FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT WHITEWATER RAFTING

So you want to take a whitewater rafting trip! Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about planning a whitewater rafting vacation with Professional River Runners on Maine or New York rivers.

Why is white water rafting so popular?

We believe whitewater rafting is therapy for the soul and also an outdoor adventure. Visit our Photo Gallery for some great photos and laughs. On a whitewater rafting trip you escape from the Everyday Grind socialize with friends and strangers spend Quality Time in Nature push your endorphins into overdrive laugh from the bottom of your belly and experience a Natural High.

What does my day of white water river rafting include? How long is my day and what does PRO provide?

A 1-day rafting trip generally runs from 900 430. Every trip includes licensed guide shuttle transportation to and from the river safety equipment safety instruction granola bar snack hot meal or chicken steak salmon BBQ lunch and picture show or video show of your rafting trip.

How do I know which white water rafting trip to choose? What does Class I - Class V mean? Help!

Our guide to whitewater rapid class ratings can help you decie which river matches your speed. Rapids are rated from easiest to most difficult on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the hardest.

Are PRO River Runners reputable? How do I know PRO River Runners is a reputable rafting outfitter?

The Maine whitewater rafting industry is overseen by the Maine State Department of Inland Fisheries Wildlife. You are invited to contact the Department146s Information Center at 207 287 8000. The Department will confirm that PRO is fully licensed and insured has been in operation since 1990 and has an outstanding safety record. PRO also has a reputation for employing cream of the crop whitewater guides for having a high quality training program and for using state of the art equipment. See also About PRO for details on who we are.

What should I bring to wear?

Warm weather rafting bathing suit shorts water shoes sandals or old pair of sneakers they will get soaked towel and a fun attitude. Cold weather rafting wool hat wool mittens wool socks rain slicker or heavyweight windbreaker bathing suit towel and a fun attitude. Tips Synthetic materials such as polyester silk fleece Polartec and polypropelene have excellent insulating value. Ladies a pair of nylons works great under a wetsuit. Cameras Dont bother unless theyre waterproof.

Which river is best for me?

Depends on how far you want to drive the ages of your group members your whitewater experience and thrill expectation. Rivers are rated from Class I easy barely a ripple to Class V the toughest for experienced rafters only.

Are children allowed to whitewater raft?

Definitely! Children as young as 8 are welcome. We also host youth groups such as scouts school sports teams Project Graduations and summer camps. We can tailor a trip for your childs or groups needs. Find out more by visiting our Family Rafting Trips section.

Do you offer multi day raft trips?

Yes! Our specialty is Multi Day Overnight trips that range from 2 to 6 days. These trips combine other outdoor adventures including camping rafting canoeing or hiking.

How do I know the whitewater rafting guide is qualified?

We pride ourselves on our collective guide experience. Our staff averages 10 years of guiding experience. They are fully licensed insured and have some of the best medical and whitewater training in the industry. See Guides Gallery to ease your mind. What other programs do you offer? PRO can arrange an adventure therapy or professional training and team development outings. Team building programs in conjunction with whitewater rafting have been very successful. Call the office for more details.

Do I need to know how to swim?

No. The Coast Guard approved life jacket supplied by PRO is designed to keep you floating face up and on top of the water.

What other programs do you offer?

PRO can arrange an adventure for any group, including corporate and team development outings. Team building programs in conjunction with whitewater rafting have been very successful. Call the office for more details.

What else is there to do in the area?

Plenty! Maine is the Vacationland State and a recreation utopia. Kennebec Dead Rivers Located on Route 201 a AAA Designated Scenic Highway. Route 201 is a spectacular drive and moose sightings are not uncommon. A popular swimming hole carved right out of the Kennebec River is a 3 minute walk through the woods. The Appalachian Trail is nearby for day hikes. You can bring a mountain bike and tour miles of dirt logging roads. Moxie Falls the tallest free falling waterfall in Maine 90 is a 2 mile drive and an easy 30 minute walk in. Penobscot River Located on the southern border of Baxter State Park a 200000 acre wilderness park. The Park is the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail and home to Maines highest peak Mt. Katahdin. The Penobscot River region is an outdoor paradise opportunties for fishing swimming hiking biking and canoeing are around every corner.  We have also created a page of Maine vacation resources to help you plan your trip.

What overnight lodging is available?

We have many lodging options at our West Forks, Maine base camp choose from the bed and breakfast at Grand View Lodging, to condo or cabin rentals, or camping. For our other locations (the Penobscot River in Maine, Hudson and Moose Rivers in New York) we have made lodging recommendations under each river's description.

How much does a whitewater rafting trip cost?

Our whitewater rafting trips range from $25-$220 person. We offer early and late season specials. See Discounts for details.
What is the potential for injury?
Whitewater rafting is a relatively safe outdoor adventure sport that requires your active participation but is not without some degree of risk. You should be in good physical shape and expect to exert yourself. You should understand that accidents have and do happen. Injuries however are uncommon.

How long will it take me to get to Professional River Runners?

Maine Rafting:

Location: Penobscot River
Intermediate to Advanced . Minimum age 14 Previous experience recommended but not necessary
Location West of Millinocket Maine on the southern border of Baxter State Park

Approximate Drive Times:
  • 6.0 hours north of Boston Massachusetts
  • 2.5 hours north of Bar Harbor Acadia Natl Park
  • 3.0 hours northeast of Freeport Maine
Location: Dead River & Kennebec River
The Forks Maine Route 201:

Approximate Drive Times
  • 4.5 hours northwest of Boston Massachusetts
  • 3.0 hours northwest of Bar Harbor Acadia Natl Park
  • 2.0 hours northwest of Freeport Maine
Beginner to Intermediate . Minimum age 8 or 12 depending on time of year Excellent river for experienced and first time rafters

New York Rafting:
April & May only.  Overnight Trips are not available.
Hudson River Beginner to Advanced . Minimum age 8 12 or 16 depending on time of year .Previous experience may be recommended depending on time of year
Moose River Advanced only. Minimum age 18 Previous experience mandatory.

Location: Indian Lake New York

Approximate Drive Times:
  • 1.75 hours northwest of Albany New York
  • 4.5 hours northwest of Boston Massachusetts
  • 4.5 hours northwest of New York City
Location:  Old Forge New York
Approximate Drive Times
  • 45 minutes from Utica New York
  • 3.0 hours from Albany New York
Contact Us: info@proriverrunners.com | Office: 800-325-3911 | All Rights Reserved. © Professional River Runners 2010