What is a duckie?

When's the best time to make a reservation?

What are the "classifications" of whitewater rapids?

Can I request a guide?

Is rafting safe?

Can you accommodate my medical condition?

When will my trip leave?

Is my child too young to raft?

What should I wear?

Will my trip be photographed or video taped?

Modern rafts are made of durable, inflatable polymer tubes. Massive outer tubes provide shape and buoyancy while cross tubes provide stability. As many as 10 people may fit in a raft, depending on its size. Your guide will captain your whitewater trip from the back of the raft.

TOP OF PAGE

A duckie has inflated outer tubes like a raft, is narrow like a kayak, and features an open cockpit like a canoe. Duckies are designed for one or two paddlers. Navigating duckies through gentle-to-moderate whitewater is highly interactive and allows for a one-on-one experience with the river.

TOP OF PAGE

As soon as you know the dates you are interested in and the approximate number of people in your group. Please let us know of any specific food needs, allergies, special considerations, etc. To place your reservations, call us at

1-800-470-RAFT
(1-800-470-7238).

TOP OF PAGE

Rapids are typically categorized from Class I-VII. Class I is considered easy. Class II is novice. Class III is intermediate. Class IV is advanced. Class V is highly advanced. Class VI is expert.  Class VII is non-navigable. 

TOP OF PAGE

Yes, but your favorite guide may already be requested or unavailable.  We cannot guarantee requests

TOP OF PAGE

Cantrell maintains an excellent safety record, but rafting rapids rated Class III, or higher, is not without risks. West Virginia law requires guides to meet specific first-aid and safety standards. Our rafting trips pack first-aid kits, river-rescue equipment, and appropriate emergency-communication devices. Personal floatation devices (PFD) must be worn at all times on the river, and helmets are required on whitewater rapids classified Class III, or higher. Safety procedures will be explained in detail prior to and during your trip.

TOP OF PAGE

When you make your reservation, please inform the reservationists of any medical condition, physical disability, or food allergy that may require special attention or treatment. Please inform us of any medical situations that may occur; you will be in a wilderness area with limited medical supplies and evacuation is very time consuming.

TOP OF PAGE

Your reservation form tells you the time your bus will depart from Cantrell Ultimate Rafting's base camp. Allow at least 30-to-45 minutes prior to departure to complete the release form, change clothes, pick up any items from the camp store, and meet your fellow guests.

TOP OF PAGE

Our minimum ages have been developed through years of experience, and our guidelines are intended to help the parent or guardian determine which whitewater trip would be best for certain ages. Since children and adults vary in maturity, size, and strength, it's difficult to set hard and fast rules.

Minimum ages:

• Upper New River -- 5 years and up.
• Lower New River -- 12 years and up.
• Lower Gauley -- 14 years and up.
• Upper Gauley -- 16 years and up.

TOP OF PAGE

Flexible, secure footwear (old sneakers or river sandals, but no boots) are required. Comfortable swimwear, a cap or visor, and sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended. Running shorts worn over swimwear maximizes comfort for women. Do not wear cotton -- such as socks, sweatshirts, or blue jeans -- as it holds water and wicks warmth away from your body. Remember to keep a towel and set of dry clothes in your vehicle for after your day on the river. Dry socks and shoes feel particularly good after a day of being wet.

In spring and fall, wear wool or polypropylene and a windbreaker over the swimwear and wool or Polartec socks under sneakers or wetsuit booties. For cold and wet weather, wear a wetsuit and paddle jacket or polypropylene, pile fleece, and a windbreaker. 

We rent wetsuits, booties and jackets: wetsuit $15.00 (half price for 12 and younger); booties $8.00; paddle jacket $5.00; or a full wetsuit package $25.00 (includes wetsuit, booties, and paddle jacket).

TOP OF PAGE

Every effort is made to photograph each trip as it launches through a rapid and have 8 x 10
photos available at the base camp immediately afterward. We also offer pre-paid video service .Videos are shown shortly after the trip and will be available at that time.

CD Disc $50.00 per raft
Photo Prints
New River 8x10 prints $15.95
Gauley River ( fall ) 8x10 prints $16.95
3 8x10 prints $12.50 ea. ( $37.50 )

Video Tapes $39.00
DVD's $49.00

TOP OF PAGE