I just got back from doing it on the Colorado river. I've also been on the New River in WV. Great times but can be dangerous. My dad almost died when their raft flipped and he got sucked into an undercut rock.

Looks like I'll be going Whitewater Rafting for my first time on July 3rd on the Upper New River in West Virginia. Any advice?

I've done the Salmon River in Idaho. There where placees I seen that are only available by river. We took a 35 mile gravel road thru the woods to just get to the drop off point. A jet boat brought us back up the river.

I've been a few times. I've rafted New River a couple times, and I love going on the Gauley - both in WV.

 

I have done both of these. It's so much fun.

I've been twice and both times it was an excellent time. Both were in WV, and the first time was quite nerve racking. They bus us through the sticks, and give us this horrifying speech on how dangerous it can be. Then during the trip some lady falls out and she's screaming her lungs off, while the lead failed to reach her with the rope multiple times. Then at the end of the six hour trip, I have to potty real bad. Now I know once we get on the bus they are going to have some adult beverages present, and it's about 30 minutes back to the camp. So we hit the last 1/2 mile stretch, and it's very calm water. The lead says if we want we can jump in and let the current take us to the banks. I thought what a great opportunity to relieve myself so I jump in, I can't for the life of me explain how cold the water is, it's like jumping into the shower thinking the water is going to be warm and you can't catch your breath. In the shower you can adjust and make it warmer, but you don't have that option in the river. It was so cold I couldn't even think about relieving myself.

I've been twice and both times it was an excellent time. Both were in WV, and the first time was quite nerve racking. They bus us through the sticks, and give us this horrifying speech on how dangerous it can be. Then during the trip some lady falls out and she's screaming her lungs off, while the lead failed to reach her with the rope multiple times. Then at the end of the six hour trip, I have to potty real bad. Now I know once we get on the bus they are going to have some adult beverages present, and it's about 30 minutes back to the camp. So we hit the last 1/2 mile stretch, and it's very calm water. The lead says if we want we can jump in and let the current take us to the banks. I thought what a great opportunity to relieve myself so I jump in, I can't for the life of me explain how cold the water is, it's like jumping into the shower thinking the water is going to be warm and you can't catch your breath. In the shower you can adjust and make it warmer, but you don't have that option in the river. It was so cold I couldn't even think about relieving myself.

 

Did you wear a wet-suit? Most places have a wet-suit rental. The first time I went, I did not get one and froze my butt off. After that, I opted for the wet-suit, and it helps provide some warmth should you fall or jump into the water.

Looks like I'll be going Whitewater Rafting for my first time on July 3rd on the Upper New River in West Virginia. Any advice?

 

New River is a piece of cake, great beginner rapids, so I say just enjoy it. The rapids will be fun, but not dangerous. You will probably run into some boring stretches from one rapid to the next, so be prepared for that. Sometimes during these parts, your guide will let you get out and float for a while. If you don't like REALLY cold water, then rent a wet-suit....or try not to get thrown out.

 

On the topic of getting thrown out. DO NOT hog the rope. Your raft will most likely have a rope in front of you that you can hang onto in case it get's too wild. You should only use this if you absolutely have to. If you freak out and start grabbing the rope every time you hit a rapid, then you won't be paddling, and when people don't paddle, the raft does not go where it's supposed to. Plus your guide will likely call you out and make fun of you.

 

You'll be out all day and most likely sore afterwards. So if possible, get a cabin with a hot tub and bring some adult beverages. If the hot tub isn't a possibility, bring more adult beverages.:sssh:

We had wet suits, but we went in the Spring, I would guess the water was in the low 50's.

I'm actually going again next weekend!

New River is a piece of cake, great beginner rapids, so I say just enjoy it. The rapids will be fun, but not dangerous. You will probably run into some boring stretches from one rapid to the next, so be prepared for that. Sometimes during these parts, your guide will let you get out and float for a while. If you don't like REALLY cold water, then rent a wet-suit....or try not to get thrown out.

 

On the topic of getting thrown out. DO NOT hog the rope. Your raft will most likely have a rope in front of you that you can hang onto in case it get's too wild. You should only use this if you absolutely have to. If you freak out and start grabbing the rope every time you hit a rapid, then you won't be paddling, and when people don't paddle, the raft does not go where it's supposed to. Plus your guide will likely call you out and make fun of you.

 

You'll be out all day and most likely sore afterwards. So if possible, get a cabin with a hot tub and bring some adult beverages. If the hot tub isn't a possibility, bring more adult beverages.:sssh:

Thanks. It's a family trip, so its probably for the better that it is a piece of cake. Hopefully that doesn't ruin the adult beverages part, though :lol:

Just got in from my weekend of Whitewater Rafting on the Ocoee. Did it all day friday and saturday, all I can say is I'm hooked, freaking awesome! Anyone else ever been?

 

I have been several times in Oregon and it is one of the most favorite things of all time and the most fun you can have in summer.