Whitewater Rafting FAQs

Answers to Your Rafting Questions

Which river should I choose?
When choosing a raft trip, consider the age of the rafters, level of enthusiasm, location and season. You can also view our interactive rafting eChure to learn more about NOC's rafting adventures. Use The following categories to help narrow your decision:

	Family-Friendly Adventures Accessible to almost anyone, these trips are a great choice for first-timers and families with younger children. Rapids range from fast moving water with riffles (Class I) to rapids with large waves and fast current (Class III). NOC offers Family-Friendly Adventures on the Nantahala, French Broad, Chattooga III and Lower Pigeon. There are also Family-Friendly Adventures on fast water with Class IV rapids on the Upper Pigeon and Middle Ocoee Rivers.
	Action-Packed Adventures These exciting rivers offer whitewater thrills and spectacular scenery. Try out the Nolichucky, Ocoee Combo, Cheoah and Chattooga IV for plenty of Class III-IV+ excitement. Expect turbulent water, tight maneuvers, steep drops and lots of fun!

Do I need previous experience?
No, but you should be ready to spend a few hours to a full day participating in an outdoor activity. Prior rafting experience is required to raft the Cheoah River.

What should I wear on the river?

	Spring/Fall We suggest wool or synthetic layers on cool days. Wool socks, gloves and hats can also increase your comfort level on cool days. It's a general rule that in cooler weather, you should avoid cotton, as it is slow to dry and it keeps your skin cold when it gets wet.
	Summer For summertime trips or warm days, shorts and a T-shirt with a bathing suit will be sufficient. Once again, swim shorts or non-cotton are best.
	Tips for Any Season Shoes that fasten securely to your feet are required at all times. At any time of year, avoid heavy cotton fabrics. Jeans and sweatshirts are highly absorbent (think of a cotton towel) and will do nothing to enhance warmth or comfort level.

What exactly is a "Duck?"
Basically, Ducks are one- or two-person inflatable kayaks, also known as 'funyaks'. They are small and agile, and allow you to explore the river in a different way. Duck paddlers sit on the floor of the craft and use a double-bladed kayak paddle to maneuver down the river. In ducks, you can expect big splashes and lots of adventure. Guided duck rips and unguided duck rentals are available at the Nantahala River. We also run guided duck trips seasonally on the French Broad, Nolichucky and Chattooga. Double ducks are available only at NOC Rentals at our Main Campus on the Nantahala River.

Do I need to make a reservation?
Walk-ins are welcome, but to guarantee space on the trip of your choice, we recommend reservations, especially on holidays and summer weekends. A lot goes into the planning of a river trip, including scheduling of guides, photographers and bus drivers, packing lunch for full-day and lunch trips and ensuring that our equipment is always in top-notch condition. Call 888-905-7238 to reserve your trip, or book online by clicking the box to your right.

Are trips canceled when it rains?
Whitewater rafting is a very wet activity and we run trips rain or shine. In fact, we think this is the very best outdoor activity for a rainy day!

What does guide-assisted mean?
We run guide-assisted trips on the Nantahala River and sometimes on French Broad River, depending on the water level. After teaching you how to captain your own boat, our experienced, highly-trained guides lead you down the river in every second or third raft. In other words, Guide-Assisted trips mean there's a guide in every other raft.

What if I need to cancel my trip?
For all rafting trips, except the Cheoah River, cancel at least 14 days prior to the trip and receive a full 100% refund. Cancel 4-13 days prior to the trip and get a 50% refund or 100% NOC Reservation Credit valid through next season. Cancellations made less than 4 days prior to the reservation are non-refundable.

For Cheoah River reservations, cancel 30 or more days out and receive a full refund. Cancel within 14-29 days and get a 50% refund or 100% account credit valued through next season. Cheoah cancellations made less than 13 days before the trip are non-refundable.

Will I fall out?
Going for a short swim is always a possibility on a whitewater trip. You'll be wearing a Type V USCG-approved personal flotation device and we'll brief everyone on what to expect and how to behave in the event that someone does fall out. Keep in mind that the likelihood of getting dunked increases as the river classification increases; a High Adventure trip is generally a much wetter experience than a Family Adventure trip.

Do I need to know how to swim?
No, but you should be comfortable in and around water.

Is there an upper age limit?
No, the only age restrictions are on the younger end of the spectrum. We expect everyone to reasonably evaluate his or her fitness level before taking a whitewater rafting trip.

Will you take my picture?
Yes. Because memories of your trip are important to us, NOC photographers shoot every trip (weather permitting). On all of our river trips, you can see your photos right after you raft!

What do listed prices include?
Prices include all of the top-quality equipment you'll need for your trip: raft, paddle, personal flotation device, splash jacket and on some rivers during cooler weather, splash pants and a wetsuit. Prices do not included applicable taxes and fees, which differ by river, state and regulating agency. On the Nolichucky, Chattooga, and French Broad Deluxe trips, your price also includes a deli-style lunch. On the Rapid Transit trip, your price includes a boxed lunch from Slow Joe's Riverside Café. On the Ocoee Combo trip, guests are served a snack and beverages. Cheoah trips include a hot lunch at the Tapoco Lodge. The remaining trips do not include lunch. When you raft the Nantahala, stop by NOC restaurants for great food and river views.

Is there risk involved in rafting?
With over 30 years of experience, NOC's risk management procedures are unsurpassed. We train our guides extensively. Many current industry standards were developed by NOC. However, it is important that you and your group know this: Whitewater rafting, like all adventure activities, involves inherent risks. NOC does not assume liability for personal injuries or death. You will be asked to participate in our safety instructions and to read and sign an Assumption of Risk and Waiver Agreement prior to your trip. We cannot allow anyone impaired by drugs or alcohol to go on any of our trips. No refund will be made.