Two Main Rafting Types: Motorized and Dory

Rafting through tumultuous waters is definitely one great deal of an adventure. It’s a must try for everyone. And so if you’re planning for a rafting adventure anytime soon, you should get to know your basic modes of transportation on the river.

What Are The Two Main Rafting Types?

Practically, there are two main rafting types Basically, there are two main raft types you can choose from as your mode of transportation on your river adventure. One is motorized and the other is non-motorized. Non-motor rafts, include oar, dory, paddle, or a combination. The selection of the raft depends on your expertise, physical ability, and preference.
To note, motorized rafts travel faster. So if you want to travel the entire length of the Grand Canyon in a shorter amount of time, then you would do well choosing a motorized raft. This gives you roughly 6 to 8 days to run the Colorado River.

Other than speed, motorized rafts also afford you some level of comfort and security as opposed to riding in non-motorized boats. A motorized raft can carry an average of 12 to 14 passengers, seated comfortably. You can now focus on enjoying the views. And if you would like to bring children with you, bear in mind that there is a minimum age required. For motorized Grand Canyon river trips, that would be 8 years old. for most outfitters.

Non-motorized raft trips are perfect for those who want an extra taste of adventure in the Grand Canyon. Including the river guide, the oar and dory boats carry 4 passengers while the paddle boats seat 6 passengers. Depending on the weather and the winds, paddling may require a high degree of physical effort. Adventurers are advised to stretch beforehand. You should be fit and free from existing medical conditions that may get aggravated due to the amount of physical work required.

A “hybrid” trip includes both oar boats and one paddle boat so people can take turns paddling. This way, passengers will have a chance at the paddling experience without necessarily tiring themselves out.
Since oar, dory and paddle-powered rafts run only up to 3 to 4 mph, it takes longer to cover river miles. This means the trips will be longer in length than motorized trips. The minimum age requirement is also higher, around 12 years for oar boats and typically 16 for paddle boats, due to the complexity of the activity.
But basically, whether you want an extreme white water rafting adventure or a relatively relaxing one, there’s always the right tour package for you in the Grand Canyon.

The post Two Main Rafting Types: Motorized and Dory appeared first on Advantage Grand Canyon Rafting Adventures.

Grand Canyon Raft Trips Make For A Perfect Family Vacation

Whether for just 3 days or 3 weeks, there is always likely perfect Grand Canyon raft trips that are here on our site for your family’s excitement. It’s destined to be the best family vacation you’ll ever take. These trips have all the makings of a trip of a lifetime as they provide families with great adventure while on the raft, delicious meals prepared for you, 45 amazing side canyon attractions daily, and most importantly being off the grid and letting you detach from your daily grind; away from Facebook, text messages, iPads, voicemail and emails.

Grand Canyon Rafting Trips: Top Benefits To Enjoy

Each day while rafting through the Grand Canyon you will enjoy deliciously prepared meals by your talented guides giving you plenty of nutrition and energy for a action packed day to remember. You will navigate through multiple rapids making your way down river to the next stop or attraction which will often include a nice hike in order to get there. Side canyon hikes can be as short as 5 minutes, or as long as up to an hour depending on the location of the attraction.

While on the raft and in between rapids, you will get to enjoy each other’s company and meet others on your raft that you will get to know. It is recommended that you introduce yourself to your fellow travel mates as soon as possible. This helps form a bond and unity among your group and will help make your trip more memorable and enjoyable.

While completely unconnected from the world, rest assured that your guides will be carrying satellite phones. In the case of an emergency, the trip leader can make a call for help and anyone needing special attention can be helicopter rescued.

As previously mentioned, being off the grid has it’s advantages. I remember a story a guide shared with me. There was a family made up of 3 generations, Grandparents, their kids and grandkids. The first 2 days of their 7-day raft trip the guide noticed the young grandchildren ages 10, 12 and 14 unhappy, moody and complaining that they felt isolated and unhappy about being away from their creature comforts: iPods, iPhones and video games. Each day that followed, the guide noticed something magical happening. There was a sort of transformation happening as the children’s mood was changing. They were smiling more, active and engaged with their family and getting to know their grandparents in a way they never had before. By the end of their trip, the guide noticed the children crying because they would have to be separated from their grandparents with whom they became very close with on this amazing adventure. This was a special experience that the guide mentioned happens all of the time while in the canyon. He said it is one of the reasons he has chosen this profession, watching the transformation occur is a very rewarding experience for everyone involved.

While hundreds of thousands of visitors visit the south rim in Grand Canyon village annually, only a small handful get to experience the canyon from the river. Grand Canyon raft trips are very special trips that can unite a family in a way that no other vacation can.

 

The post Grand Canyon Raft Trips Make For A Perfect Family Vacation appeared first on Advantage Grand Canyon Rafting Adventures.

Camping On Grand Canyon Raft Trips

Grand canyon rafting trips in on the Colorado river span from a minimum of 3 days up to 18 depending on the outfitter, itinerary, and raft type. With the exception of Phantom Ranch at river mile 88 as the base of the Bright Angel Trail, there are no other lodging options at the bottom of Grand Canyon or in the area where you can check in every night. Needless to say, you can anticipate camping each night as you make your way down the river.

Camping In The Grand Canyon

We can assure you that camping in the Grand Canyon is far different than camping it in a forest. After all, you will be sleeping on a nice sandy beach, without being invaded by lots of insects and there is no mud or dirt at these campsites. While your talented guides are preparing the kitchen, you will be navigating the area looking for a brand new place to call home each night. There are no pre-designated or pre-planned campsites on a river trip, so your dwelling for the evening can vary in size and location.

After the day’s activities, those capable of assisting will for a fire line and help remove bags and equipment off of the raft. These bags consist of the dry bags which you will be given during the duration of your river trip from your guides. These will carry your sleeping kit (sleeping bag, ground tarp, sleeping sheet and sometimes a pillow) as well as another dry bag which contains your clothing and personal products. In addition, you will have a separate day-dry bag which is smaller, and accessible all day long for things like spare sunglasses, sunblock etc. Tents are always available to you, they accommodate 2-persons at a time however weather permitting, it is recommended that you don’t always pitch a tent to sleep in. This unique environment and the lack mosquitos/bugs makes a night sleeping under the stars an incredible experience. Watching the moon dance across the canyon walls is a site unlike any other! Those who have non-motor rafts will likely sleep on pads because space is limited vs. most motor trips that do accommodate guests with a sleeping cot.

The rest of the facilities including the kitchen and toilet or “restroom” are set up by the guides, leaving you with plenty of time to set up your camp and relax while dinner is being prepared. It is incredible what amazing meals can be prepared by your guides each evening in these make-shift kitchens. An unlimited supply of fresh, clean water for hand washing and dish washing is available at camp as well as fresh drinking water available throughout your river trip at all times whether at camp or on the rafts.

The toilet facility also knows as “the groover” that will be situated as soon as you arrive at camp. You can be assured that your guide choose specific locations for privacy and sanitary reasons, and most times you will be rewarded with a great view while taking care of your business.

A hand washing facility is found in the kitchen and at the entrance of the toilet. Soap is available, as well as running water through the use of a foot pump.Exploring around camp is not prohibited, but we have to remind our clients that accidents do happen when you walk barefoot or stroll around in the night without flashlights. Sandals, preferably with toe protection will protect you from unseen rocks, so wear them always.

Evenings at camp can be some of the most memorable moments of your trip. Sharing food, spending quality time with family, lifelong friends or even newly made friends and while enjoying the outdoors is absolutely magical. This makes for a great time to bond and cherishes special moments together each night.

After a good night’s sleep under the stars, coffee will be awaiting you first thing in the morning. While breakfast is being prepared, you will begin packing your personal things so they can be loaded once more in the rafts for the new day of whitewater rafting in the Grand Canyon.

The post Camping On Grand Canyon Raft Trips appeared first on Advantage Grand Canyon Rafting Adventures.

What are the Different Class Levels of Rafting on the Colorado River?

The Grand Canyon stretch of the mighty Colorado River is home to many Class IV to V whitewater rafting class levels. There are certain stretches of river that only professionals and seasoned whitewater river runners raft. If you are thinking of exploring the Colorado River on either a private or commercial raft trip, then it is best to get acquainted with the different class levels of rafting on this mighty stretch of the body of water.  One thing to note is that in Grand Canyon, the classes are more specific as they us a 1 – 10 (I -X) rating scale. Advantage Grand Canyon has been providing thrill seekers with the correct information regarding these classes of rafting trips so they can better appreciate what they are signing up for. It is important to note that the intensity of the rapids depends on water flow and speed, as well as water level. There is no “better” time to raft for better rapids as the Glenn Canyon dam is constantly releasing the flow of water year round so the rapids are not roaring only during spring run off as in other rivers. Some rapids react more aggressively in slower lower water while others do the opposite.

Along the entire stretch of the Colorado, our outfitter partners can take you and your family for a ride of a lifetime.  You will not have to navigate these rapids as your experienced guides will be doing so. The only exception is in a paddle raft where you will be digging into the water while being commanded by your river guide at the rear of the raft.  In every other raft type, you’ll need to hang on and enjoy the ride!

Below are the different class levels of rafting and we have listed them in the Grand Canyon 1-10 rating scale for your review:

Class 1 – This class of rafting simply means you will have a very relaxed ride flowing along with the river’s current. There are occasional small waves and very few obstacles and river features that you should be concerned about.

Class 2-3 – When you begin to see rougher waves that are nonetheless no more than 3 feet tall with occasional rocks or boulders that require some degree of maneuvering, then you know that you have just entered the domain of Class 2 – 3 level of rafting. Here, you will have to be on your toes as you will also have to steer your raft away from obstacles.

Class 4-5-6 – By the time you reach a portion of the Colorado where the waves can reach up to 4 feet high, then you know you are rafting in either a 4,5 or 6 system. Many of our clients prefer this as it provides excellent challenge and thrill without necessarily scaring them out of their wits.

Class 7-8 – There are plenty of narrow passages, long and quite difficult rapids, and very turbulent water in a Classes 7-8. This for the advanced rafting enthusiast as it requires precision maneuvering.

Class 9-10 – The ultimate in navigable river systems, the Class 10 is where many professionals and daredevils will go for an optimum adrenaline rush. There are plenty of gushing rapids, spinning and twisting water features, and obstacles the size of a house. The Gore and Tunnel rapids in the Colorado River are just 2 examples of Class 10’s and in Grand Canyon depending on the water level Chrystal rapid and Lava Falls.

These are the different class levels of rafting in the Colorado River and rest assured that your highly experienced Grand Canyon commercial rafting guides will navigate you through them expertly. Get in touch with Advantage Grand Canyon to help you decide which Grand Canyon raft trip is ideal for you.

The post What are the Different Class Levels of Rafting on the Colorado River? appeared first on Advantage Grand Canyon Rafting Adventures.

Advantages of Company Rafting Trips

There are certainly many options available for companies or teams who want to plan outdoor group activities. We would like to you to consider the many advantages of taking your group or company on a Grand Canyon company rafting trip. Over the course of booking thousands of clients on raft trips throughout the Grand Canyon, we have seen a number of group bookings of 5-10 or more consisting of either larger families, often 3 generations or more as well as adventure and team building company rafting trips.

Some Reasons Why You Should Consider Planning Grand Canyon Company Rafting Trips…

The ultimate team building experience

Companies are always thinking of ways to provide employees with a different experience. These outdoor events are more than just a way to get everyone out of the office. These are opportunities for colleagues and managers to get to know each other better, build camaraderie among fellow team members and enjoy positive experiences together. Outdoor activities are also an effective way to get everyone working together outside of their normal daily activities. Imagine sharing a paddle raft among fellow coworkers, navigating downriver working together as a team in order find the best line through the roaring rapids. Cooperation may mean the difference between going overboard and taking a swim or making it through the rapid wet but still seated inside. Learn how to communicate better, work together as one unit, contribute to the group’s success and understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses all the while helping each other along the way.

It’s time to get to know each other better

It’s a combination of on raft excitement while on the river, hiking with friends and co-workers to magnificent waterfalls and attractions, and kicking back with some cold beer at camp each night enjoying the conversation that is not work related for a change. The workplace is not always the ideal environment to chat and interact with colleagues on a personal level. On a company Grand Canyon raft trip, however, there will certainly be many opportunities to experience each other in a different environment, grow the connection among fellow coworkers and guarantee that everyone will come back better acquainted, and more comfortable with one another.

It’s time to enjoy the outdoors

If your organization is based in a big city, most of your employees probably do not have as many opportunities to enjoy nature. In fact, part of our mission is to introduce people to the sheer beauty of the Grand Canyon. We are so in love with the outdoors that we chose it as our place of work, and revealing it’s beauty to as many individuals as possible brings us joy.

These trips are a chance for your employees to experience sleeping under the moon and the stars, and at the same time, developing or sharpening some outdoor skills. The natural beauty and the fresh air can certainly revitalize those who are burnt out or stressed, and allow them some time to unwind and recharge. Your team members and colleagues will certainly benefit from this experience.

These are only a few of the reasons why one should consider booking a whitewater rafting trip for your company and fellow team members. Rest assured that you won’t have to stress about planning or logistics, as we are here to help with all of that. Our experts will provide you with all of the details, and are happy to set up a conference call with all interested members to answer their questions regarding your potential adventure leaving you to just enjoy the ride and take out as much from the experience as possible. Book your company whitewater rafting trip now!

The post Advantages of Company Rafting Trips appeared first on Advantage Grand Canyon Rafting Adventures.

4 Tips To Whitewater Rafting On Rivers

So you have decided to go on a whitewater rafting trip. You’re not alone. In fact, whitewater rafting is one of the items on the bucket list of millions of people all over the world. It is not only for the extreme outdoorsman but also for those with very little outdoor experience who wish to ride along the world’s greatest rivers on a whitewater rafting trip. If you are in the United States, you’re lucky as there are plenty or options  from West to East.

Before You Pick Up That Phone And Call A Whitewater Rafting Outfitter, Read The Following Tips First To Make Your Whitewater Adventure Truly Memorable:

Learn the Different Classes of Whitewater Rivers

The very first thing you have to do is to acquaint yourself with the different classes of whitewater river systems. Keep in mind that you don’t have to be concerned about your experience level if rafting on a commercial Grand Canyon trip as the expert guides are navigating the rapids. Additionally the Colorado River in Grand Canyon is a 1-10 rating scale as opposed to 1 – IV on all other rivers. Calm water with very negligible to zero obstacles is often rated as Class I. As you go up the scale, the water obstacles grow significantly greater which can include sheer vertical drops, several meter-high whitewater waves, boulders the size of a house, and whirlpools, among others. Class IV and V are only for the experienced professionals and extreme athletes. Class VI rapids and whitewater river systems are off-limits even to the world’s best extreme athletes. If you’re just beginning, make sure to try whitewater rafting in Class II or III rapids first.

Always Wear the Correct Apparel and Gear

Make sure to wear the appropriate apparel and gear. As much as possible don’t wear cotton fabric apparel when you go in the river, keep this material for evaporative cooling when on a hot hike. While on river and although a swimsuit might be good for the beach, it usually is a good idea to have good rain gear protecting you from the cold river water temperature. Additionally, make sure you wear non-slip shoes and that your life jacket is on tight!

Always Listen to Your River Guide

Whitewater outfitters always put the safety of whitewater rafters above all else. As such, you always want to listen to your river guide because they have a wealth of knowledge they can share. They know the terrain including wildlife around the whitewater river system. They know the dangerous and highly hazardous areas and as such will advise you on what and what not to do. And if you do choose the Grand Canyon for your whitewater rafting adventures, you can count on Advantage Grand Canyon to hook you up with the commercial outfitter best suited for your needs.

Always Observe Basic Safety Rules

Whitewater rafting river guides will explain the rules of the river both on and off the raft and it is your responsibility to practice good reasoning while on a Colorado river trip. Make sure that your life vest is synched tightly around you at all times when on the raft and that you listed to their guidance at all times. Make sure to also disclose any medical conditions or dietary restrictions prior to starting your whitewater raft adventure. Call us today to book your trip now.

The post 4 Tips To Whitewater Rafting On Rivers appeared first on Advantage Grand Canyon Rafting Adventures.

Adding A Whitewater Rafting Adventure To Your Las Vegas Vacation

Las Vegas can be a perfect starting point for a one-day whitewater rafting adventure in the Grand Canyon segment of the mighty Colorado River. Here, you have a choice of exploring the Canyon’s southern or northern rim as well as the eastern portion of the Grand Canyon.

From your hotel in Las Vegas, you will be taken to the Grand Canyon by a van from one of the many travel and tour providers that serve the Grand Canyon area. Your first stopover will be at Kingman in Arizona where you will have a hearty breakfast. On your way to Kingman, you will be passing by the marvelous and truly breathtaking engineering wonder Hoover Dam. From Kingman, you take Route 66 towards Peach Springs, right in the heart of the Hualapai Indian settlement. From Peach Springs, you will then take your descent via Diamond Creek Road to reach the bottom of the Canyon.

This Is Where A Whitewater Rafting Adventure Starts

Upon reaching the bank of the Colorado River, you will be met by your whitewater river guide. He will provide a few quick tips on maintaining safety in the entire whitewater river rafting trip. Listen to all the instructions so you will know what to do. Your life literally depends on it.

You will then board a motorized whitewater river raft to cover greater lengths of the Colorado River. This portion of the Colorado is home to Class II and Class III whitewater. This means that there will be some portions of rough cruising. There will be considerable drops of a few feet which should be perfect for introducing you to the world of whitewater river rafting. If you have a child with you, do take note that he needs to be at least 8 years old in order to be allowed to board the craft.
After enjoying the thrill and excitement of shooting some of the moderately categorized rapids, you will be taking a break. Depending on where you stopped, you can take in more of the breathtaking scenery of the Grand Canyon. You can try venturing into some of its travertine waterfalls or even hidden caves and refreshing springs. After the break, you will resume your river journey.

Upon reaching Quartermaster Canyon, your river journey ends. You will be airlifted via helicopter towards Grand Canyon West. The helicopter ride gives you one fantastic bird’s eye view of the majestic nature of the Grand Canyon. From there, you will then be transported back to your hotel in Las Vegas using the tour facility’s vehicle.

So, if you are planning to go to Las Vegas for whitewater rafting adventure several days of absolute fun and entertainment, make sure to visit the Grand Canyon. If you are looking for a smooth water float trip and will be in Page, AZ, Advantage Grand Canyon can help you with this as well! You only live once so book your trip now.

The post Adding A Whitewater Rafting Adventure To Your Las Vegas Vacation appeared first on Advantage Grand Canyon Rafting Adventures.