Rafting terms
Thrilling, exhilarating, exciting, even relaxing...the whitewater rafting experience is all of this and more. Rafting can run the gamut from a challenging adventure to a calm, peaceful float trip which allows you to appreciate spectacular scenery. All it takes is one trip and you are bound to get hooked.

West Virginia, AMERICA'S BEST WHITEWATER, offers nearly 2,000 miles of mountain streams coursing through the fabled Appalachians. Our rivers are unbeatable for beauty, history, excitement and accessibility to anyone with a sense of adventure and a love of the outdoors. No experience is necessary, as guides direct the paddlers through foaming whitewater, steering between rocks and over splashing waves. Abandoned coal mining towns, scenic waterfalls and tall tales from your guides are among the extra added attractions.

Whitewater rapids have been classed according to their difficulty, from I to VI. Novices can run I to II stretches without guides, while segments classed II to V require real paddling skills and /or leadership such as provided by professional outfitters. Class VI water poses the utmost challenge.

RAFT - Different rivers and water levels call for a variety of boats. The typical, inflatable raft can range from 12 to 16-feet long and carry from four to 10 paddlers.

DUCKY -An inflatable, kayak-like craft, three-feet-wide by nine-feet-long. Flexible and highly maneuverable, it is stable and easy to control.

DORY -A wooden, flat-bottomed boat with a sharp prow, flaring sides and flat, triangular stern.

KAYAK -A lightweight, highly maneuverable craft, made of water-tight plastic or fiberglass. Smaller and more responsive than canoes, they allow the paddler the freedom to surf waves, play in rapids and roll without sinking.

WHAT TO WEAR

All-Seasons - Tennis or other rubber-soled shoes are required. Sunglasses and sunscreen are highly recommended. A light windbreaker for an occational rain shower is a good idea plus a set of dry clothes to change into once you are back on land (including dry shoes!).

Outfitters provide helmets, lifejackets and paddles.

Spring and Fall - In addition to "All-Season" items listed above, polypropelene clothing, wool socks and sweaters are appropriate. Wet suits are available from most outfitters.

Summer - In addition to "All-Season" items listed above, swimwear, shorts and a t-shirt are usually adequate.