Whitewater Rafting Frequently Asked Questions

Hudson River Gorge, New York

1. What do we wear on the hudson river?
In cold weather or water, a wet suit is best.  These can always be rented at our rafting center.  In milder conditions, a wool sweater or windbreaker is ideal.  In warm summer weather, a swimsuit or shorts and T-shirt are appropriate.  Always wear laced shoes with sturdy soles (wet suit boots or sneakers are great).  Sandals and river socks provide less protection to toes and feet.  In cool or cold conditions avoid wearing cotton, either on its own, or under a wet suit or windbreaker.  Cotton, when wet, loses all insulation value and will make you colder, not warmer.  A ski-type cap is very important in colder weather, and a baseball cap, visor or sunglasses are helpful in bright, sunny weather.

2.  What can we bring on the hudson?
In the raft, bring as little as possible.  If there is medication you do or might require, keep it with you on the river.  Towels, dry clothes, valuables, and other than waterproof cameras should be left locked in your car.  Avoid bringing food other than perhaps a light snack (candy bars are a great energy booster) or bottled water.

3.  How do we get back at the end of the day?
Your vehicle will remain at our rafting center, and our free shuttle buses will take you to and from the river.  At the Hudson River, your trip ends at the rafting center, so no bus shuttle is required.

4.  How deep is the water?
River depths vary.  Slow, calmer stretches of water tend to be those that are deeper.  Faster, choppy water tends to be shallow, often 4 feet deep or less.  Regardless of the depth, however, if you should find yourself overboard (this is rare) in fast moving water, the proper procedure is to float on your back, feet pointed downstream. Don't attempt to stand until the water is less than 18 inches deep.  A guide or nearby raft will assist you, or you may prefer to simply swim to shore.

5.  Do I have to know how to swim?
Swimming ability is not required, except on the very difficult Class V section of the Lower Moose River.  (Nevertheless, if you are especially apprehensive in or around water, you may want to consider one of our land-based adventures.  Rafting, by its nature, places you on, in or around water most of the day.)  On all of our trips a PFD is worn at all times.  Safety equipment will not fit all shapes and sizes, so please consider this in planning your reservations.  Also, please remember that whitewater rafting is an active sport that requires some exertion on your part.  The larger the rapids, the better your physical conditioning should be.  

6.  How big are the rapids at the hudson river?
Rapids are rated from Class I (easiest) to Class V (most challenging).  Class VI is considered to be not navigable without unreasonable risk of injury.  The Hudson River can be Class IV or Class V in the Spring, and is typically Class III or Class IV during the Summer and Fall.

7.  Do I need whitewater experience for a hudson river trip?
All except our Class V Lower Moose trips are open to first time rafters.

8.  How old must I be?
Minimum age for the Hudson River is 16 in early Spring, 14 in late Spring, and 10 during the Summer and Fall.

9.  How do I decide which river to run?
For youth groups, families and first timers, we generally recommend beginning with a trip on the easier portion of the Lehigh River, the Salmon River, the middle Moose River or a summertime trip on the Hudson River. For a more challenging adventure, select a Springtime or Dam Release   Lehigh River "Exhilarating Whitewater" trip, a summertime Black River trip, or a Springtime Hudson River trip. For very challenging whitewater, choose the Black River in May or early June, or the Hudson River in April. And for extreme whitewater, select the Lower Moose River in April.

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

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