Your Rafting Day Survival Guide: 10 Things to Know Before You Arrive
You’ve booked your rafting trip. The countdown is on. You’re picturing rapids, splashes, and an unforgettable day on the river.
Before you arrive, take a few minutes to read through these tips from our guides and reservations staff. These are the questions we answer every day, and knowing the answers ahead of time will help your trip run smoothly from start to finish.
1. Complete Your Waivers Before You Arrive
If there’s one thing you do before your trip, make it this.
Every participant must have a completed waiver before they can raft. Not “almost completed.” Not “I’ll do it when I get there.” Completed.
Double-check that the waiver has:
- The correct legal name
- The correct trip date
- The correct rafting trip
This is a legally binding document. We love Donald Duck, but he can’t sign your waiver for you.
Completing waivers ahead of time makes check-in fast and easy for everyone.
2. Your Arrival Time Is Not Your Launch Time
This is probably the biggest misunderstanding we see.
The time on your confirmation email is your arrival time.
Before you get on the river, you’ll need to:
- Check in
- Get any necessary equipment
- Attend a safety orientation
- Load onto transportation
- Travel to the launch area
There’s a lot that happens before your paddle ever touches the water.
3. Give Yourself Some Extra Travel Time
Construction happens. Flat tires happen. Traffic happens.
We share launch schedules with the other rafting outfitters in Ohiopyle, and trips must launch on time. We can’t hold an entire trip for one late-arriving vehicle when dozens of other guests have arrived as scheduled.
A little extra travel time can save a lot of stress.
If you’re running late, call us immediately. We’ll always try to help, but depending on the schedule, there may not be a solution available.
4. Pay Attention to Your Meeting Location
Many of our busy-season trips meet at the Guided Rafting Check-In Area rather than our retail shop in downtown Ohiopyle.
This helps reduce congestion and keeps trips moving efficiently.
Most often this applies on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, but occasionally we may use this location on other days when trip volumes are high.
If your meeting location changes, we’ll send you a text message with instructions.
5. Arrive Dressed for the River
The easiest way to start your day is to arrive wearing the clothes you plan to raft in.
For most summer trips, comfortable shorts and lightweight shirts work perfectly.
Your footwear should stay attached to your feet. Water shoes, sandals with heel straps, or old sneakers are all great choices.
Flip-flops and bare feet usually don’t work out very well.
6. If You Wear Glasses, Bring a Strap
The Youghiogheny River has collected a lot of sunglasses and prescription glasses over the years.
If you wear glasses, we strongly recommend a retainer strap.
Forgot one? No problem. We sell eyewear straps and water shoes at check-in.
7. Leave the Valuables in Your Vehicle
Phones. Wallets. Jewelry. Keys.
The less you bring on the river, the better.
Leave your valuables locked in your vehicle and give your car keys to the check-in attendant. We’ll make sure they’re waiting for you when you return.
Things that fall into the river have a habit of staying there.
8. You’re Going to Be With Us for a While
Most rafting trips take about 3½ to 4 hours from launch to finish.
Remember that you’re traveling through a wilderness area. Once you’re on the river, there aren’t any convenience stores, restaurants, or restroom stops along the way.
Plan accordingly before departure.
9. We Don’t Serve Lunch on the River
Many first-time guests ask if lunch is included.
The answer is no.
We recommend having a snack before your trip or planning to grab something to eat afterward in Ohiopyle.
You’re welcome to bring a bottle of water, but please make sure it comes back with you at the end of the trip. We work hard to keep the river corridor clean and pristine for future generations.
10. If You Need Medication or a Special Snack, Tell Your Guide
If you need medication during the trip or have a dietary requirement that makes it necessary to carry a snack, let your guide know before departure.
Your guide can safely store essential items in the first aid kit.
We want everyone to have an enjoyable day on the river.
One Last Piece of Advice
Relax.
You don’t need to be an expert paddler. You don’t need special athletic ability. You don’t need expensive gear.
Show up on time, complete your waiver, wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet, and bring a sense of adventure.
We’ll take care of the rest.
See you on the river!