 |
 
|
|
|
Frequently Asked Questions: General
| Q. |
Do I need to make Reservations? |
| A. |
Yes. In order to provide you with an optimum experience we need to know in advance that you are coming. In the busy Spring months of March through June it is important to make your reservation as soon as you have picked a date. Many Spring dates fill up fast so make your reservations early.
Last minute reservations are always welcome if the trip has space available. We will always try to accommodate your group if at all possible.
|
| Q. |
How do I make reservations? |
| A. |
Call the Cheat River Outfitters office at 1-888-99-RIVER or 304/329-2024.
|
| Q. |
How do I pay for my trip? |
| A. |
All trips must be paid in advance. Check out our Policies. You may send check or money order or pay for your trip with a Visa or MasterCard over the phone. For last minute trips we will hold the trip on a credit card if you prefer to pay in cash upon your arrival.
|
| Q. |
Do I need experience to participate in your activities? |
| A. |
NO. All of our activities are suited for beginner through advanced participants. We will provide all the equipment you need and an trained guide.
|
| Q. |
Are there age requirements/limits? |
| A. |
There are no upper age limits to participate. We do ask that you are in reasonably good health with no major health concerns. We do have recommended minimum age requirements for all of our activities as seen in the chart below. These are recommendations based on average size and maturity. We reserve the right to deny service to anyone if we feel safety would be jeopardized.
|
Frequently Asked Questions: The Rivers
| Q. |
How does the Cheat River compare to the New River? |
| A. |
The Cheat Canyon is more adventuresome than both the Upper and Lower New River sections. The Cheat Canyon is World Class Whitewater with over 30 Class III, IV, and V rapids. The minimum recommended age for the Cheat Canyon is 15.
The Cheat Narrows is a more moderate section of the Cheat that falls between the Upper and Lower New River in terms of difficulty. In spring when rainfall amounts are heavy the Cheat Narrows is a Class III run with a minimum recommended age of 10. In the summer when water levels are typically lower the Narrows is a fantastic Family run with a minimum recommended age of 6.
In general the Cheat has less flat water than the New River and thus less paddling. One of the greatest differences between the New and the Cheat is the environment. The Cheat Canyon runs through an uncrowded wilderness canyon and the Narrows has beautiful scenes with crystal clear water. On both sections you will not have to wait in line to run the rapids - the Cheat is uncrowded splendor.
|
| Q. |
How does the Cheat River compare to the Gauley River? |
| A. |
The Cheat Canyon is World Class Whitewater with over 30 Class III, IV, and V rapids and is very comparable to the Gauley. The Canyon is not as steep as the Upper Gauley and thus a small step down in difficulty but it is a step up from the Lower Gauley. The primary season for the Cheat is Spring as opposed to the Gauley's fall season. The greatest difference between the Cheat and the Gauley is that the Cheat runs through a secluded, steep walled wilderness canyon that is uncrowded and beautiful. You will not have to wait in line to run a rapid or play bumper boats on the Cheat.
|
| Q. |
When is the best time to come rafting? |
| A. |
For BIG exciting World Class rafting, come in the Spring. We start rafting in the middle of March and peak season for the Canyon runs through June. For a more moderate ride choose the Cheat Narrows in the Spring. For a Family ride wait for the Summer rafting. The summer runs are full of great rapids combined with lots of splashing, swimming and goofing around. These are our typical seasons, however anytime WV is getting a lot of rain we can run the Cheat Canyon - Spring, Summer, and Fall.
|
| Q. |
What size boat will we be in? |
| A. |
We match the boat size to the water level to provide you with the best ride for the day. Our fleet varies from 10 man rafts to 1 man duckies. Typically in the spring we are in 8 man rafts (7 guests plus a guide).
|
| Q. |
Do I have to have a large group to go rafting? Can I come alone? |
| A. |
In the spring there is no minimum group size for rafting on the Weekends. To come on a Weekday requires a minimum of 6 people. However, we can often combine smaller groups to form the minimum requirement. We run nearly everyday in the Summer and minimum group size is rarely a problem. If you have a group of 11 or more we do offer group discounts - call for details. Plus special pricing for scout, church, camp, and service groups with free primitive camping.
|
Frequently Asked Questions: Caving and Climbing
| Q. |
Do I need experience to take a climbing or caving trip? |
| A. |
No. We will design your trip around the experience level of your group. On our climbing trips we can begin on easy climbs and work our way to more challenging climbs. Or if you have climbing experience we can jump right into more difficult climbs. In the cave there will be opportunities to choose to do tight crawls or to take a more open passageway.
|
| Q. |
What is it like in the caves? Will there be lights or walkways? |
| A. |
There are no lights other than the light on your helmet. We explore only undeveloped caves that have no lights, boardwalks, or handrails. Caving requires you to maneuver through some small spaces. There will be places where you may be required to crawl on your hands and knees. The cave is an enclosed area and although the caves have some fairly large areas, this is not an activity for the extreme claustrophobic.
|
| Q. |
How should I dress to go in the cave? |
| A. |
Caves maintain a constant temperature in the low 50°s all year-round. In the chilly months the caves are warm and inviting and in the hot summer months they are cool and comfortable. No matter what time of year you come you should dress in layers and be prepared to get wet and muddy. Long pants are a must as well as closed-toed shoes such as old tennis shoes or boots. You will want to bring along a jacket or fleece to slip on if you get chilly. We have a limited number of coveralls in various sizes available on a first come, first served basis. You may consider bring a pair of kneepads for extra comfort. Be sure to bring clean dry clothes to change into after the trip.
|
| Q. |
How should I dress to go climbing? |
| A. |
Dress for the weather- shorts and T-shirt is fine for warm weather. For cooler weather wear flexible pants (sweats or athletic type) and a T-shirt and fleece, jacket, or sweatshirt. When you are on a climb you will need to tuck in your shirt and have no loose or dangling clothing. It is always a good idea to bring a rain jacket, bug spray, and sunblock.
|
| Q. |
Do I need to bring anything special on my climbing or caving trip? |
| A. |
Other than appropriate clothing and change of clothes for caving you do not need to bring anything. We will provide a professional guide and all the equipment you need. We will also have water a small snack and first aid kit on all of our trips. Be sure to bring any specialized first aid or medications you may need (example: inhalers or bee sting kit).
|
Minimum Age Recommendations
| Activity |
Min. Age |
| Cheat Canyon |
15 |
| Spring Narrows |
10 |
| Summer Narrows |
6 |
| North Branch |
6 |
| Rock Climbing |
5 |
| Wild Caving |
8 |
|
Cheat River Outfitters
2764 N Preston Hwy. || Albright, WV 26519
Toll Free - 1.888.99.RIVER || Locally - 304.329.2024
mail@cheatriveroutfitters.com
|
|
|
|
