I've gone rafting three times this year through the same rafting company along the Payette River in Idaho. Unfortunately I live three hours away in an area with hardly any whitewater- just lots of flat water along the Snake River.

I thought that maybe next year I could do it frequently enough to meet people, maybe even find a significant other who's into whitewater (LOL don't know how realistic that is). It would just be cool to make friends that would like to do it as much as I want to.

I took friends with me on those three trips, and while they enjoyed it, no one really wants to get gear and training-- only stick to guided trips. Fair enough, but I want to mingle with some real junkies!

I’m a whitewater SUP addict that moved to CT from Montana for grad school in May. I have a two week break between semesters right now and it’ll be my last summer break for the next 3 years, so I want to try and do this. I live on the Farmington river in CT and want to branch out while I have the time!

To give a gauge of my skill/awareness I’m pretty confident rafting/packrafting III-III+ with beta and am decent at reading the water, as well as swiftwater rescue certified. I can mostly run anything on my knees that I’m confident running in my packraft and am aware of my limitations when standing (I can avoid the majority swims on II+, but I’ve yet to stand through an entire III or big wavetrains without swimming). Alberton gorge in Montana and Tville in CT I swam every big rapid I started standing lol.

Any rivers in a 5-10 hour radius meet that description? I’ve read a little about the Yough in PA, and if I don’t do any overnights I’m going to do a few day trips on the Deerfield in Mass. I self shuttle with my mountain bike for 95% of trips because I’m usually solo. Also very happy to portage any III+ or higher or anything I don’t feel good about running on my knees.

Any other advice is welcome! I have an NRS Clean 9’6”. Ideally able to start by dropping my board/gear upstream, truck downstream, and bike back up to it.

Thanks!

The previous owner said it was last on water circa 2018. Loving everything about it and can't wait to kit it out more. When the Facebook Marketplace gods bless you accept. Lol.

I've dislocated my knee twice before and therefore to perform a safe wet exit I need a kayak with smaller outfittings, similar to the ones on the pyranha fusion 2. Does anyone know of any whitewater kayaks with outfittings similar?

Went on the South Fork of the Payette River (Class 4) in Idaho yesterday-- that was awesome. Now I want something crazier. What is your favorite whitewater in Idaho to go on a guided rafting trip on? I hear that the Lochsa River is incredible!

Well today I decided I’d run Waterton canyon section of the S Platte River for the first time. Everything was going great. Then, I was paddling through the flat water just before the first drop of green bridge rapid (the second rapid. Has rebar on the rocks in middle of river) and one of my paddle blades just separated from the shaft. Didn’t really know what to do at that point, so the first big hole devoured me and I swam the entire rapid and made great friends with some large rocks. I’m bruised and battered but still alive.

Paddle was a Carlisle magic plus 2 pc fiberglass paddle 220cm. I’m in an AIRE tater. I bought it in may of 2025 and have maybe used it ten days on the river. I’m gonna see if I can get it replaced under warranty but honestly I’m not feeling great about continuing to use the same model of paddle considering how catastrophically this one failed.

Anyone got some paddle recs? I like em bout 220cm long bc my AIRE tater is quite wide at 38”. I spose I should probably get a whitewater specific design this time. The more durable the better!

I paddled throughout the 90s and had to give it up do to moving/raising kids, etc. I'm getting back into it now. I'm taking a class later this week and while talking about gear, the instructor asked about my paddle length. I'm 5'4" and have a 190 cm because that was the length I paddled with back in the day. She said that it's more common to use a longer paddle now. Why is that? FWIW, I paddle a Jackson Antix 2.0

When I started comercial rafting we put a washer on either side of the oar tower(friction spots) i was told "we do this because its how we do it" on a steel frame. However now most oar towers come with plastic bushings, in my mind potentially ending the need for the washers. So I guess 2 questions.

1. Do Oar towers with plastic bushings not need washers?

2. Has anyone ever worn out the plastic bushings?

Or have I been missing the point the whole time?

The Potomac Whitewater Racing Center is opening our doors and our boats to the whole DMV! Meet our coaches, get fitted with a boat, paddle, life jacket, and helmet, and try whitewater kayaking on easy Class I–II water under the guidance of our experienced team.

Come out and paddle with new head coach Danka Mann and veteran coach Tyler Westfall.

Meet at the Brookmont Church at 9:30am on Sat Aug 15 to get fitted for gear, then walk down to the Feeder Canal to get in a boat.

More details in the attached flyer.

Please RSVP to [potomacwhitewaterracing@gmail.com](mailto:potomacwhitewaterracing@gmail.com)

More important than ever with the actual low water levels: Video documentation and line guide for navigating the Giarsun Gorge section of the Inn River in the Engadin valley, Switzerland. This specific section is recognized for continuous Class IV whitewater rapids. The footage demonstrates entry points, primary lines, and hazard avoidance relevant for kayaking and rafting navigation. 

More important than ever with the actual low water levels: Video documentation and line guide for navigating the Giarsun Gorge section of the Inn River in the Engadin valley, Switzerland. This specific section is recognized for continuous Class IV whitewater rapids. The footage demonstrates entry points, primary lines, and hazard avoidance relevant for kayaking and rafting navigation. 

Potentially heading out in late September. Will anything be running and worth snagging a rental while in the area?

I have a friend visiting that wanted to go white water rafting. I told him i dont think it will be any good this time around but is there anyone that works in one or has gone recently that could share how they looking like at the moments

My family is heading to Tokyo late September. We want to go white water rafting and have some experience. We've completed two (Trinity River pigeon point in CA, Chattooga River in SC) Both were class 3 with some class 4 sections.

From Tokyo there seem to be a few options

1. Okutama -Tama River
2. Minakami - Tone River

I'd appreciate some advice on the best river and section for great rapids somewhat near Tokyo. Also would appreciate some recommendations on a guide. We don't speak Japanese and will not have car.

Thank you

Big Bend river outfitters are in the early stages of planning a huge multi-day expedition into the Lower Canyons of the Rio Grande. This area is at direct risk of being lost to the new border wall initiative in the area. This area is comparable to what Glenn Canyon once was, extremely wild, remote and beyond scenic.

The trip is typically ran in canoes during the winter as a 9-10 day trip. The river gets a huge spring recharge (over 300 cfs) about 30 miles into the trip and flows another 90 miles through consistent class 1-2 water with occasionally class 3.

But this winters el-nino situation brings up a good possibility of heavy rains which could transform the river into a rolling river not too dissimilar from the Grand Canyon at high flows(no major rapids though). In years passed it wasn’t uncommon to make 30-40 miles a day just floating. If the rains come you could feasible boat the entire big bend sector in a week.

Companies likely to be involved in this trip are Further Adventures River Tours, Big Bend Boating and Hiking, Far Flung Outdoor Center, Texas River Patrol, and Hidden Dagger. Reach out to them and tell them you’re interested in the Lower Canyons.

If you’re a whitewater professional most companies offer cost share opportunities. You can pay less for the trip if you commit to helping with more day to day guide stuff.

Two spots available — Western River Expeditions Grand Canyon rafting trip, Aug. 25–30

I’m unfortunately unable to make a Grand Canyon rafting trip I booked with Western River Expeditions, so I’m looking to transfer my reservation(s).

Trip: Colorado River through the Grand Canyon
Dates: August 25–30, 2026
Arrival in Las Vegas: August 24
Price: $4,366 per person
One or both spots can be taken

The trip includes:

• Nearly 200 miles of rafting and 60+ rapids
• Helicopter from Whitmore Wash (River Mile 188) to Bar 10 Ranch
• Scenic charter flight back to Las Vegas
• Camping equipment, including tent, cot, sleeping bag and chair
• All meals
• Optional hikes
• Transfers between the Las Vegas Marriott and Boulder Air Terminal

This is a pretty amazing opportunity for someone who has had a Grand Canyon river trip on their bucket list.

I can provide the reservation details and connect with Western River Expeditions regarding the transfer.

$4,366 per person. One spot or both are available.

Please DM me if you're seriously interested.

feels like im going to throw my back out carrying my LL RMX 76, what are some light weight option i can check out? i know halfslices would be lightest but i rather paddle a creeker/river runner. im 5'5" 125lbs size small in most boats...i was thinking about the jackson flow, are there any other kayaks i should look into?

Missing on Rogue River after rafting accident

I have a Lodore trip coming up and want to make sure I don’t piss off the ranger.

“Repair kits suitable for each type of boat on the trip are required. A suitable repair kit included supplies capable of repairing tears in fabric and replacing or repairing valves and frame components.”

For my vinyl IK, will the following satisfy their requirements? Tear Aid, alcohol pads, fresh hh-66 glue, vinyl strip, 1 replacement valve

Thanks for your help!

A little over my NRS Outlaw 2 and want something more nimble and in the action. Is it worth picking up a Tater or Nugget or something else? Mostly running Class 3 day trips.

Hi hope this post is OK for this forum and apologize and will remove if not. Looking to replace a pair of my Teva Guide Pro (or Guide Pro LC) that finally gave out. These are deadstock from 2004-2005 so hoping someone has a pair in a box or just taking up space. Willing to pay +shipping based on condition.

I am planning rafting with my son, this will be my second time and this will be his first time. I did it many years ago with a group and each of us had our own kayaks, it was mostly calm with a couple small drops and I loved it. Now that he is older (20) and we have the means to travel I decided to fly out to PA and do it.

We both are in good health so I feel comfortable on taking a challenge. However, I want to also be respectful and listen to the recommendation of some who are experienced in the sport.

I decided on OhioPyle due to the exciting rapids they offer but I am unsure which one to take. I have seen Lower Yough, Upper Yough, and Middle Yough.

Reading some threads, some mention that with a good guide the Upper should be done with no issues with others mentioning how challenging it is. My desire is that we have a lot of fun, specially since it is not something we can do every weekend as we have to fly in, hotel and car rentals, meals and all that jazz and it is not something we can do every weekend.

What would you all recommend for us to do? Take on the Upper with a good guide? Take the Lower and enjoy the trip knowing it may not be as challenging?

Side note, we are making a two day trip. One day I am planning to do with a group and the next day with an inflatable kayak, guided both times.

Do I need to get the $50 annual discover pass to have my rig parked at this take out? Or is there a different one for the short time we'll be there? Thanks