Frequently Asked Questions About Rafting

These questions are frequently asked by people considering a rafting trip. Knowing these answers helps you plan your family vacation or choose appropriate activities for day trips based on your group's comfort level. Many first-time guests begin by exploring the Ocoee River FAQ to understand the basics of river classification and logistics before committing to a trip.

As a veteran guide and ACA-certified instructor, I believe that a great trip starts with being well-informed. Whether you are curious about the anatomy of a whitewater raft or trying to decide between the Class III rapids of the Middle Ocoee Guidebook and the Class IV challenges of the Upper Ocoee Guidebook, professional beta is the key to a successful run. My goal is to move beyond "marketing fluff" and provide clear, expert answers to your most pressing questions.

Safety is the primary driver of every FAQ I provide. It is vital for every participant to be familiar with professional swiftwater safety protocols and the inherent risks of whitewater before putting on the water. By understanding the technical Ocoee River Hydrology of benchmark drops like Broken Nose and Table Saw, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the professional standards required for a safe and fun experience.

• To paddle the Ocoee River, participants must be at least 12 years old as required by state law.
• Participants must read and complete a waiver to raft at their own risk. The waivers of minors must be signed by a parent or guardian.
• Participants must wear shoes or sandals that strap on. Flip-flops are not acceptable.
• The use of alcohol or drugs before or during rafting is strictly prohibited.
• Tanning oils are strongly discouraged for your safety to prevent falling out of the raft. Sunscreen lotions are recommended but please refrain from applying them to the backs of your legs to prevent slipping out of the raft.
• A shirt should be worn as a sanitary measure by all participants. Tank tops and bathing suit tops are discouraged.
• Shorts should be worn over bikini bottoms for protection from raft rash. Your butt and feet primarily attach you to the raft, so it is wise to protect both from abrasions.

Inherent risks are those beyond the control of your outfitter. While controls can reduce the inherent risks, not all are within the control of whitewater professionals. Weather, water, rocks, obstacles, and participant behavior are all factors. Read more about inherent risk.

More than a few folks come to the river nervous. You can help reduce your anxiety by requesting an experienced guide. Most nervous rafters quickly relax in my raft after getting some instruction and running the first couple of rapids. Let your guide know if you are nervous. We want you to have fun and be comfortable.

For the best rafting experience, get a good night's rest the night before your rafting adventure. Avoid excessive drinking of alcohol as you do not want to be hungover. Be certain to enjoy a large breakfast and hydrate well before arriving at the outpost. You are going to burn a lot of calories paddling so eat well!

Be sure to dress for the occasion. Avoid cotton unless you are really worried about heat exhaustion. Cotton will make you cold! Watch my video with tips for what to wear. Don't bring anything of value on the river. Leave your phone and camera in the car, not in the river. The lone exception is to bring your GoPro as we have helmets to attach them.

You should be able to walk up a few flights of stairs without becoming winded at a minimum. Rafting the Class III Ocoee Middle requires about 45 to 60 minutes of physical exertion but with several breaks between rapids. Rafting the Full River involves an additional 45 to 60 minutes of more intense physical exertion navigating Class IV rapids. The Olympic section requires the longest burst of intense physical activity as you navigate a quarter mile of intense Class IV whitewater action.

For the most part, outfitters on most rivers below Class V will accept all comers provided they can fit a 56" personal flotation device. Be aware you are signing a waiver and accepting all responsibility for your decisions and actions. Most commercial rafting deaths I have observed over the years were the result of cardiac issues. While all guides are trained to perform CPR and carry automatic defibrillators (AEDs), not all deaths can be prevented. Rafting is physically intensive and swimming in whitewater is more demanding than paddling.

Yes, both weight and fitness can create issues controlling a raft and navigating rapids. It is important to let your guide load the raft for best performance and handling. Generally speaking, the guide will place the two heaviest guests in the middle of the raft. This is important so the raft will pivot predictably.

If you can at least swim you should be okay on easier rivers. However, do not attempt rivers rated Class V. Class IV rivers should be approached with caution if you are not a strong swimmer. Always be truthful with your outfitter and guide if you have any difficulty swimming. If you panic in water, that is a red flag.

Yes, you have to start somewhere. It would be best to start on the lower end of difficulty of the river rating scale. The Class III Middle Ocoee River Section is a great place to start. More ambitious aspiring rafters that are reasonably fit and decent swimmers may wish to take on the Full River Section.

If you come rafting with me you will likely spend 1.5 to 2 hours on the water. If you raft with me on the Full River trip taking on the Class IV of the Upper Ocoee and the Class III of the Middle Ocoee, you will likely spend at least 4 hours on the water.

What you wear or avoid wearing is very important to comfort on the water. Avoid cotton especially if you are concerned about being cold. Synthetics are a much better choice than cotton. Wetsuits and splash gear might be required during the shoulder season in April or October.

Learn more about wearing the right gear to stay warm on the river in my video.

No worries, you are going to get wet rafting anyway! Thunderstorms come up but are actually pretty rare along the Ocoee River. In the event of brief electrical storms, outposts may try to wait them out.

My whitewater season closely follows the peak of the North American rafting season from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend. This is the best time to come rafting. It is also the best time to come raft the Middle Ocoee on weekdays.

Typically the people that answer the phones at most outposts are not guides and often not rafting enthusiasts. They are often retail sales representatives. Their goal is to make a sale and most often they read from a canned script. Take answers and descriptions with a grain of salt.

Rafting Class III whitewater is much like a splashy, fun roller coaster, except you are actively participating and not taking a passive ride. Rafting Class IV is even more exciting with bigger drops and some "must-make" moves along the way.

The most common injury is to the face, eye, mouth, or teeth. This is most often from your own paddle's T-grip or that of another crew member. The overwhelming majority of these injuries can be avoided by carefully listening to your guide and holding your T-grip properly.

The Ocoee River is within the Cherokee National Forest where all alcohol is forbidden. Alcoholic beverages, glass bottles, and Styrofoam are prohibited on the river and enforced by Rangers. Intoxication increases risk of injury or death.

You sit on the tube of the raft next to the thwart. You do not sit on the thwart. The thwart's purpose is to maintain the raft's structural integrity to help prevent flips.

It is possible, but don't worry if the raft flips it won't cost extra. There's no up-charge for the service.

You need to bring appropriate clothing (avoid cotton). Bring shoes that strap on securely, like Chacos or Tevas. Bring any emergency medication you might need, such as Epipens or rescue inhalers. Bring some extra money to buy photos and tip your guide.

Guiding is part of the service industry and guides rely upon tips for compensation. You should tip at least 20%, but tipping more for services above and beyond is common.