|
 Frequently
Asked Questions
Whitewater Glossary of Rafting Terms | Whitewater
Glossary for Guides
What gear should I bring? How
do you classify whitewater rapids?
What class of rapids is the Deschutes River?
| How do I get there?
Where can we stay at? | About
the Area
What
is the best trip for me?
The standard day
trip is the best way to get your "feet wet" in rafting terms,
for a beginner. Experienced
rafters also enjoy this trip as well. If you have the time, a multi-day
trip is a great way to really get a feel for what the Deschutes has to
offer! [Top]
What class of rapids is the Deschutes River?
How are rapids rated for difficulty?
The Deschutes River
is rated Class 3+ (two class 4 rapids)
For full rapid classifications and descriptions, see our Rapid
Classes page.
[Top]
Is rafting really safe?
Rafting is a relativly
safe sport. You have a better chance of injury walking down the street
in Portland.
We have an excellent safety record during the 11 years we have been in
business. [Top]
What
if I cannot swim? Can
I still go rafting? Can
I still go rafting?
You do not need
to know how to swim to go rafting with us.
You'll be wearing a top-of-the-line life jacket when you are on the water.
Everyone on our trips wears
a coast-guard approved buoyancy vest.
This will keep you afloat
in the event that you find yourself in the river. We take many non-swimmers
on trips, and they have a great time. It is more important that you are
not afraid of the water.
If you should happen to fall in the river, you will float like a cork
(a little wet and exhilarated but safe). 90% of accidents happen on shore.
[Top]
Do
I need to be physically fit? Is
it strenuous?
You don't need to
be physically fit to go rafting. Paddling a raft is a team effort that
uses more technique than muscles. You
can decide to take paddle boats, or oar boats. This means that you can
either sit back and relax or have a paddle in your hands, and be paddling.
To do so, you should be reasonably healthy, and must be able to fit into
our life vests. Paddling can be tiring, but our guides will instruct
you on efficient paddling technique.
[Top]
What should I wear?
Wear something you
don't mind getting wet. In warm weather it's usually better to wear swimwear
or nylon shorts and t-shirts.
Your footwear should be river sandals or old tennis shoes. Hats, sunglasses
(with straps), and sunscreen are other items to consider bringing.
On cool weather days, it's best to wear fleece, pyle, or wool tops (we
provide splash tops).
Nylon pants and wool socks will make your day more comfortable. Wet suit
rental is available. [Top]
What if it is raining?
Since you will be
getting wet while you are on the river, we run our trip rain or shine.
Because the Maupin area typically has 300+ days of sun a year, chances
are it won't be raining.
(We may alter the start time to get the best conditions for the trip
if possible). [Top]
How
many people do you require to go on one trip?
We require a minimum
of four rafters to run a trip.
Four people are needed to be able to send a raft out on a trip. [Top]
How old do I need to be?
Our minimum age
limit is 6 years, and hopefully they are not afraid of water.
[Top]
What
meals are provided? What's for lunch?
Meals -- We
provide lunch for all day trips.
For multi-day trips we provide lunch and dinner the first day and breakfast
and lunch the last day.
Our typical buffet lunch consists of four types of meat, two types of
cheese, several choices of bread, and all the trimmings for a deli sandwich.
We also have two salads, a veggie tray, fruit tray, chips and salsa,
and a dessert.
Some type of drink is also provided. [Top]
- Is rafting dangerous?
Rafting is thrilling, exciting, wet, wild and unbelievably fun. However,
as in all adventure sports, there is an inherent risk involved. That
risk contributes to the excitement, and is one of the reasons people
enjoy it so much. Our guides are trained to minimize risks, and, statistically,
you're safer on a raft than in your car. One state government found
in an investigation that the injury rate for whitewater rafting is
similar to that for bowling! But still, there is a risk, and you must
accept that risk when you go on the river. By the way, the most common
injury is sunburn, and most other injuries occur on land, especially
getting into and out of the boats. [Top]
- What should I wear
on the river?
This depends on the time of year, water temperature, and weather.
As a rule of thumb we recommend you dress for the water temperature,
rather than the air temperature, since you'll be getting wet. Hotter
days, we recommend wearing shorts or an ordinary swim suit. Cooler
days, with cold water, we rent wet suits, or a wet suit/paddle jacket
combination. You might also bring some synthetic fleece, polypro,
capilene, or wool garments. Don't wear cotton. It will just make you
colder. An old pair of tennis shoes, running shoes, or even converse
hi-tops are the best on the river. Wet suit booties are good if it
is cold. Sandals don't offer as much protection, and tend to come
off easily in a swim. Sunglasses, especially prescription glasses,
should have a croakie or other retainer that cinches tight. Consider
a hat cord to tie your hat to your life jacket as well. In warmer
weather, and late season warmer water, shorts and a T-shirt are good.
Use sunscreen, but don't put it on your forehead, or the backs of
your legs. It may run into your eyes, or cause you to be slipping
all over the boat. For more details have a look at our what
to bring page. [Top]
- I've never been before.
Which trips are best for me?
Take a look at our trip offerings and decide
which is best for you!. [Top]
- I have a family with
young children. Which trips can I take?
We always have special family trips available
on the Deschutes. You can bring children as young as six. [Top]
- I am a senior citizen.
Which trips do you recommend for me?
For fit, active seniors over 65 we recommend, as a first step, One-Day
Trip. Then, depending on how this feels, you might want to try
something more challenging. Healthy people of all ages, including
spry folks in their 70's and 80's enjoy rafting with HDRO.[Top]
- What happens on a
typical trip? How are the boats set up?
You'll meet the trip leader at your designated rendezvous place and
time. He or she will collect your release forms, distribute wet suits
if you rent them from us, then get everyone on the bus. You'll go
to the put-in, from where the trip will start, and the trip leader
will give you a safety talk. This information is about how to be safe
on the water. Then you'll head to your boat. The boats typically seat
six to eight people and a guide, though we also offer alternatives
such as Inflatable Kayaks. The guide will give you further instruction
on how to paddle, and how to follow his or her commands. Then you'll
head on down the river, and have the time of your life! [Top]
- What are my chances
of falling out of the boat? What should I do if I do?
Believe it or not, many people love falling out of the boat. It's
exciting. But it can be disorienting and a little overwhelming at
first. Many people have taken multiple trips and never fallen in.
Some people swim on their first trip. It's a part of rafting. Before
you go on any trip, you'll be given extensive instructions on what
to do if you fall in, and how to stay safe. Follow you're guide's
instructions, and your "swim" could be the most exciting part of your
trip! [Top]
- It looks like rain.
Will the trip still go?
All of our trips go, rain or shine. Occasionally, due to circumstances
beyond our control, such as high or low water, etc, we must cancel
or postpone a trip. For our policies regarding this, please see our
river trips page. [Top]
- What is the cancellation
policy?
Our policies are discussed in detail on our rates
page. If we are forced to cancel a trip, you will receive a full refund,
or a credit for a future trip. [Top]
- Are there any discounts
available?
Occasionally we offer discounts. Please contact
us to inquire about special offers. [Top]
- Can I bring my camera
or video camera?
We don't recommend bringing video cameras, or even expensive still
cameras, on trips. Many people bring disposable waterproof cameras,
which work just fine. The quality of the pictures is pretty good,
and if you lose it, it's not the end of the world. They are well suited
to rafting. Some of our river trips have professional photographers,
whose photos you can view and order after the trip. [Top]
- Should I tip my guide?
Tipping is not expected, but is certainly appreciated. If you feel
your guide has done a good job, keeping you entertained, and sharing
the wonderful river environment with you, then feel free to show your
appreciation. [Top]
|
Rapid
Classifications | Local Area | Where
to Stay | Reservations | What
to Bring | Directions
|
