Frequently Asked Questions Whitewater Rafting the
Black River, New York

1. How old do I have to be to raft on the Black River?  Our minimum age is fourteen.  If you have younger rafters, you may want to try a summertime Hudson River trip, or the Middle Moose or Salmon River trip.  We offer a river for every age and ability level! 

2. How many people do I need to book a trip?  You could go alone if you want to!  We take groups of 1 to 150!  We've enjoyed hosting individuals, honeymooning couples, families and friends, colleagues, summer camps, church groups, school groups and even platoons of soldiers.  

3. We've never been rafting before - will you show us what to do?  All of our trips start with a thorough safety discussion and include ample instruction and practice time before we hit the whitewater.

4. What's included with our trip?  Our Black River trip includes your gear (life jacket, helmet & paddle), guide (NYS licensed guide in every raft), and shuttles (to and from the river).  You're welcome to help yourself to a free on-river snack, and a free barbeque at day's end.

5. What do we wear?  In the warmer summer months, a lightweight t-shirt, a pair of shorts, and an old pair of sneakers are best.  Loose fitting sandals, flip-flops, "crocs" or bare feet are not permitted.  Don't forget the sunscreen and eyeglass straps!  You may also choose to wear a windbreaker on the cooler days.  Make sure you bring a dry change of clothes with you - because yes, you will get wet!  In colder conditions, you should plan on wearing a wetsuit.  You may bring your own, or you can rent one at our Adventure Center.  A bathing suit or synthetic long underwear can be worn underneath.

6. Do we have to paddle?  Rafting is a team sport, and one that involves navigating your raft through the rapids.  This is not a float trip.  You will be asked to paddle, and how much will depend on the intensity of each particular rapid.  Whitewater rafting is an active sport that requires some exertion on your part.

7. How long is the trip?  Typically our trip lasts between three and five hours, depending on river levels, number of rafts, and how much playing you do on the river.  The Black River consists of fourteen sets of rapids ranging from easy to exhilarating.  The whitewater section is seven miles long with an additional two miles of flat water at the end.  Don't worry - we won't make you paddle the last two miles!  We connect the rafts to a pontoon boat and tow you through the lower canyon.  This is a great time to lay back, relax and laugh about the day's events.

8. Can we bring stuff on the river with us?  We discourage bringing any unnecessary items on the river.  Space is limited, and we prefer to keep the raft as uncluttered as possible.  (Any medication you may need while on the river should be given to your guide for safekeeping.)

9. Can we take pictures?  Waterproof cameras are allowed on our trip.  There are many beautiful spots along the river, and we spend time outside of the rafts at the halfway point - a great time to take group shots!  Picture taking while in the rapids is not allowed (you'll be paddling).  However, 5" x 7" action photos of your trip are available for purchase at day's end.  Don't forget to smile! 

10. Do you offer vegetarian meals?  Yes, a free vegetarian dinner is available with advance notice.  Please let us know about your dietary needs when you are making your reservation.

11. Can we tip our guide?  We strive to deliver top quality service.  If your guide has met your expectations, you may feel free to show your appreciation.

12. Can we request our guide?  Yes, as long as you do so when you are making your reservation.  We will try to arrange for this, but can't guarantee it.

13. What does Class III/IV mean?  Most rapids are rated according to an international scale ranging from Class I (easiest) to Class VI (too intense to be rafted commercially).  The ratings of a river can fluctuate greatly depending on the water level.  Class III/IV is a solid, exciting, and challenging level of whitewater.

14. When is the best time to raft the Black?  This depends.  River levels vary throughout the season depending on rain and other factors.  So it's hard to say exactly when is the best time for you to come.  If you're looking for a hang-on-to-your-hats, high adventure trip, May and early June are typically the best.  If you want warmer water with plenty of thrills and lots of playing, late June through mid October might be better.  Fortunately, the Black has reliable whitewater all summer long, and there isn't a bad time to come!

15. How many people will be in the raft?  Our various rafts can carry as few as 6 passengers or as many as 9.  Our final decision is made on the morning of your trip, depending on water levels, weather conditions, raft size, etc.

16. Do I need to know how to swim?  Swimming ability is not required.  However, if you are especially apprehensive in or around water, you may want to consider another type of adventure.  You may unexpectedly find yourself out of the raft, and in some cases, you will be expected to help yourself get back to the raft.  A PFD is worn at all times.

17. Can I get off of the river if I don't like it?  If at any time the river trip seems a little too much for you, just let your guide know and he/she can arrange for you to be shuttled back to our center at the next available access point.  Note that not all locations on the river are as easily accessible as others and you may need to continue until a suitable access area is reached.

18. This is safe - right?  We are extremely proud of our safety record, which is unmatched in the industry.  Our training programs are ongoing and we are committed to delivering the safest trips possible.  However, as with any active outdoor sport, there are inherent risks to whitewater rafting and there are factors that are beyond our control.  You will be asked to acknowledge this by signing a liablility waiver form before your river trip. 

19. How do I choose the best outfitter?
Refer to our guidelines for Choosing the Right Outfitter.

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For Reservations & Information Contact: Adventure Center at Whitewater Challengers PO Box 8 White Haven, PA 18661 (800) 443-RAFT

Directions to Black River Adventure Center: Whitewater Challengers Foster Park Road Dexter, NY 13634