut butter & cheese), and water. It's not fancy but it does work for most people. You can bring along a light snack of your own if you want. No coolers and nothing big or bulky. Anything that goes on the river risk getting wet. If you have special dietary needs, you can bring along snacks that are appropriate for you. Please do let us know when you check in and we'll work hard to accomodate your needs.
What is your seaon for this trip? - Ultimate Kids Rafting Trips run Memorial Day Weekend thru Labor Day Weekend. We do offer Spring and fall trips on the Nantahala River.
Why only one trip time for this trip? - You get the best weather of the day. Mornings are frequently cool and sometimes foggy. Starting in mid-afternoon, clouds and showers and thundershowers often develop. This isn't a big deal for older kids, but younger kids don't always do good in thundershowers. It's unusual for our Ultimate Kids Rafting to get rained on. A thundershower on this trip is even rarer. It does happen, but on average only two or three times a season.
We do offer trips later in the day on the Tuck and mid-morning and mid-afternoon on the Nantahala River. These other NC rafting trips are not as family-friendly and are not recommended for families with younger kids, beginners, or anyone apprehensive about rafting.
What about grandparents and seniors? - Grandparents and seniors rafting with their family's usually do good if they are in good health. Anyone can fall into the river, most people don't. It's possible to slip and fall. Rafts can get stuck and sometimes it can be challenge to get unstuck. There is usually a lot of sunshine on the trip, frequently seniors try not to get wet. On some days, if you don't get wet you can get too warm. These issues are not a big deal for most people, but they can be a problem for anyone who is not in good health or is not used to being active.
What if I'm big? - Big people who are in good health usually do great. If you are big and not in good health, we recommend you not take the trip. If you are big and in good health, then somedays will work better for you the others (we get a little more water). Let us know you are big (and in good health) when you make your reservation. We'll recommend the best days for your rafting trip.
What happens if it rains? - Most summer rain here comes in the form of afternoon showers. The best way to avoid rain is to go on our "Ultimate Kids Rafting Trip." In each of the past two years, it has only been rained on twice. Each time is was a light shower. Our "Super Splash" trip gets rained on more frequently, but certainly not every day.
Most summer showers and storms are in the afternoon and last less than 20 minutes. Trips go rain or shine. We may delay a trip for a few minutes while a shower passes. You can reschedule to another day. You can reschedule up until one hour before the trip. And, in the event of rain, you can reschedule up until trip time.
Is it Safe? - There is risk in any activity, including whitewater rafting. The Tuckaseigee is not hardcore whitewater and we work hard to provide you with a safe trip. We have an excellent safety record. Our guides are always on the river with you.
Why choose Blue Ridge Outing Co. for this trip? - You will have a safer and more fun trip, if you have younger kids or beginners under age 11 in your group. No other outfitter on the planet has the specialized experience and knowledge we have in taking younger kids whitewater rafting. It is the focus of our business.
Our kid-friendly guides are always on the river with you, helping you have a fun and safe trip.
We are the only outfitter in the region giving you a money back guarantee. You get it on our "Ultimate Kids Rafting Trip." We have found only one other outfitter in the US giving a similar guarantee. If you don't have fun, we don't get paid.
2009 is our 21st season of "Rafting with Kids." We've taken more people down the Tuckaseigee River than anyone else on the planet.
Our gear is specially designed and chosen for taking younger kids and their families down the Tuckaseigee River. We have rafts and lifejackets from several manufacturers. Every boat and lifejacket looking the same may look nice, but families come in different shapes and sizes. Our variety of gear allows us to put you and your family in the boat, paddle, and lifejacket the fits you and is right for your level of experience.
We have the most experienced guides on the river. They love kids, the outdoors, and know how to lead a fun and safe trip on the river. Our guides have lead over 90% of the guide-assisted trips with younger kids ever taken down the Tuckaseigee River.
Over the years, thousands of families with younger kids have chosen to raft with us. The two leading national magazines for fun things to do with younger kids have featured our rafting trips: Nick Jr. Family Magazine and Family Fun Magazine.
We guarantee you the ultimate whitewater rafting trip for younger kids.
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