What should i wear rafting and what about my shoes?

We recommend dressing warmly in comfortable layers and bringing a pair of socks. Even during the summer months, Alaska's glacial-fed rivers remain extremely cold.

Before your trip, you'll be outfitted with specialized rafting gear, including a dry suit and river shoes. Your personal shoes will be safely stored at our office while you're on the river. The dry suit is designed to keep you warm and dry throughout your adventure, so under normal conditions, only your hands and head may get wet.

For the best experience, avoid cotton clothing and choose synthetic or moisture-wicking layers whenever possible.

What is the difference between an oar boat and a paddleboat?

Both raft types travel the same section of river and experience the same exciting rapids, but the level of participation is different.

Oar Boat

In an oar boat, your professional river guide controls the raft using large oars mounted to the boat. You can sit back, enjoy the scenery, and focus on the ride while your guide does all the work. This option is great for families, photographers, and anyone looking for a more relaxed rafting experience.

Paddle Boat

In a paddle boat, everyone becomes part of the crew. Your guide will provide instructions, and passengers work together to paddle through rapids and navigate the river. This hands-on experience is more active, exciting, and adventurous, making it a favorite for thrill-seekers.

What are the age restrictions for rafting?

Age recommendations vary depending on the trip and raft type:

Scenic Wave Run: Recommended 5 years and up in an oar boat, 15 years and up in a paddle boat

Canyon Wave Run: Recommended 12 years and upn an oar boat, 15 years and up in a paddle boat

Wave Train Combo: Recommended 12 years and up n an oar boat,15 years and up in a paddle boat

Please note that age recommendations may vary depending on river conditions and water levels. Contact us if you have questions about which trip is best for your family.

If I can't swim, can I still go rafting? Do I need any rafting experience?

Absolutely! You do not need to know how to swim, and no previous rafting or watersports experience is required to join any of our trips.

Every guest is provided with a U.S. Coast Guard-approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD), which is designed to keep you safely afloat if you enter the water. Before launching, your guide will conduct a thorough safety briefing covering rafting procedures, river safety, paddling techniques (if applicable), and what to do if you happen to fall out of the raft.

Whether you're a first-time rafter or have years of experience, our professional guides will make sure you feel comfortable and prepared before heading onto the river. Both our Wilderness Wave Trip (Class I–III) and our more adventurous Canyon Wave Trip (Class II–IV) are suitable for guests with no prior rafting experience.

No swimming ability, rafting experience, kayaking experience, or other watersports background is necessary; just bring a sense of adventure and we'll take care of the rest!

Do you take photos? Can I bring my camera?

Yes! Professional photos are taken during many of our trips so you can focus on enjoying the adventure instead of worrying about your camera.

For safety reasons, we discourage bringing handheld cameras, phones, or other unsecured electronics. These items are easily lost or damaged in the river. If you'd like to capture memories of your trip, our professional photos are often the safest and highest-quality option.

What gear will be provided for our rafting trip?

We provide all the specialized equipment needed for a safe and comfortable rafting experience, including:

• Dry suit

• River shoes

• U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD (life jacket)

• Helmet

• Paddle (for paddle boat trips)

Our equipment is professionally maintained and fitted by our staff before every trip to ensure your comfort and safety.

Can I bring anything with me on the rafting trip?

To keep everyone safe and comfortable, personal belongings are generally not permitted on rafting trips.

Items such as phones, cameras, wallets, keys, and bags should be left securely at our facility. Necessary medications, such as inhalers or EpiPens, may be brought on the trip and carried by your guide if needed. Please inform our staff of any medical concerns before departure.

How big are the rapids on each trip? What rafting trip will be best suited for my family/group?

Wilderness Wave Trip: Take in the beautiful scenery while floating along the outskirts of Denali National Park and enjoy rapids ranging from Class I-III. This trip is ideal for families with younger children (minimum age of 5), elderly family members, or families new to whitewater rafting!

Canyon Wave: Test yourselves against the most challenging rapids we have to offer on the Nenana River, ranging from Class II-IV (ages 12+). This 11-mile section of the river is not only some of the best whitewater in the state of Alaska, but you and your family will have ample opportunity in between rapids to take in the wild and scenic beauty of Denali.

What are the classifications of rapids?

Class I - Easy. Smooth water; light riffles; clear passages, occasional sandbanks, and gentle curves. The most difficult problems might arise when paddling around bridges and other obvious obstructions.

Class II - Moderate. Medium-quick water; rapids with regular waves; clear and open passages between rocks and ledges. Maneuvering required. Best handled by intermediates who can maneuver canoes and read water.

Class III - Moderately difficult. Numerous high and irregular waves; rocks and eddies with passages clear but narrow and requiring experience to run. Visual inspection required if rapids are unknown.

Class IV - Difficult. Long and powerful rapids with standing waves; big hydraulic waves and boiling eddies. Powerful and precise maneuvering required. Visual inspection mandatory.

Class V - Extremely difficult. Long and violent rapids that follow each other almost without interruption. River filled with obstructions. Big drops and violent currents. Extremely steep gradient. Even reconnoitering may be difficult. Rescue preparations mandatory. Can be run only by top experts.

Class VI - Extraordinarily difficult. Paddlers face a constant threat of death because of extreme danger. Navigable only when water levels and conditions are favorable. This violent whitewater should be left to paddlers of Olympic ability. Every safety precaution must be taken.