Wet & Wild Day Trip: White Water Rafting!

If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure this summer and like getting wet in the hot weather, one of the greatest escapes this part of the country has to offer is white water rafting. You don’t need to be an athlete or even a good swimmer, it’s relatively safe, and provides an exciting change from the shore or amusement parks for a fabulous family day trip.  All this, less than two hours away.

If you’re going with a big group, which we recommend as the more boats you fill with people you know, the more fun you’ll have (think massive water gun fights between boats), book as far in advance as possible. Not only will you get the trip you want, but also, substantial discounts apply depending on how many rafters you bring to the party. 

The only downside to booking in advance is that of course you can’t predict what the weather will be like when your much-anticipated rafting day finally arrives. Unless there’s lightning, the trips go ahead as scheduled, so don’t let any gray skies get you down.  In fact, rainy days can actually be fun and more comfortable than sunny ones!  

“Rapids” are classified by grades of difficulty from 1-6.  The vast majority of Eastern rivers do not go above Grade 4, and usually commercial trips top out at 3. Anything up to and including class 3 is generally suitable for families with children.  Of course, depending on the individuals involved, use your best judgment and speak with the outfitter.  

Do not try to ‘sneak’ younger children on trips that are not designed for them, as rafting is considered an extreme sport and can be dangerous when rules and guidelines are not followed properly.  Very young children may not have the strength, weight, or size to keep them in the raft when going over rapids and/or they may not have the listening skills and ability to follow precise directions from the guides.  They may also get bored, and a whiney child in the raft will make the trip less fun for everyone.     

Whitewater Challengers (www.whitewaterchallengers.com or1-800-443-RAFT) offers a wide variety of beautiful trips on the Lehigh River Gorge.  No matter which trip you book, plan to be away from home for the entire day.  The place is big, and there can be long lines for registration.  Also, the boarding site can be a 30-minute bus ride from the registration site.  But Whitewater Challengers is a popular option for many people because they offer professional service, fun guides and top-notch equipment. 

For the occasional chilly summer day or September weekend, make sure you rent the long-sleeved pullover rain jackets on site to wear under the requisite life vests (approx. $25 for the day). 

Pocono Whitewater (www.poconowhitewater.com or 1-800-WHITEWATER) offers similar trips, and is located in Jim Thorpe, PA.  If you’re a first-timer, Pocono Whitewater offers a very thorough orientation talk, which will put novices at ease.  Both operations offer entry-level family-friendly trips (Class 1-2 rapids) as well as slightly more adventurous trips on Dam Release Days when rapids can occasionally run into Class 3.   Dam release trips are more fun for older children, generally still safe for little ones (again, depending on the children) so check with the outfitters for requirements.   Keep in mind that the lower the class of rapids, the “easier” the trip, so more paddling is required.  For those in reasonably good shape, this shouldn’t present a problem, and your arms, shoulders and back will get a workout while you watch the beautiful scenery go by! 

Prices on all these trips vary depending on the trip and the outfitter.  Whitewater Challengers’ entry-level trip is currently $36.95/adult and 26.95/child, and again, prices do drop for volume.   Pocono Whitewater is currently offering a free barbeque lunch with some trips, and both outfitters offer sandwiches, snacks, and other goodies for purchase either beforehand or on site.  It can also be fun to pack your own lunch, snacks, and drinks to share with friends and family during a picnic lunch break halfway down the river.  (Do not pack anything elaborate, as tables and chairs and not usually available on the river.) 

On all trips, swimming in the river is offered at the guides’ discretion, but life vests are required for everyone.  For extra fun you, consider bringing  a couple of water guns.  The ensuing battles will up the fun quotient for the kids and give you a chance to dump buckets of river water on your neighbors’ heads without apology.   What could be more fun than that? 

Multi-day camping and adventure packages that include zip lines, kayaking, tubing, mountain biking, and/or paintball are also available. Whether you go for the day or the weekend, this is one great escape you’ll remember all winter long!