Frequently Asked Questions
- WHAT IS PROVIDED?
- WHAT DO WE WEAR AND WHAT ELSE SHOULD WE BRING?
- WHAT IF IT RAINS?
- WHAT TIME SHOULD WE ARRIVE AT THE OUTPOST FOR OUR TRIP?
- WHERE CAN I FIND THE RELEASE OF LIABILITY WAIVER FORM?
- HOW COLD IS THE RIVER?
- DO WE NEED A GUIDE?
- IS IT CUSTOMARY TO TIP OUR GUIDE?
- IS IT SAFE?
- WHAT ARE YOUR HOURS OF OPERATION?
- HOW DO WE GET BACK TO FAST RIVERS OUTPOST?
- DO WE HAVE TO PADDLE?
- HOW OLD DO CHILDREN HAVE TO BE?
- CAN WE BRING OUR DOG?
- WILL THERE BE PHOTOS TAKEN?
- WILL OUR GROUP BE IN A RAFT WITH ANOTHER GROUP?
- WHAT SIZE LIFE JACKETS DO YOU HAVE?
- HOW DEEP IS THE RIVER?
- DO YOU HAVE FOOD OPTIONS AT THE OUTPOST?
Questions Answered
WHAT IS PROVIDED?
Fast Rivers Rafting will provide all necessary equipment, life jackets, helmets (if desired, not required), paddles for each participant, detailed personal instruction & transportation to the put-in and from the take-out. And of course, exceptional customer service!
WHAT DO WE WEAR AND WHAT ELSE SHOULD WE BRING?
Clothing recommended for warm weather is a bathing suit, quick dry shorts, tank or t-shirt, strap on sandals, water shoes or tennis shoes you don’t mind getting wet. We do not recommend slip-ons, flip-flops or barefeet and diving booties are also available for rent – $5.00. For cool weather any under armour garments, wool, fleece (synthetic clothing), Capilene, wetsuit, splash gear and/or diving booties are recommended. Cotton items are not ideal for rafting; they do not dry quickly and are heavy when wet. We have warm gear available for rent, if needed. Other items: hat, sunglasses, eyeglass holder, sunscreen, towel, dry change of clothes & a plastic bag for your wet clothes.
WHAT IF IT RAINS?
We go Rain or Shine. You’ll get wet anyway! It’s been several years since it stormed so bad we had to cancel trips. It is always a good idea to throw in your rain jacket just in case, or we have rentals available if needed.
WHAT TIME SHOULD WE ARRIVE AT THE OUTPOST FOR OUR TRIP?
Arriving at OUR outpost 30 minutes prior to your scheduled trip time allows you time to check-in (at store counter) and get yourself and your group ready for your trip. If you arrive late, you risk being put on a later or shorter trip.
WHERE CAN I FIND THE RELEASE OF LIABILITY WAIVER FORM?
HOW COLD IS THE RIVER?
The Nantahala River is a dam-controlled river. The water is being pulled from the bottom of Lake Nantahala about 250 feet below the surface. The temperature is about 48-52° year around.
DO WE NEED A GUIDE?
It is a personal preference. A lot of customers enjoy it on their own while several prefer a guided trip. Class III rapids are typically the hardest you can go on without a guide. However, if you have never been before it is recommended that you go guided. We want you to reserve what makes you most comfortable so you can always give us a call – we are happy to discuss which option is best for you & your entire group!
IS IT CUSTOMARY TO TIP OUR GUIDE?
Gratuities (tips) are never expected, but greatly appreciated if you feel our service was exceptional. A guide’s average tip is about 20% of your total rafting trip amount.
IS IT SAFE?
Statistically your drive here is more dangerous than rafting down the Nantahala River. We provide you with thorough instruction, safety equipment and the best possible service we can. Fast Rivers Rafting has an excellent safety record, but rafting like all outdoor activities comes with some risk. A signed acknowledgment of risk and liability release is a prerequisite to rafting with any company.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOURS OF OPERATION?
We are open March and April by reservation. May through Labor Day: 7 days a week. After Labor Day through the end of September reservations are required during the week to guarantee that we are open. Our scheduled trip times are 9:30am, 10:45am, 1:45pm & 2:45pm. However, it is best to call for trip times as they may change depending on time of year and river’s dam release schedule. Reservations are recommended to guarantee the trip and time that you desire. We are closed October through February.
HOW DO WE GET BACK TO FAST RIVERS OUTPOST?
We shuttle you to the put-in (about a 1 minute ride), as well as shuttle you back from the take-out (about a 10 minute ride to your dry clothes).
DO WE HAVE TO PADDLE?
YES! This is a team effort, the better you paddle together the more control you have over the raft. To ensure that everyone has the most fun, you will need to paddle to navigate the best routes and to avoid rocks.
HOW OLD DO CHILDREN HAVE TO BE?
Fast Rivers Rafting is permitted by the United States Forest Service. Their regulations require a child to weigh at least 60 pounds or be 7 years of age to raft on the Nantahala River (it is either/or NOT both). Their regulations are for your child’s safety and are strictly enforced.
CAN WE BRING OUR DOG?
In the interest of everyone’s safety, animals are not permitted in the rafts. Sorry, neither can we allow pets to be left unattended. There are several good kennels located near-by that board animals for the day. We’re happy to put you in touch with them. (Rippling Waters: 828-488-2091)
WILL THERE BE PHOTOS TAKEN?
Yes! We do capture your memory of going through “The Falls” – Nantahala River’s last rapid. We do our absolute best to take several pictures of each raft. However, please understand that technical difficulties sometimes result in your missed photos. Pre-pay and save 10%. You can then view and/or purchase them at the outpost store after your trip or go online (online photos). click here for rates
WILL OUR GROUP BE IN A RAFT WITH ANOTHER GROUP?
If you are a self guided group; you raft with the group you come with. We have different sized crafts to accommodate all group sizes. If you are guide-assisted; you raft with the group you come with plus the appropriate number of guides. If you choose guided; Your raft will only be your group plus the guide if you choose the “Privately Guided Option” or have 5+ in your group. If you have less than 5 in your group and would like a GUARANTEED private trip, you can choose this option for an additional $15 per person. If this option is not chosen, we can choose to combine small guided groups (groups of 2-4 people). This does not happen often, usually on peak days or if both groups are walk-ins hoping to go guided. We will not combine your group if you specify that you would like it to remain private. You must book the “Privately Guided Option” when reserving your trip.
WHAT SIZE LIFE JACKETS DO YOU HAVE?
We have youth life jackets, as well as, adult life jackets that fit up to a size 58” chest.
HOW DEEP IS THE RIVER?
The Nantahala River varies in depth from 10 inches to over 10 feet deep in places. Our instructors will explain why the shallow sections are by far the more dangerous sections.
DO YOU HAVE FOOD OPTIONS AT THE OUTPOST?
We sell drinks, snacks, and ice cream in the store for your convenience.