GENERAL INFORMATION
Thanks again for the fabulous time our group had at our Kick Off event in August. This being my first big event, it really made me look good. I can’t count how many thank you’s I received from everyone. Your guides were wonderful. They made even the timid feel comfortable with their professionalism and humor. I would definitely recommend American River Recreation to any administrative assistant who wants to make a great impression and memorable event for their co-workers. – Theresa J.
Top-Notch Rafting Guides
Our California rafting guides are truly the pride of our outfit. Along with their river and boating expertise, our guides will entertain your crew with their expansive knowledge and stories of rafting going back to the Gold Rush days. Each of our rafting guides have First-Aid and CPR certifications and are fully trained on the rivers they run. Many of our California rafting guides have completed advanced training in technical swift water rescue and emergency medical treatment, and most have been with American River Recreation for several years. We owe it to our awesome guides who have helped earn our reputation as one of the best whitewater companies in all of California.
State of the Art Rafting Equipment
Our river boats are the highest quality inflatable rafts around. These state-of-the-art self-bailing rafts are made from a very durable rubber called hypalon and are perfect for rafting the rivers of California. The boats contain a multitude of air chambers, making them unsinkable. All of our rafting boats are equipped with foot holds for your safety and comfort. Our life jackets are Coast Guard approved. We carry dry bags for your personal belongings, First-aid kits, boat repair kits, and an assortment of safety gear. We are well prepared for relaxing floats to maneuvering on the river’s roaring rapids.
Why We Choose Paddle Boat Rafting
Most of our California rafting trips are in paddle boats where the rafting guide sits in the rear of the raft and steers, and everyone helps out by paddling. This method is generally more exciting and engaging. On an oar boat, the rafting guides do all the work while the passengers sit and hold on. For more information about this choice see our River Classifications information.
Who Can Go Whitewater Rafting?
Anyone ages 6 to 75 can generally join in the excitement of rafting. Our most popular trip is on the South Fork American, which is great for first-timers, as well as rafting veterans. Even non-swimmers are welcome to go rafting on our class II and III river trips. All of our rafting trips start with a safety lecture and a practice session. Then the fun begins!
Responsibility and Rafting — Safety Comes First!
After more than three decades in the business, we are proud to enjoy an excellent safety record. Needless to say, rafting in California involves some risk. That’s why we require all trip participants to sign a liability release before getting in the boat. For more information, download and read our Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability Agreement form. It is the responsibility of the person making the California rafting reservation to assure that all participants are aware of the conditions in this web site, in the brochure, and in the confirmation packet before arriving for launch.
Seizing the Best of the California Rafting Season
Our California rafting season starts April 1st and runs into October. Thrill seekers should choose trips in late April or May during the peak snow melt runoff. Around late May, the weather starts to get hot and the river stays at a consistent level for the rest of the summer. Weekdays cost less for river rafting in California and are better for solitude.
Group Rafting Trips and Travel
It’s the people that make rafting in California so special. Days on the river are a time to share with family and friends, scout troops, church members, and peers. We try to make this kind of trip more accessible and affordable to our guests. Groups enjoy generous discounts and special rafting trips are offered for families. We have also put together some group organizer kits to help make planning rafting trips easier.
American River Recreation can arrange round trip chartered bus service from the Bay Area and Southern California for your group of 30 or more. These deluxe coaches are equipped with reclining seats, TV & VCR, restrooms and air conditioning. Call our office for details on group trips for river rafting in California.
Team Building, In a Boat
Your organization may be interested in scheduling a California rafting trip for your employees. River rafting offers a great sense of camaraderie and teamwork. Employee participation in group recreational activities such as river rafting has a slew of benefits, including team building and bonding, qualities that can be taken back to the workplace with incredible results! We at American River Recreation have always enjoyed introducing people to the wonders of the great outdoors and the simple skills involved in learning to work as a team to maneuver a boat down the river. Hands-on participation while working together for a common goal such as river rafting breaks through barriers and offers a sense of accomplishment.
Take a Break From Rafting with a Deli-style Lunch
Meals are included on all our California rafting trips (with the exception of our half day trips). A typical lunch includes a deli- style buffet with a selection of meats and cheeses and all the trimmings. Chips or vegetables and dip, lots of fresh fruit, potato or pasta salad, home baked cookies, ice tea and ice cold fruit punch are also served. At the end of our day of river rafting in California, you’ll find a cooler full of ice cold refreshments. At dinner time, your California rafting guides become chefs. We start out with delicious appetizers, followed by a country-style BBQ with steak and chicken, tossed green salad, baked potato, corn on the cob, French bread, and a homemade dessert. Soft drinks, beer and wine from local vineyards are also served with dinner. Our breakfast consists of omelets, bacon, sausage, potatoes and blueberry muffins baked in our Dutch ovens and, of course, hot coffee, tea, milk and orange juice.
Spring for a Wet Suit
Many of our spring California rafting trips require wet suits. These can be rented through our office or from your local dive shop.
Rafting Trip Cancellations
We reserve the right to cancel any rafting trip due to weather, unusual water levels, insufficient reservations or other factors beyond our control. If a cancellation does occur, you will receive a full refund of all monies paid to American River Recreation for river rafting in California. This refund does not cover any other expense incurred by rafting trip participants.
Tipping Your River Rafting Guide
We are often asked if it is appropriate to tip our wonderful rafting guides. Although our guides are well compensated for their services, if you feel that your guide did an outstanding job, a tip is a great way of showing your appreciation.