If you don't find answers to your questions here on this page, please feel free to contact us!
1. What do we wear at the moose river?
In cold weather or water, a wet suit is best. These can always be rented at our rafting center. In cool conditions, a wool sweater or windbreaker is ideal. In warm summer weather, a swimsuit or shorts and T-shirt are appropriate. Always wear laced shoes with sturdy soles (wet suit boots or sneakers are great). Loose-fitting sandals, flip-flops, "crocs" and bare feet are not permitted. In cool or cold conditions avoid wearing cotton, either on its own, or under a wet suit or wind-breaker. Cotton, when wet, loses all insulation value and will make you colder, not warmer. A ski-type cap is very important in colder weather, and a baseball cap, visor, or sunglasses are helpful in bright, sunny weather.
2. What size rafts are we in?
On the Middle Moose, we'll be running the river in either 4 person family rafts, or 2 person funyaks, or one-person tubes. Our staff will decide which craft is best suited for the conditions of the day.
3. What can we bring on the moose river?
Bring as little as possible on the river. If there is medication you might require, keep it with you on the river. Towels, dry clothes, valuables, and other than waterproof cameras should be left locked in your car.
4. How do we get back at the end of the day?
Your vehicle will remain at our rafting center, and our free shuttle buses will take you to and from the river.
5. How deep is the water?
River depths vary. Slow, calmer stretches of water tend to be those that are deeper. Faster, choppy water tends to be shallow, often 4 feet deep or less. Regardless of the depth, however, if you should find yourself overboard (this is rare, indeed) in fast moving water, the proper procedure is to float on your back, feet pointed downstream, and not attempt to stand until the water is less than 18 inches deep. A guide or nearby raft will assist you, or you may prefer to simply swim to shore.
6. Do I have to know how to swim?
Swimming ability is not required. Nevertheless, if you are especially apprehensive in or around water, you may want to consider one of our land-based adventures. Rafting, by its nature, places you on, in or around water most of the day. On all of our trips a PFD is worn at all times. Safety equipment will not fit all shapes and sizes, so please consider this in planning your reservations. Also, please remember that whitewater rafting is an active sport that requires some exertion on your part. The larger the rapids, the better your physical conditioning should be.
7. How big are the rapids at the moose river?
Rapids are rated from Class I (easiest) to Class V (most challenging). Class VI is considered to be not navigable without unreasonable risk of injury. Our trips on the Middle Moose offer family-friendly Class I, II and III rapids.
8. Do I need experience?
No. All of our trips are appropriate for first-time rafters.
9. How old must I be?
Minimum age for the Middle Moose trip is 8.
10. Are there different Guides licenses in New York?
Yes, New York State does have different Guides licenses for different categories, which include Hunting, Fishing, Hiking, Camping, Whitewater, Rock Climbing, Ice Climbing, and Boats and Canoes. In addition, there are sub-categories in the Whitewater and Climbing licenses. For example, a NY State Whitewater Guide can be licensed as a raft guide, a kayak guide, or a canoe guide. He or she will also need to be specifically licensed on every river that he or she works on, for every craft he or she teaches in.
