Zoar Gap Rafting

Take your family, office, church, or scout group rafting on the Deerfield River’s most popular rafting section, Zoar Gap. With a minimum age of 7, these Class II whitewater rapids with one Class III rapid are ideal for beginner rafters.

AGE

DURATION

4-5 Hours

SEASON

April - October

INTENSITY

Moderate

Typical Day

Our Zoar Gap trip spans 5 miles of whitewater adventure on the Fife Brook section of the Deerfield River in Northwestern Massachusetts, perfect for both novice and seasoned rafters. The day begins at our base in Charlemont, MA, where guests register and gear up for an exciting day ahead. Starting with Class I & II rapids, participants can refine their skills before tackling the exciting Class III whitewater of Zoar Gap. Along the way, enjoy opportunities to swim, unwind, or simply soak in the natural beauty of the river. Included in the trip is a delicious picnic-style lunch with sandwiches and cookies. The adventure concludes back at our basecamp, where hot showers and a slide show of the day’s highlights provide the perfect ending to an unforgettable experience on the Fife Brook section .

Please be on time, since we must work within the schedule of water releases decided on by the power company. Your confirmation email will provide the exact meeting time of your trip. 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.

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 Zoar Gap Trip:

Must be 7 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.

Specifically for our beginner Zoar Gap trip, guests should be able to:

Paddle in the rapids, but with frequent rests.
Remain calm, lay flat, and orient their body so their feet are aiming downstream if they find themselves unexpectedly in the water.

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!

DIRECTIONS

WAIVERS

FAQ's

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