Frequently
Asked Questions
1. What is the
best trip for me?
2. How are rapids rated for difficulty?
3. Is rafting really safe?
4. What if I cannot swim?
5. Do I need to be physically fit?
6. What do I wear?
7. What happens if there is bad
weather?
8. Do I have to fill a raft?
9. What meals are provided and what is for lunch?
10. What are guaranteed days on the Pigeon River?
11. What is a cap day?
12. How will the Chattooga River levels affect my trip?
13. What factors determine the age/weight requirements?
What
is the best trip for me?
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How are
rapids rated for difficulty?
International Scale of River Difficulty
Class I- Easy. Few or no obstructions; fast moving water with
riffles; risk to swimmers is slight.
Class II- Novice. Wide clear channels; occasional
maneuvering; rocks and medium-sized waves are easily missed by trained
paddlers; swimmers are seldom injured; assistance is helpful but rarely
needed.
Class III- Intermediate. Rapids with moderate, irregular waves
which may be difficult to avoid and capable of swamping a canoe; complex maneuvers
in fast current and narrow passages require good boat control; large
waves, holes and strainers may be present but are easily avoided; powerful
current; scouting advisable; swimmers are unlikely to be injured but assistance
may be needed to avoid a long swim.
Class IV- Advanced. Intense, powerful rapids; turbulent water;
may involve long, unavoidable waves, holes or constricted passages
demanding fast maneuvers under pressure; may require "must"
moves above dangerous hazards; risk of injury to swimmers in moderate to
high; group assistance to swimmers requires practiced skills.
Class V- Expert. Long, obstructed, turbulent rapids; drops
may contain very large unavoidable waves, holes or steep congested chutes
with complex demanding routes; several of these factors may be combined at
the upper level of this class; rescue is extremely difficult; above
average rescue skills are essential.
Class VI- Almost Impossible. Difficulties of Class V are
carried to the limits of navigability; very dangerous; risks are high and
rescue may be impossible; for teams of experts only under favorable
conditions.
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Is
rafting really safe?
Wildwater Ltd. has been in business for 30 years and has
maintained an excellent safety record. Our Team Members go through
extensive training before being "checked out" as a trained
guide. All of our guides are trained in CPR and First Aid with many
being trained in Advanced Wilderness First Aid as well. Wildwater
takes pride in providing our guests with a quality trip that is both safe
and enjoyable. However, due to the nature of whitewater rafting and
other associated activities, Wildwater Ltd. and its affiliates assume no
responsibility for personal safety or loss of personal property. All
participants are required to complete a personal liability and photo
release form before their trip.
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What if I
cannot swim?
Many rafters cannot swim. On all trips, Coast Guard-approved
lifejackets are provided and must be worn. On advanced trips it is
recommended that you have basic swimming skills.
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Do
I need to be physically fit?
Participation is required on all of Wildwater Ltd.'s trips, you
must paddle. On all Chattooga trips there is a 1/4 mile hike into
and out of the river carrying all equipment needed for the trip. You
do not need to be an athlete, however a good physical condition is
recommended. Lifejacket limitations are a maximum girth of
52". For any medical conditions that may be affected by
strenuous activity please consult your doctor. WE DO NOT ALLOW
PREGNANT WOMEN TO PARTICIPATE!
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What do I
wear?
In the summer shorts, a bathing suit
and shoes that will stay on your feet are recommended. For
the spring and the fall we recommend layering with synthetics
such as fleece or polypropylene. On the Chattooga River
Wetsuits are provided March, April, October and November free
of charge. Other rivers rent wetsuits for $10. Wetsuit booties
rent for $5. Check out our "What
to Wear" page for more information about seasonal weather
and clothing to wear.
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What
happens if there is bad weather?
Rain:
Trips go rain or shine. You are going to get wet anyway
so why not enjoy your river trip when other activities like hiking
and biking are better when it is sunny & dry! Rainy days also
provide some of the most beautiful scenery as fog and mists rise
off the river. A baseball cap can help by keeping rain out of
your eyes.
Lightning: In the event of a locally
severe lightning storm, trips may stop and pull over on the bank.
Exposure while on the river is at a minimum because of the high
ridgelines and trees that surround the river. Trip starts may
be delayed if a storm is occuring at the rafting center.
High Water/ Flood: Wildwater, in
conjunction with the Federal Agencies that liscence the outfitters,
have established where it is best to raft at specific water levels.
On the Chattooga, as the water level rises, we move upstream.
If the water levels on any of the rivers exceeds safe levels,
trips may be cancelled or relocated to another river. In the case
of a trip cancellation, guests are offered the option to rescedule,
get a credit voucher or receive a full refund.
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Do
I have to fill a raft?
No. Whether you come by
yourself or with a large group we can accommodate you on a trip.
If you do not have a full boat we will combine groups. The
rafts on the Chattooga hold 4-5 per raft and on the Ocoee, Nantahala
and Pigeon Rivers the rafts hold 6 people. #'s may vary
depending on the size of the group. Whitewater rafting is
a participatory activity and everyone is expected to help paddle.
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What
meals are provided and what is for lunch?
Lunch is provided on many of our
trips- Nantahala Raft & Rail, Chattooga III & IV, and
Ocoee Combo. Lunch consists of a sandwich buffet with all
the fixing's. A variety of bread, cheeses, meats, tomato,
lettuce, onion, pickles, chips & salsa, fruit, veggies, trail
mix, cookies and a drink are all included. (lunch may vary
slightly depending on trip).
The Chattooga Super
Friday includes a BBQ dinner and the Saturday Chattooga III includes
a cookout with hamburgers, hotdogs and grilled chicken.
(Memorial Day weekend- Labor Day weekend)
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What
are guaranteed days on the Pigeon River?
Carolina Power and Light is required
to release water for recreational purposes 3 days a week from
Memorial Day to Labor Day, 12:00 Noon until 6:00pm. 2001
releases are Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Wildwater will
book trips early in the year for non-guaranteed days, but if you
book on a non-guaranteed water release day you must call the Friday
before to check on the release schedule- your trip could be cancelled!
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What
is a cap day?
Cap days are days in which the
number of guests the outfitters can carry on the river is limited
by the TN Dept. of Natural Resources. This occurs on the
Ocoee on certain Saturdays in July and August.
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How
will Chattooga River levels affect my trip?
The Chattooga River is a free
flowing river that is affected by the amount of rain received
in the area. Typically the Chattooga has higher water in
the spring with water levels dropping to lower levels in mid-late
summer. If you are looking for big whitewater then we recommend
the spring. If you are looking for a great day out in the wilderness
with family and friends with less intense whitewater, then the
summer is your ticket.
The exact stretch of river you will navigate will depend on the
water levels on the day of your trip. Please expect changes if
the water is very high or very low. Water levels below .85 can
cause changes in river schedules- please check to make sure your
trip time has not changed before leaving for your trip.
Check the internet for Chattooga River Levels- be aware that the
gauge at this site reads 0.2 higher than the gauge the outfitters
use.
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What
factors determine the age/weight requirements?
The line has to be drawn somewhere.
We have seen kids below the minimums that were perfectly capable
and we have seen kids that meet all the minimum requirements,
but are still not ready!
The determining factors usually revolve around the likelyhood
of a flip or swim and at what age or size can a child listen to
and understand instructions. Can the child understand the dangers?
Does the child have enough size or body fat to have control of
their body in icy water? Can the child rescue themselves or will
the parents be so concerned about a young child they put their
own health at risk?
Minimum ages and/or weights are usually set by the managing agency
who regulates each river. Wildwater will not knowingly take an
underage person on our trips, we do ask and we do require a signature
from a parent signifying proper age. Should you push the limit
with your child? No, it is not worth the risk!
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WILDWATER LTD.
P.O. Box 309 Long Creek, SC 29658
Phone 800.451.9972 Fax 864.647.5361
wwltd@nuvox.net
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