Family Whitewater Rafting in North Carolina

FAQ

Age 4 is our guideline minimum, age 3 1/2 is our absolute minimum. Young kids should be comfortable with water and a go-getter. Kids who are somewhat shy, apprehensive &/or not physically active may want to wait a year or two.

Over the years, we have taken hundreds of older kids (including teens) on our trips. Most are rafting with us on this trip because they have a younger brother or sister that's rafting with us. Older kids almost always have a great time on our trips. Yes, they can do bigger white water. Before the trip, they are concerned that they'll be bored. They never are. On the trip, they realize it's fun for everyone. They can be (and usually are) more playful than the younger kids. One or two person Duckies can be a great option for older kids. They add adventure and independence to the trip for them.

If you have kids under age 7, then this is the best trip for your family. If you have kids age 7 to 10, this is the best trip if you're not that active and adventurous or if someone is apprehensive.

All of our rafting trips are guide-assisted. This means there are guides along, but not normally in your boat. They are in solo boats leading, following, helping out. They are always on the river with you. This works great for most people. You can pay extra ($35.00 minimum) to guarantee a guide in your boat.

As part of the trip check-in process, we help you choose the best boat(s) for your family. You can choose from small and medium rafts and one and two person Duckys. Choosing the proper boat(s) for your family is important for fun and safety on the trip. We recommend you wait until you get here and talk with our guides before you decide.

Average water depth is 3 to 5 feet. There are calm pools over about 10 feet. Still water runs deep.

Yes. It's rare to stay completely dry on a rafting trip. Getting splashed is part of the fun. We usually stop and play a time or two on this trip. You don't have to get into the water. Anyone can fall into the river, most people do not.

Most people do not fall into the river, but anyone can fall into the river. It can be a little scary to you, but our guides are always nearby. If a child falls into the river, guides, parents and other nearby parents all react to help. If you fall in, you usually just get wet and we help you get back into the boat. Again, most people do not fall out of the boat into the river.

You usually spend 2 to 2 1/2 hours on the river. There is additional time for a safety briefing, getting outfitted, etc. Your total time here is usually about 3 1/2 hours.

We do provide a light snack on this trip. It's usually cookies, crackers (peanut butter & cheese), and water. It's not fancy but it does work for most people. You can bring along a light snack of your own if you want. No coolers and nothing big or bulky. Anything that goes on the river risk getting wet. If you have special dietary needs, you can bring along snacks that are appropriate for you. Please do let us know when you check in and we'll work hard to accomodate your needs.

Morning Mist rafting trips run Memorial Day Weekend thru Labor Day Weekend.

Grandparents and seniors rafting with their family's usually do good if they are in good health. Anyone can fall into the river, most people don't. It's possible to slip and fall. Rafts can get stuck and sometimes it can be challenge to get unstuck. There is usually a lot of sunshine on the trip, frequently seniors try not to get wet. On some days, if you don't get wet you can get too warm. These issues are not a big deal for most people, but they can be a problem for anyone who is not in good health or is not used to being active.

Big people who are in good health usually do great. If you are big and not in good health, we recommend you not take the trip. If you are big and in good health, then somedays will work better for you the others (we get a little more water). Let us know you are big (and in good health) when you make your reservation. We'll recommend the best days for your rafting trip.

We go rain or shine, you will get yet anyway. However, most summer rain here comes in the form of afternoon showers. The best way to avoid rain is to go on our "Morning mist". Our "Fun Run" trip gets rained on more frequently, but certainly not every day.

There is risk in any activity, including whitewater rafting. The Tuckaseigee is not hardcore whitewater and we work hard to provide you with a safe trip. We have an excellent safety record. Our guides are always on the river with you.

You will have a safer and more fun trip, if you have younger kids or beginners under age 11 in your group. No other outfitter on the planet has the specialized experience and knowledge we have in taking younger kids whitewater rafting. It is the focus of our business.

Our kid-friendly guides are always on the river with you, helping you have a fun and safe trip.


2011 is our 23nd season of rafting. We've taken more people down the Tuckaseigee River than anyone else on the planet.

Our gear is specially designed and chosen for taking younger kids and their families down the Tuckaseigee River.

We have rafts and lifejackets from several manufacturers. Every boat and lifejacket looking the same may look nice, but families come in different shapes and sizes. Our variety of gear allows us to put you and your family in the boat, paddle, and lifejacket the fits you and is right for your level of experience.

We have the most experienced guides on the river. They love kids, the outdoors, and know how to lead a fun and safe trip on the river.

Our guides have lead over 90% of the guide-assisted trips with younger kids ever taken down the Tuckaseigee River. Over the years, thousands of families with younger kids have chosen to raft with us. The two leading national magazines for fun things to do with younger kids have featured our rafting trips: Nick Jr. Family Magazine and Family Fun Magazine.