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Family Float Rafting

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Our 3 hour guided Float Trip is the perfect introduction to rafting for folks who want to dip a toe in the water before taking on our Zoar Gap trip or for groups with children as young as 5 years old.

Our Family Float trip showcases the beauty of the Deerfield River as it meanders through farmland and the rolling Berkshire foothills along the historic Mohawk Trail. Our professional river guides provide insight into the natural and cultural history of the area with opportunities to swim and splash in the waters of the Deerfield.  This trip provides a wonderful afternoon adventure for families, scout and camp groups.

AGE

5+

DURATION

3-3.5 hours

SEASON

June - September

LOCATION

7 Main Street, Charlemont MA

INTENSITY

Mild

Typical Day

We raft five miles of class I-II rapids on the Fife Brook section of the Deerfield River. The entire trip, including registration, transportation, snack, and swim stops, takes approximately 3-3.5 hours, depending on conditions and group size.

Please be on time, since we must work within the schedule of water releases decided on by the power company. You will be required to read and sign a release of liability at this time.

All guests will be required to wear a Zoar Outdoor issued PFD (Personal Flotation Device) and helmet. You will also be provided with a paddle.

Looking to do multiple activities during your visit? Try one of our single day  Adventure Packages, or call the office to custom build your own multi-day experience.

What to Bring

Expect everything you bring with you on the raft to get wet!

  • In warm summer weather, some guests are comfortable in bathing suits/swim trunks or light layers. Shorts and sun shirts are recommended, as most guests find just bathing suits uncomfortable.

  • In cooler weather, wool and synthetic materials such as polypropylene, nylon, and fleece, are appropriate for cooler air and water temperatures.

  • Wetsuits, splash jackets, and neoprene river booties are available for rental if you need them. We ask you to not wear cotton, as it will keep you cold and wet throughout the trip.

  • You are required to wear sneakers or other shoes that can be secured to your feet. No flip-flops or Crocs!

  • Extra money for souvenirs, snacks, gratuities, etc.

  • Bring any required medications such as EpiPen, inhalers, diabetic medications.

  • Before the trip, please leave any and all valuables including money as well as your dry clothes and towels for after the trip in your locked vehicle. Keep your car keys with you during registration, as we will collect those and put them in a lock box before gearing up, then return them to you when you get off the boats.

Participation Requirements

Adventurers on the Family Float Trip:

  • Must be 5 years old or older.
  • Must sign their own waiver, and if under 18 also have a legal guardian sign for them.

For all of our whitewater trips, guests must be able/willing to do the following:

  • Must wear our helmet and our personal flotation device (PFD)*.
  • Respond to and follow verbal or visual instruction.
  • Independently roll face up in water while wearing a PFD
  • Demonstrate dynamic sitting position with head above water (sitting upright), and float with feet up in water.
  • Be able to navigate with minimal assistance on rocky, uneven ground and descend staircases with no railings.

*Our helmets fit a maximum head circumference of 62cm (24.4 inches). Our PFDs fit a maximum chest size of 56 inches.

For our Family Float Trip, guests may choose not to paddle. Paddling is not required.

Don't forget to read your confirmation letter (there is a lot of useful information in there!).

Call our office if you have any additional questions. We're always happy to help!

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