River Rafting

Want to get wet? River rafting is an all-day pass into nature's own amusement park. From a gentle trip down a majestic river gorge to a white-water roller coaster of adrenaline pumping exhilaration— river rafting offers a huge range of options. It just depends on what you want. From delightful day trips to week-long adventures, embracing nature is what this date is all about.

You can choose a rating trip for just the two of you or you can go on a family float trip where you can take children who are as young as four years of age.

Until you are more experienced, it is not wise to try river rafting without a guide. Rivers speak a language of their own, and they usually have the last word.

COST

Expect to spend $40.00 or more per person for a half-day trip and $100 for an all-day trip. Allow extra for food and transportation.

HOW TO FIND

For a state-by-state listing of rivers and river rafting guides, go to www.adventuresports.com. Click on "Paddlesports" then "Whitewater Rafting." For each state, they list the main rafting rivers and provide information about the different rafting services, what they offer, schedules, pricing and more. Talk about one-stop shopping!

Also check the Yellow Pages, local sporting goods stores and your chamber of commerce or tourist information center.

TYPES OF RAFTS

Some rafts carry four people and a guide. Others carry up to sixteen and a guide. You will need to decide how interactive you want the experience to be. If you want to paddle, go for the smaller rafting experience. If you prefer to sit back and watch the scenery, go for a raft trip that carries more people.

BOOKS

Menasha Ridge Press has an incredible selection of books on river rafting. Visit their website at www.menasharidge.com or phone them at (800) 247-9437.

Paddle America: A Guide to Trips and Outfitters in All 50 States by Nick Shears and David Shears; $17.95.

Top Rated River Adventures, Canoeing, Kayaking and Rafting in North America by Maurice Valerio; $18.95.

Whitewater Rafting in North America: More than 100 Rafting Adventures in the United States and Canada by Lloyd Dean Armstead; $16.95.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL

Just like dates, river trips differ in difficulty. That's why there is a recognized rating scale that is based on how rough the rapids are.
Class 1 — no white water
Class 2 — easy, small rapids–anyone can go
Class 3 — moderate–large rapids
Class 4 — difficult–powerful waves
Class 5 — complex rapids, steep drops, experience necessary

WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO BRING

Wear a tee-shirt and pants. Bring or wear a swimsuit and shorts underneath. Bring a waterproof bag for personal items such as sunglasses, lip balm, lightweight rain gear, a hat, sandals/tennis shoes and waterproof sin block (okay, sun block). Come prepared for varying weather conditions and very cold water. If you plan to stay the night, consider bringing sleeping bags that zip together and something soft for underneath. Good resources include www.rei.com (go to "learn & share," then "paddling") and www.gorp.com (go to "activities" then "paddling").

RESERVATIONS

Usually, you must make reservations well in advance.