Colorado Rafting - Kayaking - Frequently Asked Questions
Established in 1971, Our Experience Makes Your Experience!
As an outfitter we get asked a lot of questions like "how deep is the water?", "how fast is the river?" and so on. These, we have found, can be answered fairly generically with "it varies" or "it depends", but here we will try to answer some common questions.
Why should I choose Raven Rafting?
What should we bring?
Which Trip Should I Choose?
When is the best time to go?
Is previous experience required to raft the Royal Gorge?
Is rafting safe?
How much are wetsuits?
What if it rains?
Do we bring our own lunch on a full day trip?
How many people fit in a raft?
What discounts do you have?
Do I need to know how to swim?
What about medical conditions?
Do you have gift certificates?
Is tipping expected?
Why should I choose Raven Rafting?
The short answer is our commitment to providing you with the best trip possible. For the most part all outfitters have excellent guides and state-of-the-art equipment. The difference is in how you are treated. At Raven Rafting we have an unparalled dedication to your safety, comfort, and enjoyment. The price of our trips is the cost to go rafting (plus tax!). You won't be surprised by all the "extra" costs once you arrive. We consider wetsuits, boots and splash jackets to be an essential option as part of both your comfort and safety, and you don't pay extra for them! We are the only outfitter to require (and provide) helmets on all river trips. When you call, we will talk to you and answer all your questions, and do our best to direct you to a suitable trip. It is gratifying to know that our largest customer base is repeat guests and the friends they have referred. [back to top]
What should we bring?
You should bring a bathing suit or shorts and a shirt. There is no charge for the use of wetsuits, boots, or splash jackets if you would like to use them. Cotton clothing is cold when wet and should be avoided. Proper footwear is required. You can not go rafting in bare feet, flip flops, or crocs. Sunscreen is a good idea. Sunglasses, eyeglass straps, bottled water, and waterproof disposable cameras are also popular items, and are available in our gift shop. Please inquire about out extensive list of things to consider bringing if you are going on an overnight trip. [back to top]
Which Trip Should I Choose?
You should choose a trip based on the level of difficulty, the ages of the participants (particularly children), your physical condition, length of trip, and the type of raft (paddle, paddle-assist, or oar) you prefer. A key is located at the bottom of each page to show the level of difficulty of each river section. All ages and abilities will enjoy our trips on Bighorn Sheep Canyon of the Arkansas, or our Beginner Trip on Clear Creek. Adventure seekers should consider our more advanced trips on Clear Creek or the famous Royal Gorge. Full day trips are only available on the Arkansas River. Full day trips become more challenging as the day progresses, and are an excellent opportunity to tune up your skills before you "hit the big stuff.", particularly if you are considering challenging the Royal Gorge. Minimum requirements for Bighorn Canyon trips are 5 years old and approximately 50 pounds.
If you have a child younger than 5 our Family Float is a great option. We frequently have one parent float with the tots while the other parent takes the rest of the group on one of our whitewater trips.
Multi-day trips are for those wishing to get away from it all. These leisurely paced trips camp along the riverbanks in rustic settings where you fall asleep and wake up to the sounds of the river. All meals are provided and prepared by our guides. We have a limited supply of quality tents and sleeping bags available at no charge, or you can bring your own if you prefer. [back to top]
When is the best time to go?
There really is no "best time". We are open March through October. Water levels fluctuate through the season, with peak water levels usually occurring between late May and early July. The biggest waves and wettest rides correspond with the peak water levels. Temperatures in May and early June are generally warm, but can be unpredictable. July and August are usually quite warm and dry. Aside from the "high water", you will encounter mostly fun moderate level waters. You can expect low water on very early and late trips. These trips are particularly interesting due to the technical challenge presented more so than the difficulty of the rapids. July is the busiest month of the season. Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends, but we do not charge an additional fee for weekend trips. [back to top]
Is previous experience required to raft the Royal Gorge?
No. We take many people who have never rafted before on trips through the Royal Gorge. The keys to a successful trip include the desire to be on a challenging trip and the ability to follow the directions of your guide. One option is a paddle-assist raft, in which the guide will have a large set of oars. These oars give the guide much greater control of the raft. Another option is to go on a full-day trip. The morning portion is less difficult and will give you plenty of opportunity to master the skills necessary to run the Royal Gorge. [back to top]
Is rafting safe?
Whitewater rafting is an outdoor adventure sport with an element of inherent risk, and it is possible to be injured. Is it dangerous? No, but no reputable outfitter should tell you it is absolutely safe. The uncontrolled and sometimes unpredictable elements of a naturally flowing river are part of the thrill of whitewater rafting. The water levels and difficulty of the rapids are factors but, statistically, you are much more likely to be injured playing basketball or skiing. An experienced outfitter familiar with the varying conditions likely to be encountered can greatly minimize the risks involved. The use of alcohol or illegal drugs before or during a trip is both illegal and forbidden. Anyone under the influence will be removed from a trip without refund. [back to top]
How much are wetsuits?
Wetsuit use is FREE, as well as the use of boots and splash jackets. We consider these items to be essential gear and consequently make them available at no cost. [back to top]
What if it rains?
We run rain or shine, although it doesn't rain much during the summer months here. We reserve the right to modify or shorten trips if we think it is unsafe to continue. [back to top]
Do we bring our own lunch on a full day trip?
No, we provide a deli style riverside buffet lunch including fresh rolls, meats, cheeses, relishes, fruits, vegetables, chips and beverages. [back to top]
How many people fit in a raft?
Seven people, plus one guide, are normally the most guests in a raft. Our average is 5.5 guests per raft. [back to top]
What discounts do you have?
One of our best offers is the Family Raft Deal on Bighorn Sheep Canyon, where children rafting with their parents pay three times their age on half-day trips and five times their age on full-day trips. Military and AAA members, and their immediate family, are eligible for a 10% discount off regular prices with proper identification. For groups of 11-29 there is a 10% discount and a 20% discount for groups of 30 or more. For groups of 20 or more the group organizer is eligible to raft for free. We also extend our best group pricing structure to scouting groups regardless of the size. We do accept competitors coupons. [back to top]
Do I need to know how to swim?
No. Your PDF (personal floatation device, or life jacket) is US Coast Guard approved and is designed to keep you afloat should you find yourself out of the raft. An extensive pre-trip safety orientation is presented before all trips. This orientation covers most situations you might encounter during your trip. Swimming ability is recommended for our Royal Gorge. [back to top]
What about medical conditions?
Use your common sense or that of your physician. Rafting is not recommended for persons with serious medical conditions such as heart problems, serious respiratory ailments, obesity, or osteoporosis. We are able to accommodate most handicapped persons. If you have specific concerns please let us know and our office staff will be glad to help you find a trip suitable for you. Failure to disclose serious conditions can result in injury or death. Bring any required medications with you and your guide will safely store them for you during your trip. [back to top]
Do you have gift certificates?
Yes, you can purchase gift certificates all year through our office. [back to top]
Is tipping expected?
Tips are accepted and appreciated, but not expected or required. Our guides are adequately compensated, but the difference between a good river trip and a great river trip is frequently the guide. If you are inclined to tip a good reference is how you would tip in a restaurant. [back to top]
