FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
“I’ve never been on a river trip before. Which trips are best for me?”
People with no paddling or river experience can enjoy all of our trips. During high water, we do have age limitations on some sections of river, and we will recommend a trip suitable for your party.
“I can’t swim. Can I still go on the river?”
On all river trips, guests are required to wear a coast guard approved LIFE JACKET, also called a PFD (Personal Floatation Device). The PFD will keep you afloat in the event that you find yourself in the river. Many non-swimmers have had wonderful experiences on river trips. What’s more important is that you are not afraid of the water.
“I have a family with young children. Which trips can I take?”
This really depends on the child, the water level and the weather. For most Montana trips, the minimum age is six years old, although this number varies with water levels and the risk therein. We have a number of options for which section of river we float, and most likely can tailor a trip to meet your child’s needs. On our scenic raft trips we have taken outgoing children as young as three.
“What are my chances of falling out of the boat? What should I do if I do?”
Believe it or not, many people love falling out of the boat. It’s exciting. But it can also be disorienting and a little overwhelming. Many people have taken multiple trips and never fallen in. Some people swim on their first trip. It’s a part of the adventure. Before you go on any trip, our guides will give a “safety talk” that includes extensive instructions on what to do if you fall in, and how to stay safe. If you follow your guide’s instructions, falling out rarely occurs. In the event that it does happen, however, you can count on our guides – who are all rigorously trained in swift-water rescue – to get you back into the boat as quickly and safely as possible.
“It looks like rain. Will the trip still go?”
Most river trips go, rain or shine. Occasionally, due to circumstances beyond our control, such as high or low water, lightning, etc, we must cancel or postpone a trip.
“Are river trips dangerous?”
River adventures can be thrilling, exciting, wet, wild and unbelievably fun. All adventure sports, however, contain an inherent element of risk. Our guides are rigorously trained to minimize that risk, and statistically, you’re safer on a raft than you are in your car. One state government found in an investigation that the injury rate for whitewater rafting is similar to that for bowling! The most common injury on the river is sunburn, and most other injuries occur on land, especially when climbing on rocks or getting in and out of the boats. Nevertheless, all river trips involve risk, and you must accept that risk when you go on the river.
“How fit should I be to go? Is it strenuous?”
This depends on the trip. All of ort trips on the Yellowstone River are close to roads and outside assistance. None of our trips require you to be an athlete. You should be reasonably healthy, and must be able to fit into a life jacket. Paddling can be tiring, but our guides will instruct you on how to paddle efficiently. Oar boats, which allow you ride along as a passenger, are available upon request. If you’re in doubt check with your doctor before you go.
“I am a senior citizen. Which trips do you recommend for me?”
This depends on how much excitement you are looking for, and any health/fitness limitations. Many seniors have enjoyed all of the trips we offer.
“What is the cancellation policy?”
Advanced reservations are recommended for all trips, and can be made online at LINK TO ONLINE RESERVATION or by phone at (406)-223-5134. Short notice reservations are welcome for small groups and short trips. A 50% deposit is required to guarantee space and can be made with MasterCard, Visa or American Express. A 24-hour cancellation notice (2 weeks for large groups) is required to receive a refund.
“Can I bring my camera or video camera?”
We don’t recommend bringing video cameras or even still cameras on river trips. Many people bring disposable waterproof cameras, which are well suited for the task at hand – their picture quality is surprisingly good, and they don’t cost too much in the unfortunate event that you lose your camera to the river gods. On most of our whitewater trips, professional photographers capture your raft in an exciting rapid. You can view and order these photos after the trip.
We hope we’ve answered most of your questions. Please call or email us with any other questions regarding our trips. We look forward to hearing from you, and taking you down the river.
888-406-2214 -or- info@riversourcerafting.com
