Whitewater Excitement California River Rafting Adventures

PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit #25
Auburn, CA 95603
Whitewater Excitement, Inc.
P.O. Box 5992 • Auburn, CA 95604
800-750-2386
[email protected]
Best
in Class
Satisfaction
Guaranteed
Over
Over 155,000
150,000
Happy Guests
Why Choose Us?
• Great Customer Care
• Best American River Campground
• Best Value & Pricing
• Friendly Certified River Guides
• Multi-Sport Packages
Whitewater Excitement
• Online Reservations
• Incredible & Abundant Meals
• Best Alumni Discount
• Top-of-the-Line Equipment
• Private Riverside Group Camp Sites
California River Rafting Adventures
• 30 Years of Rafting Experience
• Over 155,000 Happy Guests
• Best Value & Pricing
• Best American River Campground
• Top-of-the-Line Equipment
• Incredible Meals & Service
Over 29 years of
California River Rafting Excellence
As we celebrate over a quarter of a
century in the rafting business, I would
like to personally thank the over 155,000
guests who have rafted with us, many
who return year after year. It has truly
been a pleasure sharing all the excitement and adventures with you. River
rafting in California is the ideal quick
getaway for excitement, fun and the
perfect way to cool off for everyone.
We offer 1/2 day to 3 day relaxing
rafting vacations 7 days a week, for a
total beginner to experienced rafters only
45 minutes east of Sacramento in the
heart of the “Gold Country.” Your outdoor
adventure vacations will be even better with new
tent Cabins and Bed & Breakfast Lodging, plus new
multi-day packages from romance, adrenalin,
multi-sport, family and more. For over 30 years,
our mission at Whitewater Excitement is really quite
simple — to make your rafting vacation with us a
Five Star/Best in Class Experience — Guaranteed.
Our commitment is to provide you the best in:
• Guest Services • Equipment • Facilities
• Well-Trained Certified Staff • Vacation Value
Why We’re Different
Your safety is our #1 commitment: Certified white water
rafting river guides, many who have been with us for years.
Top-of-the-line river rafting equipment: For your safety
and comfort we only use state-of-the art self-bailing
rafts. Also for your comfort we offer FREE use of
wetsuits and paddle jackets on all of our trips. Smaller,
less crowded rafts equals more fun
Personal attention: No matter if you are a first-timer
or highly experienced, our friendly staff is dedicated to
helping you have a great time on and off the river.
Outstanding and abundant meals and
beverages: Great meals with all the trimmings
including vegetarian options. Deluxe picnic lunches,
barbecued steak and chicken dinners, pancake, eggs
and ham breakfast buffets.
Best Value & Pricing Guaranteed
Our preferred guest discount is the best in the
business! And to make your decision even easier —
we will match any competitor’s offer publicized or
quoted in writing.
What’s New This Year!
• Comfortable Tent Cabins
• Bed & Breakfast Trips
• Story & Photo Contest
• California Rafting Podcast: News, Specials & Fun
• 2 - 6 day Multi-Sport, Romance, Adrenaline &
Family Packages
For more information and specials, see our newsletter and
go to www.whitewaterexcitement.com/news07.htm
Register online for chances to win
free rafting trips and learn about
more specials.
To keep up on WWE, their Staff & other
rafting news, check our blog site at:
www.californiariverraftingblog.net
Best Campground/American River
As another rafting season approaches, we look forward
to sharing yet another year of fun, excitement, and best
of all, fond memories that will last forever. I invite you
to join us April - September for one of the most rewarding and relaxing adventure vacations you’ll ever have.
Experience the Whitewater Excitement “Best-in-Class”
difference. Call us today! You’ll be glad you did.
See you on the river,
Norm Schoenhoff
Founder & President
Our deluxe private riverside campground is nestled in
a beautiful quiet nature setting. Location matters! Look across
the river at total wilderness, not someone’s house or another
campground. We’ve got the best campground on the
American River and we are proud of it.
• Deluxe Tent Cabins
• Hot showers
• 2–6 Day Multi-Sport
• New spacious bathrooms
Packages
• Shaded riverside campsites
• Horseshoe pits
• Groomed tent sites
• Shaved ice
• Private group areas
• Dedicated Camp Host
• Volleyball pit
Book your trip online at
www.whitewaterexcitement.com
1-800-750-2386
South Fork American River
...fun for the first-timer or veteran!
South Fork Highlights
Difficulty:
Skill Level:
Thrill Level:
Trip Options:
Season:
Min. Age:
Comments:
Class III
Beginning to Intermediate
Thrills & Excitement
1/2 to 2-Day
April - September
8 years
Great for Families & Groups
The South Fork of the American River is one of the
most popular rafting trips in the country — fun for
the first-timer or veteran, and great for the whole
family, too!
With its origin high in the desolation wilderness of
the Sierra Nevada mountains, the South Fork has
over 30 major rapids in its 21-mile stretch from near
Placerville to Folsom Lake. There are a variety of
different trips on the South Fork:
One-Day Trips
We offer three different one-day trips, each offering different
sections of the river and river miles. All trips, except the halfday trip, include our famous riverside buffet lunch at our own
private spot on the river. Also, we’ll have an ice chest full of cold
drinks and snacks waiting for you on the bus ride back to the
meeting point.
The Whole River Trip
This trip covers the entire stretch of the South Fork, 21 miles,
all in one day! Do you want to spend the whole day on the river?
This trip is a good choice. It starts early in the morning at
Chili Bar and ends late in the afternoon at Folsom Lake.
Rapids like “Meatgrinder,” “Triple Threat,” “Troublemaker,”
and the American River Gorge await you on this exciting trip.
The Gorge Run
Starting off with some mild bouncy rapids, and even a swim
through “Floater’s Rapid” (if you wish), this section of the
South Fork then builds and enters the American River Gorge,
where rapids are almost non-stop from the beginning to the end.
The Chili Bar Run
Beginning our run at Chili Bar and continuing 10 miles down
to our base in Coloma, this action packed run starts off with
a bang. Six miles of non-stop rapids such as “Meatgrinder”,
“Racehorse Bend”, “Maya” and the Famous “Troublemaker”
rapid await you. Lunch is included!
Half-day Specials
For those short on time, our half-day special are for you.
We run either a morning trip on the upper section of the river
from Chili Bar to our camp, or an afternoon trip from our
camp to Folsom Lake. Both trips cover a little over 10 miles
and are only $79 per person, Monday through Friday.
Two-Day Trips
How does this sound? Spend two days rafting, two nights
of camping out, and enjoy five gourmet meals, all at our own
private campground right on the river. Well, this is what is
in store for you on our two-day trip. You’ll raft the “Gorge”
section of the river your first day, and the “Upper Section”
on the second day.
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Book your trip online at
www.whitewaterexcitement.com
1-800-750-2386
Middle Fork American River
...excitement for seasoned or first-time rafters!
Middle Fork Highlights
Difficulty:
Skill Level:
Thrill Level:
Trip Options:
Season:
Min. Age:
Comments:
Class III & IV
Experienced or adventurous 1st-timers
More thrills & Excitement
1-Day to 2-Day
April - September
14 years
Requires good physical condition & swimming ability.
The Middle Fork of the American River, flowing
through one of the more remote canyons of California,
has some of the best summer class III and IV rapids
anywhere. The first rapid is “Good Morning.” If you
are not already awake, you will be after that first
splash of cold water hits your face. This river flows
18 miles through a very deep and isolated canyon
that has many challenging class III and IV rapids.
World Famous Tunnel Chute
Within the first few miles, you’ll encounter the “Tunnel Chute.”
Blasted out by gold miners back in the 1800s to divert the river
away from the famous Horse Shoe Bend, the river is squeezed
into a 12-foot cascading spillway that continues for 100 feet.
Then the river flows underground through a raftable tunnel.
There isn’t anything like it anywhere! Once it has emerged
from the tunnel, the Middle Fork races over five miles of rapids,
climaxing in “Kanaka Falls,” a class IV maelstrom that will test
each passenger to the fullest.
The river now mellows and enters its quiet side where you’ll
have a chance to relax and enjoy the scenic side of the Middle
Fork. Near the end of the quiet side, the silence is interrupted
by a deafening roar.
The river now enters the “Ruck-a-Chucky Falls” section of the
trip. Here the river drops eight feet over a runnable waterfall,
and then drops over a twenty-five foot, class VI, unrunnable
waterfall that has to be portaged (where passengers will have
to walk around while the guides use ropes to get the unmanned
rafts over the falls). Once back in the rafts, the trip ends with
a three-mile rush through the most demanding part of the trip.
Rapids like “Tightsqueeze,” “Crystal,” “Parallel Parking,” and
“Catapult” all come in quick succession.
One and Two Day Trips
We offer both one and two-day Combo Trips on the Middle
Fork. Our one-day trip includes the entire 18 mile stretch
of the river which is an all-day event that includes lunch.
For our two-day combo trips, please see our Combo Trips page
for more information. Both our one and two day trips on the
Middle Fork should be attempted by active participants
that are in good physical condition and good swimmers.
Non-swimmers and children under the age of 13 are not
recommended on the Middle Fork.
Comfortable Tent Cabins
If you love the outdoors and river rafting, but seek a higher
level of comfort, you will love our new tent cabins located in our
private campground on the American River. Each of our cabin
tents features four comfortable cots. Sleeping bags with liners
are available for rent.
Combine our tent cabins, hot showers, bathrooms with
your 1- or 2-day rafting trip with meals and you have got
a California river rafting vacation you will love. All you need
is your pillow Rates are $60 per night and sleep four.
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Book your trip online at
www.whitewaterexcitement.com
1-800-750-2386
Merced River
...near beautiful Yosemite National Park!
Merced Highlights
Diffculty:
Skill Level:
Thrill Level:
Trip Options:
Season:
Min. Age:
Comments:
Class IV +
Experienced or adventurous 1st-timers
Maximum Excitement
1-Day to 2-Day
April - July (depending on snow pack)
14 years
Requires good physical condition & swimming ability.
Only 40 minutes from Yosemite.
Tumbling from the high reaches of Yosemite National
Park, the Merced River is one of the wildest trips we
offer. Located just 31⁄2 hours from the San Francisco
Bay area, and 6 hours from the Southern California
area, the Merced is a great one- or two-day
adventure. Crystal clear cascades like “Nightmare
Island,” “Grand Slam,” and the giant “Ned’s Gulch”
are only a few of the rapids in this 18-mile stretch
of the river.
During the spring, the Merced really roars.
The rapids become almost non-stop and require
paddling crews that are experienced or adventurous
first-timers, and all need to be in good physical
condition for this demanding trip and you must
have good swimming ability..
Also during the spring, the Merced’s canyon floor is
blanketed with wildflowers. California poppies, redbud,
and lupine make this area a very beautiful setting.
One Day Trips
One-day Trips begin at Redbud picnic site (the highest we can
raft) and include the upper 31⁄2 miles of non-stop rapids that
begin the trip with a bang. The river trip continues through
part of the lower section of the Merced and ends with a flush
through “Split Rock,” and “Corner Pocket,” both class IV rapids,
just before the ending of the trip.
Wilderness Camping/Double Runs
Our two-day trips also begin at Redbud and flow down to
Railroad flat. This trip offers riverside “wilderness” camping
that is right on the river in a very beautiful setting. On the
following morning, we’ll tackle the lower section of the Merced
that has the longest and biggest rapid, “Quarter Mile,” which
requires our scouting the rapid before entering. Also, we’ll
have to portage (carry our rafts) around North Fork Falls, an
unrunnable 25-foot waterfall. We then have a lazy float into
Bagby, the ending spot for our trip. With the undammmed
nature of the Merced, water levels can change very quickly.
At times, the lower section of the “Quarter Mile” rapid becomes
too dangerous and at such times, we will raft the upper 22
miles again. All our Merced trips include the free use of wetsuits
and rafting wind breakers for your comfort!
Merced Rafting and Yosemite National Park
With Yosemite only 40 minutes away from our meeting point,
it is a must visit for those rafting the Merced River. The season
for rafting is also the best time to see the waterfalls of the park
at their grandest. So come and spend a day rafting with us
and a day viewing the spectacular Yosemite National Park.
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Book your trip online at
www.whitewaterexcitement.com
1-800-750-2386
Combo Whitewater Rafting Trips
...experience the best of both worlds!
Try Our New...
3 Day
South
and
Middle
Combo
Trip!
We also offer a South and Middle Fork three-day river trip.
We raft the “Gorge” section of the South Fork the first day
and the “Chili Bar” section of the South Fork the second
day, and saving the best for last, we tackle the class 3-4
Middle Fork the third day. 3 nights of camping, and
8 meals included.
We have, over the years, pioneered combination
trips. With our private campgrounds and variety
of vans and buses, the flow of the trip is never interrupted. The South, North, and Middle Forks of the
American River are excellent choices for combining
two or three different river trips into one exciting
adventure. There are many options available for trips
that are from two to five days in length.
South and Middle Combo
This, next to the South Fork, is our most popular trip. We raft
the “Gorge” section of the South Fork on the first day, and the
entire section of the Middle Fork on the second day for a great
two-day adventure.
Middle and South Combo
Raft the Middle Fork first and the South Fork second in
a reverse of our South and Middle Combo.
Middle/Middle 2 Day Combo Adventure
For those wanting the ultimate 2 day rafting trip, try rafting
the ENTIRE Middle Fork both days, challenging the “Tunnel
Chute” and the other class 4 rapids TWICE! Camping both
nights will be at our South Fork Base camp and include
5 meals.
South and North Combo
This two-day trip includes the entire section of the South
Fork on the first day in order to get everyone ready and
tuned-up for the challenge of the class 4 North Fork
American river and the Chamberlin Falls Gorge on the
second day.
All 2-Day Combo Trips include 2 nights of overnight
camping are at our private South Fork campground
facility, and 5 meals. Wet suits and rafting windbreakers are also included with this package.
ULTIMATE
2-DAY COMBO TRIPS
A add more adventure to our
Combo Trips and raft the
Whole River of the South Fork
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Book your trip online at
www.whitewaterexcitement.com
1-800-750-2386
Family Rafting
...fun for all ages!
Family Rafting Highlights
Difficulty:
Skill Level:
Thrill Level:
Trip Options:
Season:
Min. Age:
Comments:
Easy class 1 + 2
None required
Great fun in the sun
1/2 to 1-day, plus overnight options
Easy Class 1,2 and 3
April - September (depending on snow pack)
5 years
Fun for all ages!
Our Family Trips are a way the entire family can
experience our whitewater rafting adventures and
camping experiences, all in an atmosphere of fun
and learning. We offer 2 Day Family Specials
with kids ages 8 and up the second and fourth weeks
in July and August. For each full paying adult, the
kids go at HALF price. These 2 Day Family trips are
a great opportunity for the entire family to share an
adventure vacation together. We are proud to offer
these family trips and to get the chance to share some
special places and adventures with kids so that they
might grow to love and cherish these rivers and canyons and save them for generations to come.
Young Rafters Adventures
Our Young Rafters Adventures are for families with kids that
are too young for our regular rafting trips. Easy, fun, and
bouncy class 1 and 2 rapids that will give our younger rafters
a taste of whitewater rafting. We begin our trip at Coloma
State Historic Park, where gold was first discovered, and finish
7 miles downstream. We offer 1/2 day trips and also offer 1/2
day overnight packages that include rafting and camping at
our own private campground. For families with younger kids,
ages 5 and up, this is a great way to introduce them to rafting
and camping. Please call us for more information.
Book your trip online at
www.whitewaterexcitement.com
1-800-750-2386
North Fork American
...the ultimate!
North Fork Highlights
Difficulty:
Skill Level:
Thrill Level:
Trip Options:
Season:
Min. Age:
Comments:
Class IV +
Experienced Rafters
Maximum Excitement
1-Day to 2-Day Combinations
April - June (depending on snow pack)
14 years
Requires good physical condition and swimming ability.
Only 40 minutes from Sacramento.
Starting as a mild stream, the North Fork of the
American River quickly gathers momentum and
enters the class IV “Chamberlin Falls Gorge,” the most
difficult of all the forks of the American. Running
only in the early spring with the melting snow from
the Sierras, the North Fork drops through a very
steep gorge between house-sized boulders and over
waterfalls that reach eight feet in height. Crystal clear
water and rapids that seem endless are the trademark of this technical, challenging river. This is one of
the most beautiful rivers in the Sierras and should be
attempted by those with previous rafting experience
and who are in good physical condition. Wet suits
are a must for this trip and are included when you
raft with us. We offer one-day trips on the North Fork
of the American River. One-day trips cover nine miles
and include a stop for lunch.
Book your trip online at
www.whitewaterexcitement.com
1-800-750-2386
Excitement Costa Rica
...welcome to Costa Rica EXCITEMENT!
Pacuare River
Class III-IV
This tour will take you through one of the most popular
and exciting rivers of the world because of the scenery,
rapids, waterfalls and crystalline waters.
Class III
The river section that you will enjoy is recommended for
beginners because of the low/medium difficulty of the
river rapids.
Class III-IV
This trip will take you through one of the most thrilling
and popular rivers of the country, the Reventazon River.
This section known as Florida, is suitable for beginners.
Sarapiqui River
Reventazon River
Whitewater Excitement is proud to present Excitement
Costa Rica (www.excitementcostarica.com), a whitewater rafting company that Whitewater Excitement
owner Norm Schoenhoff has teamed up with long
time Costa Rican Guide and native Jorge Solano to
start. Jorge is one of the original guides to raft the rivers
in Costa Rica. He has helped bring rafting in Costa
Rica to the high standards they are in the states.
To wet your appetite (no pun intended), check out the
beautiful tropical scenery, wildlife, and thrilling river
runs that await you when you book one of our Costa
Rica whitewater rating trips. Excitement Costa Rica is
the result of many years of experience and satisfied
clients all over Costa Rica and California; totally committed to give a quality service, with the highest standards,
safety measures, total respect towards the environment,
and excellent staff that will assure you that the goals of
the trip will be fulfilled.
Rafting Tours
On this trips we invite you to an experience you enter in
a mixture of adventure, nature and an Exchange cultural.
We offer trip on 3 rivers in Costa Rica, with the Pacaure as the
most popular and exciting of them all. The Pacaure offer some
of the most thrilling rapids that come almost non-stop with
a trip back in time through a remote jungle setting. One and
two day trips are available with options to stay at the beautiful
Pacaure River Lodge and add an exciting Canopy Tour,
Horseback Riding, and Biking Adventures.
Irazú VolcanoTour
The tour starts 32 kilometers north-east from Cartgo city,
first capital of Costa Rica, near the Irazu Volcano National Park
main entrance. You will pass by a sub-conic and irregular
shape volcano that extends approximately 500 km2 and
reaches an altitude of 3432 meters above sea level. The Irazu is
the tallest and biggest volcano in Costa Rica, and in clear days
you will be able to see both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans,
and lots of Costa Rica land.
Horseback Riding “Bajo del Tigre”
Bajo del Tigre is the closest community of the Pacuare River
accommodations, and on the journey to the little town you will
have the chance to see different types of birds, sloths and flora
like orchids, bromeliads, and heliconias, among others.
Canopy Tour
Arriving to Santa Marta, a transport will transfer the clients
4 kilometers until the beginning of the canopy, where specialized
guides will take charge of preparing to the whole group for
literally to fly for the top of the trees, a good chat of security
and instructions and everybody ready for the
adventure.
Futalafu River in Chile (www.patagoniaelelments.com)
Enjoy breathtaking and exciting tours of the highest quality
in the best part of the Patagonia,Futaleufu - Chile. Professional
and experienced guides will not only lead you up lush mountain sides, guide you down crystal clear whitewater and float
you lazily through trout filled rivers, they will also introduce
you to the friendly local community while you take part in the
cultural activities of Futaleufu. Our team offers fun, safe and
different adventure activities!
Book your trip online at
www.whitewaterexcitement.com
1-800-750-2386
Which Trip Is Best for You?
Our trips are suited for all age groups. Anyone from the age of 4 years
and up may participate. Both young and young at heart have
experienced our trips and have had the time of their lives. Those on the
younger side and first-timers might want to try the South Fork of the
American, then work up the difficulty ladder from there. Those adventurous first-timers that are in good physical condition may want more
of a challenge. Life jackets are worn at all times while on the river, so you
need not be a great swimmer.
Reservations
Trips on the weekend fill the fastest, sometimes a year in advance on
rivers like the Merced and Middle Fork of the American. On other trips,
we have space up until a few days before the trip. Reservations may be
made by calling our office. We advise you to call our office first to check
if the date you choose is available. A deposit of 50% of your total trip fee
is required to confirm your date. The full balance of your trip fee is due
no later than 45 days prior to your trip. Full payment is required when
a reservation is made within 30 days of your trip. Phone reservations
are held, but not confirmed, for 10 days. If, by that time, your deposit
has not been received at our office, your reservation may be canceled
and your space booked on a first-come first-served basis.
Cancellations & Refunds
Please make sure that you understand our transfer and cancellation
policy before you make your reservation. If you must cancel your reservation, all but a $50 per person cancellation fee will be refunded to you,
provided that we have written notice of your cancellation in our office at
least 60 days prior to your trip date. For cancellations made less than
60 days prior to your trip date, the entire trip fees are non-refundable in
which case we encourage you to try to find a substitute for your space.
Please understand that when you make a reservation with us for a
particular trip, we are holding that space for you and are turning other
clients away from those dates. If you decide to cancel, it is very hard for
us to re-book those spaces so close to the departure date. We must be
firm on our cancellation policy.
Whitewater Excitement, Inc. reserves the right to cancel a reservation due to insufficient reservations, weather, water flow, or for safety
considerations. We are responsible only for the refund portion of the trip
fees for that day’s portion of the trip. In the case of rain, the trip is only
canceled in the event of a severe storm that continues or does not allow
us to run a safe trip.
Group Discounts
Whitewater Excitement, Inc. offers discounts on all of our trips.
One free trip is offered for each group of 12 (the 12th person is free).
We also have special Corporate Rates for companies and organizations
planning group trips (please call for these rates). Youths 16 and
under receive a 10% discount off our normal rates.
Only one discount per person.
Preferred Guest Discount
As a way of saying thank you to our Past Guests who have rafted with
us at Whitewater Excitement, Inc. in the last 3 seasons, we offer one free
trip per 6 passengers. That means in a group of 6, only 5 pay while
1 goes free. If you are a Whitewater Excitement Past Guest, please let us
know when you make your reservation.These discounts apply only to
rates in this brochure.
Important Considerations
Whitewater rafting, like any other sport, requires some physical exertion.
Because of this it is important for all participants to read the following:
• All rafters must be able to properly wear one of our life jackets which
accommodate a torso circumference of up to 56 inches.
• Potential participants who have a history of allergic reactions to bee
stings, asthma, epilepsy, heart trouble or any medical condition that
would endanger them or diminish their employment on the trip,
should first consult with their physician before making a reservation.
• For obvious reasons we discourage pregnant women from
participating in our rafting trips.
Responsibility
At Whitewater Excitement, Inc., your complete enjoyment and
consideration is our utmost concern. However, whitewater rafting, like
any sport involving the forces of nature, involves some inherent risk and
danger. Accidents and injuries can occur, and participant baggage can
be lost or damaged. We therefore do not assume responsibility for injury
or death to trip members, nor for loss of personal baggage, damage
to cameras or other expensive items, or for loss of time or expenses
incurred. In order to accommodate varying degrees of experience and
physical conditioning we offer a wide variety of trips. Because we are
not qualified to access your physical condition, we rely solely on your
judgement to pick a trip that is suitable for your degree of experience
and physical fitness. If you have any concerns about your physical
condition you should first consult a physician before the trip. All participants of the trip are required to sign an Assumption of Risk and Release
of Liability form prior to departure. Please give us a call if you have
any questions or concerns or would like a copy of this form.
Insurance
We offer and strongly advise trip travel insurance which covers
trip members for accident, injury, baggage, and cancellation claims.
In cooperation with the Travelers, this low-cost insurance offers
you protection from most occurrences. An application form is included
in your trip information, or you may request one directly from
our office.
Trip Information
Upon receipt of your deposit, you will receive a complete
trip information package containing your
confirmation receipt,
directions to the meeting point with a map, what to bring, recommended
places to stay in the area, and a copy of the assumption of risk forms
that each member of the trip must fill out and sign prior to the trip.
Chartered Bus
For many years, Whitewater Excitement, Inc. has offered round-trip
luxury bus service from the Southern California area to all the rivers
we run. This leave-the-driving-to-us service picks you up in the late
afternoon and delivers you to our riverside campground at about
1:00 a.m. After the trip is completed, you again board an air-conditioned
bus for the trip back home.
Alcoholic Beverages
Whitewater Excitement, Inc. does not permit, for safety reasons, any
alcoholic beverages while on the river. We do, however, provide ice cold
beer and local wines after the trip and with dinner. Excessive drinking
and a river trip do not mix. Whitewater Excitement, Inc. reserves the
right to terminate the trip of any person who we believe is creating a
safety hazard to himself other passengers, or staff.
Tipping
Although tipping is not expected, if you feel that your guide went out
of his way to make your trip very special, a small gratuity is a very nice
way to say “Thank you for a great trip and a job well done.”
Permits/Membership
Whitewater Excitement, Inc. is a licensed, permitted outfitter that is
granted a license to operate by the Bureau of Land Management, U.S.
Forest Service, California State Parks, and El Dorado County which
requires the following notice: the South Fork of the American River in
its natural state would not normally have sufficient flows during the
summer to support rafting or other floating activities as they are known
today. Adequate flows result from releases from hydroelectric facilities
located at Chili Bar and above. Such releases are made when necessary
for power generation, and are not subject to the control of the County of
El Dorado or commercial rafting companies operating permits from the
County of El Dorado. Whitewater Excitement, Inc. is a proud member of
America Outdoors, California Outdoors, Friends of the Rivers, and the
El Dorado Professional Outfitters Association.
I: EASY. Waves are small; passages clear. No serious obstacles.
II: MEDIUM. Rapids of moderate difficulty with passages clear.
III: DIFFICULT. Waves are numerous, high, irregular; rocks; eddies;
rapids with passages clear though narrow, requiring expertise
in maneuvering.
IV: VERY DIFFICULT. Long rapids; waves powerful and irregular;
dangerous rocks; boiling eddies; powerful and precise
maneuvering required.
V: EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. Long and violent rapids following
each other almost without interruption; riverbed extremely
obstructed; big drops; violent current; very steep gradient.
Guide School Highlights
• Turn your training into a fun & profitable summer job
• Meet young people from all over the country
• Make lasting friendships
• Two 5-day schools to choose from
• Earn a swift water certification
• Work with one of California’s top companies
Whitewater Excitement Guide School
Each year Whitewater Excitement offers two whitewater guide schools
for new prospective employees. Our guide schools are only for those
seeking to work for us this spring and summer. We hire all of our new
employees out of our schools. If you are interested in working for us this
summer and have no prior commercial guiding experience, then our
guide school is the place for you. Our schools are custom designed and
geared for guides that will work for our company.
Spring & Summer 6-Day Guide Schools
Our Spring School begins Memorial Day Monday, while our
Summer School begins the 3rd Monday in June. If you are interested,
give us a call at (530) 888-6515 to reserve your space or to get more
information. We do limit the number of participants.
Scale of River Difficulty
The difficulty of a river is classified on a scale of I to VI, with Class VI
indicating an unrunnable stretch of river. We have rated the rivers on
which we operate according to the scale below describing each class.
The difficulty of a river may vary significantly with fluctuations in water
level. For example, the South Fork is normally a Class III, but in times of
high water, the difficulty may increase to Class IV. The ratings listed refer
to the rivers’ difficulties at normal, medium levels. On a professionally
guided trip, beginners may handle
a Class III river.
Book your trip online at
www.whitewaterexcitement.com
1-800-750-2386