RAFTING SEASON
IS FROM MID-MAY TO MID-AUGUST
AGE RECOMMENDATIONS:
Children are not all the same and water conditions vary,
so please feel free to call us if you have questions about taking
your children rafting. Under most water conditions on the
Arkansas River, we recommend that children be 8 years or older to
raft Brown's Canyon or Bighorn Sheep Canyon, 12 years old to raft
the Narrows, and 16 years old to raft the Royal Gorge or the
Numbers.
PADDLE BOATS OR OAR BOATS?
We recommend paddle boats. Paddle boats are the
most popular choice because they are more participatory than oar
boats. On paddle boats, you act as crew by paddling while your
guide acts as captain, calling the commands necessary to navigate
the boat. Your guide "reads" the river and maneuvers the boat
so the river current does most of the work. This means that
people of average physical condition, even if they are first-time
rafters, can raft on paddle boats. On oar boats, we rig a
metal frame to the raft and the guide rows you down the river.
Choice of paddle or oar boats should be made at the time of your
reservation.
BOAT LOADING:
Five to seven customers plus the guide is optimum boat
loading. If you have a group of eight, we can do two boats of
four people each or, if you all want to go on the same boat, we can
do an eight-load in Brown's Canyon.
WHAT TO BRING:
Although raft dates usually offer good water flow and
pleasant weather, conditions on the river can vary, so come
prepared. On the river, wear clothes that dry quickly, such as
swimsuits or light shorts and shirts of synthetic material.
Avoid cotton clothes, especially jeans. Bring waterproof
sunscreen, a hat and a piece of string to tie your hat to your
lifejacket so that your hat does not blow away. Eyeglasses and
sunglasses should be secured with a strap. (We sell hats and
Chums eyeglass straps at our office.)
STATE-OF-THE-ART EQUIPMENT:
Acquired Tastes uses state-of-the-art 14-foot self-bailing rafts. All of our boats have foot cones glued to the
floor so our guests can sit with both feet inside of the boat.
Because they feel secure, our guests have the confidence to really
enjoy their trip. We furnish America's Cup life jackets, rain
gear and helmets as part of your trip. Helmets are optional on
Brown's Canyon, Bighorn Sheep Canyon and Narrows trips.
Helmets are required on Numbers and Royal Gorge trips.
WETSUITS AND BOOTIES:
Wetsuits and neoprene booties are available for rent at
our office. Wetsuits are $5.00 the first day you rent them and
$2.50 per day the second and third days. Booties are $3.00 for the first day and
$1.50 per day the second and third days you rent them. If you want to rent wetsuits and booties for
the Royal Gorge or Bighorn Sheep Canyon trip, please call us ahead
of time so we can bring the correct sizes to the Parkdale meeting
area. Rain gear is FREE for all trips.
LUNCH:
Lunch is included on all one-day
trips. Lunch is available on half-day trips for $10.00 extra per
person. Please request lunch on your half-day trip when you make
your reservation. If you are a vegetarian or have special dietary
requirements, please advise us when you book your trip.
PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY:
Although we work hard to ensure that our guests have a
safe and enjoyable trip, whitewater rafting is an adventure sport
and you participate at your own risk. Please be aware you will
be required to sign a liability waiver for yourself and for your
children before your trip.
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION:
Many of our customers not only come back to raft with us
year after year, but they also recommend us to their friends,
relatives and co-workers. Our satisfied customers are our best
source of advertising and we take pride in making each trip a
quality experience.
