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Planning
Alaska rafting trips should always include a careful evaluation
of your physical ability to participate in wilderness adventure
travel activities. Of all the responsibilities one assumes
when participating on a raft trip, honest self-evaluation is the
most important. Ultimately, you alone are the best judge of your
individual limits. We have a variety of raft trips suited to most
ability levels and are happy to discuss trip options over the
phone, since a brochure such as this can't cover everything.
In today's legal environment, it is better to
speak plainly and be up front about the inherent risks involved
with rafting in Alaska. Quite simply, raft trips are risky-sometimes
dangerous. Raft trips pose known as well as unplanned and unforeseen
risks to our client's safety - Inherent Risks. Inherent risk basically
means that no matter how hard we try, accidents can still occur
because Mother Nature simply isn't 100% controllable. When accidents
occur in remote wilderness areas rescues are complicated, risky
and time-consuming. Our staff will give you an extensive safety
talk at the start of each raft trip. It is important to listen
carefully and follow their instructions.
We do not assume liability for injury, death,
property loss/damage or costs due to travel delays. All raft companies
require their clients to sign a liability release and risk assumption
form and participate at their own risk. Chugach Outdoor Center
is no exception in this regard. We will, however, make every effort
to provide you with an enjoyable raft trip of the highest quality.
Some customers have special medical conditions
which we will address on a case by case basis. Persons with a
history of heart trouble, emphysema, asthma, epilepsy or any medical
condition should consult with their physician before participating
in any adventure travel activity, especially a raft trip. We highly
recommend that pregnant women not participate in any raft trip.
Personal
Insurance Considerations
All
raft companies operate on the premise that their clients maintain
adequate medical insurance coverage which will pay for their treatment
in the event they are injured during one of their raft trips.
Chugach Outdoor Center is no different in this regard. Although
we are fully insured, this liability insurance policy does not
pay for clients' primary medical coverage nor replace property
lost or damaged during the raft trip.
We
believe honesty is the best policy regarding the limitations of
commercial raft liability insurance. For these reasons, we strongly
recommend that our clients purchase a traveler's insurance policy.
These policies can be purchased at modest cost and can provide
you with: medical insurance in the event you are injured during
the raft trip; replace your lost, stolen or damaged property,
and provide you with trip insurance for costs due to missed flights,
airline penalties, trip cancellations etc.
We
will be happy to help you with obtaining traveler's insurance
should you require assistance. It is widely available through
most travel agents. As stated previously, persons with special
medical conditions should contact us by phone or fax so we can
discuss trip options in depth. Nenana Raft believes in making
Alaska's rivers as accessible as possible to those with special
medical conditions or challenges.
We
work closely with several charitable organizations in this regard.
By consulting with your physician and then discussing your abilities
with us, we can make recommendations on the most suitable river
trip for your ability level. If you have questions, call our office
toll free at 800-789-RAFT.
Whitewater
Rafting Classification System
Divided into
six classes, the whitewater rating system attempts to provide
a uniform set of of evaluation criteria for rivers. Bear in mind
that changes in river levels can dramatically affect a river's
difficulty rating.
Class I:
Easy. Fast moving water with riffles and small waves. Few
obstructions,all easily missed with little training. Risk to swimmers
is slight; self-rescue is easy.
Class II: Novice. Straightforward rapids with wide clear
channels which are evident without scouting. Occasional maneuvering
may be required, but rocks and medium sized waves are easily missed
by trained boaters. Swimmers are seldom injured and group assistance,
while helpful, is seldom needed.
Class III: Intermediate. Rapids with moderate, irregular
waves which may be difficult and can swamp open canoes. Complex
maneuvers in fast current and good boat control in tight passages
or around ledges may be required. Large waves and strainers are
often present. Strong eddies and powerful current effects are
common, especially on large volume rivers. Scouting is advisable
for inexperienced parties. Injuries to swimmers are rare; self-rescue
is usually easy but group assistance may be necessary to avoid
long swims.
Class IV: Advanced. Intense, powerful but predictable rapids
requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. Depending
on the character of the river, it may feature large unavoidable
waves and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers
under pressure. A fast reliable eddy turn may be needed to initiate
maneuvers, scout rapids or rest. Rapids may require "must"
moves above dangerous hazards. Scouting is necessary the first
time down. Risk of injury to swimmers is moderate to high, and
water conditions may make self-rescue difficult. Group assistance
for rescue is often essential but requires practiced skills.
Class V: Expert. Extremely long, obstructed or very violent
rapids which expose a boater to above average endangerment. Drops
may contain large, unavoidable waves and holes or steep, congested
chutes with complex and demanding routes. Rapids may continue
long distances between pools, demanding a high level of fitness.
Eddies, if any exist, are small, turbulent and hard to reach.
Often, several of these factors are combined. Scouting is mandatory
and often difficult. Swims are dangerous and rescue is difficult
even for experts. Proper equipment, extensive experience and practiced
rescue skills are essential for survival.
Class VI: Extreme. These runs exemplify the extremes of
difficulty. The consequences of errors are usually fatal and rescue
is usually impossible. For teams of experts only, at favorable
water levels, after close inspection and taking all precautions.
This class does not represent drops thought to be unrunnable,
but may include rapids which are only occasionally run.
Questions?-call
us at 866 277 RAFT
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