So the question always comes up on the river every season: Should I tip my guide? And, if so, how much?
Typically, we tell people it's not required, but much appreciated. Honestly, guides do not make what they are worth. Rafting is not a big money endeavor - lots of insurances and overhead to be paid. Guiding takes more than just getting you down the river safely. But, safety is still our number one concern.

We like to let people know, that they should only feel obligated to tip if the guide went out of their way to make your trip on the river special, extra fun, or made an extra effort to make you have a "extraordinary trip" on the river. ­­­There are many guides out there who only will give you a trip down the river (insert yawn) - believe us when we say we have seen it and, by the way, we don't hire those guys - Sorry, but there's the door! We are looking for the action and adventure in our guides. Anyone without a personality need not apply! Therefore, we urge our guides to go the extra mile and have fun with people without sacrificing safety in any way. Dumb jokes, funny stories, and a little education about the river and/or the area are just a few examples that may suggest a tip for your guide is in order.

In addition, making a trip personal for you is another big thing a guide can do to really customize your experience. If you were part of a bachelor party, did the guide make it a fun experience for you and make it a special trip for the groom-to-be? If you hosted a work group out on the river, did your guide emphasize the teamwork aspect of rafting to your boat-full of co-workers? These are things a professional guide can and will do that are examples of above-and-beyond and, therefore, should warrant a tip.

Now the big question - how much? It's not uncommon for a good guide to, sadly, not to get a tip at all - not all people who come on the river with us have an idea that a tip is a good thing in the world of rafting. Generally, we urge anything from $20 to $40 depending on how much your guide entertained you both on and off the river. If you really liked them, then go big! The amount you tip should also reflect the number of people in your group. If you have 6 people in the boat all in the same group, everyone could chip in $10 a person and tip $60 - a great tip!

In conclusion, tipping is a great way to show your guide you enjoyed the ride and that it was much appreciated! Just think how much you tip a server or bartender for a one hour meal at a restaurant. Now think about the person who just guided you down the river safely for almost four hours and, hopefully, left you with a lifetime of memories. Like we say on the river- (as with paddle in hand) give your guide the tip, not the shaft!

  So you went ahead and booked a whitewater river rafting trip and can’t wait to get on the water! (or maybe you haven’t yet, but you sure want to) Well the question always comes up – what do I bring with me? Good question – you would be surprised how many people don’t bring even the most simple things with them to the river. Below is a basic checklist of stuff to pack before hitting your favorite river.

First, Water. Seems kinda silly because you will be rafting in water right? Well just because your rafting in a white water river doesn’t mean you want to drink the river water. We suggest you bring a 16 oz. bottle of drinking water to drink while you are out there, working up a sweat paddling hard for us in the boat. If the temperature outside is 90 and your paddling hard, you can become dehydrated quickly.

Second, a fleece top. Especially important if you get cold easily or if you are coming on the river in the early season. Fleece is a synthetic material that will not wick heat away from your body like cotton when it’s wet. Like we say on the river – “cotton kills”, so just say no to cotton!

Third, sun tan lotion. Even if you are coming on the river in what you would term as not “suntan lotion” weather, the sky may be clearer that you think when you get to the river. Statistically, a sunburn in the #1 injury on the river; better safe than sorry.

Next, a towel. This is a great staple for any sort of water-based activity. It always makes life nicer if you have a dry body to re-assemble your quaint ensemble into. The larger and softer, the better!

In addition, don’t forget your camera. It’s always fun to have a few pics of the big adventure and our guides love to take a few shots for you. Don’t worry; we will have a photographer along the side of the river at the best rapids, so you are sure to have photographic proof that you braved the rapids. No need to spend a bundle on a waterproof unit, even your old 35mm one will work.

Don’t forget a swimsuit! Unless you desire to go “commando” a swimsuit for everyone is a really good idea. Your suit is worn under your wetsuit, for a more comfortable trip on the river.

Do you have asthma, diabetic, or take special medicine? Make sure to bring plenty with you and please make sure you let your guide know of them BEFORE the TRIP! We have medically trained guides on staff and want to know of any medical issues before the trip to best take care of you in the event of an emergency!

Maybe a hat? If you were blessed with one of those “perfect” heads, you know a hat is a really good idea to have on when the sun is beating down.

Sunglasses – enough said!

Also, water draining, outdoor adventure footwear is advised. On warmer days, we may give you the option to wear your own sandals or “keen” style footwear. All footwear must have a heel strap to be considered to be worn on the river – no flip-flops allowed!

Finally, a little cash. You never know when you may want that nick-knack on the trip to the river, forgot something, or just want to tip your guide, cash is always good.

With just a little prep, your next trip to the river can be made a little more comfy. Sometimes it’s just a matter of a few extra minuets, a small bag, and a little pre-trip thought.

Many people don’t have a clear picture of how the river classification system works.  It seems like would be fairly clear, but many people don’t know exactly what the classification of a river means when it comes to rapids and whitewater river rafting.  Many people think that a higher rating means better rapids; this is not so and we will explaine why.

The American Canoe Association defines class 1 thru 6 as the following:

Class 1 - Fast moving water with riffles and small waves. Few obstructions, all obvious and easily missed with little training. Risk to swimmers is slight; self-rescue is easy.

Class 2  - Novice

Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium-sized waves are easily missed by trained paddlers. Swimmers are seldom injured and group assistance, while helpful, is seldom needed. Rapids that are at the upper end of this difficulty range are designated “Class II+”.

Class 3 - Intermediate

Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid and which can swamp an open canoe. Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges are often required; large waves or strainers may be present but are easily avoided. Strong eddies and powerful current effects can be found, particularly on large-volume rivers. scouting is advisable for inexperienced parties. Injuries while swimming are rare; self-rescue is usually easy but group assistance may be required to avoid long swims. Rapids that are at the lower or upper end of this difficulty range are designated “Class III-” or “Class III+” respectively.

Class 4: Advanced

Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. Depending on the character of the river, it may feature large, unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure. A fast, reliable eddy turn may be needed to initiate maneuvers, scout rapids, or rest. Rapids may require “must” moves above dangerous hazards. Scouting may be necessary the first time down. Risk of injury to swimmers is moderate to high, and water conditions may make self-rescue difficult. Group assistance for rescue is often essential but requires practiced skills. A strong eskimo roll is highly recommended. Rapids that are at the lower or upper end of this difficulty range are designated “Class IV-” or “Class IV+” respectively.

Class 5: Expert

Extremely long, obstructed, or very violent rapids which expose a paddler to added risk. Drops may contain** large, unavoidable waves and holes or steep, congested chutes with complex, demanding routes. Rapids may continue for long distances between pools, demanding a high level of fitness. What eddies exist may be small, turbulent, or difficult to reach. At the high end of the scale, several of these factors may be combined. Scouting is recommended but may be difficult. Swims are dangerous, and rescue is often difficult even for experts. A very reliable eskimo roll, proper equipment, extensive experience, and practiced rescue skills are essential. Because of the large range of difficulty that exists beyond Class IV, Class 5 is an open-ended, multiple-level scale designated by class 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, etc… each of these levels is an order of magnitude more difficult than the last. Example: increasing difficulty from Class 5.0 to Class 5.1 is a similar order of magnitude as increasing from Class IV to Class 5.0.

Class 6: Extreme and Exploratory Rapids

These runs have almost never been attempted and often exemplify the extremes of difficulty, unpredictability and danger. The consequences of errors are very severe and rescue may be impossible. For teams of experts only, at favorable water levels, after close personal inspection and taking all precautions. After a Class VI rapids has been run many times, its rating may be changed to an appropriate Class 5.x rating.

What does this mean to you:

First, most people think the higher the river rating, the better the rapid – not always true!  Just because a river is only a class 3 rated river doesn’t mean it’s boring.  Case in point – The Wenatchee river.  The Wenatchee has some of the best whitewater in the state of Washington, but its only rated class 3!  Its rated class 3 because the rapids are open, free of rocks and trees, easy to run, and very accessible to highway 2.  Not to mention that at the end of each rapid is a calm spot, and it’s easy to swim to the side of the river. 

Many class 4 and 5 rivers are rated class 4 and 5 because they are complex to maneuver and often choked with rocks and logs.  A class 4 or 5 rapid can be hard to run not because of the rapids, but the difficulty of  maneuvering around those rocks and logs in running that rapid  Sometimes the rating can be obtained because of the danger of getting hurt if someone falls out of the boat. Not to mention, if someone was to get hurt, the road may be several miles away and hard to reach to obtain help.

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