 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Many things come to mind when people contemplate a
river trip. Here are some of the more commonly asked questions:
WHAT DO I WEAR ON THE TRIP?
Dress for the river
is normally shorts, swimsuit, hat or visor, t-shirt and river sandals or old
tennis shoes for the warmer months. In cooler months, layering your clothing is
strongly recommended. FFA provides waterproof bags so that you can take off or
put on clothes as necessary. Do not bring good shoes for the river - they will
get wet! If you choose to wear sandals, they should have ankle straps.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?
This is our most
frequently asked question, so we'll tell you what the experts say:
Spring
(March - April) Day: 75-90, Night: 45-60
Summer (May -
September) Day: 85-100+, Night: 70-80
Fall (October -
December) Day: 70-85, Night: 45-60
Winter (January - February)
Day: 55-75, Night: 30-50
Rainfall averages 10-12 inches per
year, with the highest months being in the fall
WHAT ABOUT THE GUIDES?
Our guides are outdoor
enthusiasts with many years' experience running rivers throughout the American
West. They'll row the rafts, lead the canoes, organize hikes, prepare lunch and
with a little encouragement, even provide a bit of entertainment. Realizing
that personal involvement increases one's enjoyment of a trip, they will
welcome your interest in learning how to row, paddle or better understand the
desert plant and animal life. Our staff will enrich your experience with
knowledge of the Big Bend they have picked up in several fields: botany,
geology, astronomy, history, etc. All FFA guides meet a minimum 40-hour
certification in first aid and CPR.
SHOULD I TIP THE GUIDE?
Many guests ask us
whether tipping the guides is appropriate. If you believe the guides have
exceeded your service expectations, please feel free to leave a tip (10-15% of
the trip price is normal). Tipping is by no means required.
WHAT IS THE LUNCH LIKE?
Our lunches vary based
on current supplies, but expect a smorgasbord of picnic foods such as deli
meats, cheese, fruit, chips, pickles, cookies, and pasta or tuna salad. Ice
water will be available throughout the day on the boat, and tea and lemonade
mixes are available at lunch.
SHOULD I BRING A CAMERA?
Big Bend is a scenic
wonderland. We encourage you to bring a camera and plenty of film. We have
waterproof containers available to store your equipment, but please remember
this is a water activity, and there are no guarantees. (We stock a full line of
disposable, waterproof cameras.)
WHAT ABOUT THE "BATHROOM"?
Because the trip will
take us through primitive areas of Big Bend, bathroom facilities are limited.
Some of the put-ins and take-outs along the day section have compost type
toilets, otherwise "pink and blue bushes" or large rocks will have to suffice.
To protect the resources, we carry out all garbage.
CANCELLATIONS
Please review the enclosed invoice
regarding our cancellation policy. Because we prepare well in advance for the
trip, last minute cancellations are costly.
CHANGES TO THE SCHEDULE
FFOC reserves the right
to alter, modify or cancel any trip or a portion of any trip due to weather,
water levels or the safety and convenience of our guests. It is the intent
of FFA to operate the river tours in cases where the safety of our guests is
not compromised. Guests should appreciate that inclement weather may not be
cause for a trip cancellation. In the event FFA cancels a trip; a full
refund will be given.
RESPONSIBILITY
Trip participants must understand
and appreciate that river rafting, camping, hiking and wilderness travel
involve certain inherent risks. These risks include, but are not limited to,
loss of or damage to personal property, personal injury or fatality resulting
from: capsize of raft or canoe, collision with a vehicle, vessel, rock, log,
tree or other obstacles; falling while aboard a raft; accident or illness in
remote places with limited or no medical facilities; and exposure to
temperature extremes or inclement weather.
We require all of our guests to sign and Agreement and
Acknowledgment of Risk before taking the trip. From time to time, we use
photographs and videos of our trips for promotional and business purposes. By
going on our trip, you consent to the use of your image, without compensation,
for FFOC marketing activities. See you on the river!
|
