A good river day starts with preparation.

Preparation starts before the put-in.

Whitewater rafting and river travel involve risk. The right trip is one that fits the river conditions and the people taking it. Tell us about experience, swimming concerns, children, health considerations or mobility needs before booking. Follow the guide’s instructions and wear all required gear during the trip.

Guides, training & trip readiness

• Owners Nate and Becky Pelton have guided Adirondack rivers for more than two decades.
• The published guide program includes New York State licenses, CPR and Wilderness First Aid certification; many guides have additional medical training.
• A first-aid kit is carried on every trip, and trips have communications with headquarters.
• Boats are not overloaded; the group size is part of handling the raft well.
• Buses, vans and trailers are subject to annual New York State safety inspections.

The gear is part of the rate.

The operator’s equipment page lists the following gear and sizes. Personal gear is washed after use; confirm a fit or sizing concern before reserving.

• 3 mm wetsuits: XS–XXXXL
• 3 mm booties: sizes 4–15
• 3 mm gloves: XS–XXL
• Splash jackets: S–XXL
• Helmets, USCG Type V PFDs and paddles: youth and adult sizes
• Sotar and Maravia rafts, made in the USA

Age, experience & moving water

The summer Hudson guideline is age 6+ with an adult. Extremely high water and Class V trips normally require age 18+. Size and weight can matter in colder conditions. These are published guidelines, not a promise that every date suits every guest.

Hudson experience is generally not required except in extremely high water. The Moose River FAQ says prior experience is required because of Class V rapids; call to confirm whether those trips are currently offered.

The existing FAQ says swimming ability is not required and a Coast Guard-approved PFD must be worn on the river. That does not eliminate moving-water risks. Discuss any concerns before you book.

River classes & changing conditions

• Class I · Beginner: very easy water with small, regular waves and riffles.
• Class II · Novice: easy rapids and waves that require some maneuvering.
• Class III · Intermediate: moderate difficulty, larger waves and features that require skilled maneuvering.
• Class IV · Advanced: powerful rapids and hazardous features that require precise maneuvering.
• Class V · Expert: very difficult, long rapids with strong turbulence and obstacles requiring expert maneuvering. The operator’s Moose River guidance requires prior experience.

Water level, weather and the chosen route can affect difficulty and participation requirements. Read the Hudson’s spring and summer rapid ratings and rely on current guide instructions rather than assuming the classification is fixed.

Your responsibilities

• Be honest about experience, comfort in water and needs that could affect participation.
• Arrive at the confirmed time and come dressed for the season.
• Follow guide instructions and wear the required PFD, helmet and other equipment.
• Read and sign the liability release before participating.

Weather, cancellations & accessibility

Trips run rain or shine under the published cancellation policy. River conditions may affect the route and suitability; call for current guidance. The source policy does not specify a guaranteed remedy for an operator weather cancellation, so ask the team about that situation before booking.

For parking, river transfers, accessible arrival arrangements or equipment needs, contact us before reserving. The published pages do not describe an accessible launch or guarantee a particular accommodation.