01/08/2010
Whitewater Rafting in Maine
Our oceanside vacation apartment is a great home base for an affordable Maine whitewater adventure. Only 2-1/2 hours away, Maine’s wild rivers offer a change of pace from the typical coastal fun. This is the sort of experience that makes Maine the “Wild West of the East”. There are at least ten companies which offer this adventure and it pays to reserve early. The trips are all in western and northern parts of Maine on the Kennebec, Penobscot, and Dead Rivers All Maine river rafting trips are regulated by dam releases, so there’s guaranteed whitewater! Timed release also means that there are times on these rivers when the flow is much gentler, so if you are less adventurous or have small children, schedule one of these trips. Of course, there is still seasonal variability; May promises more excitement (and colder water!) than August. The season is from April to October, though some open in May. Wetsuits are available for extra charge.
Trip operators will offer a package including the river trip and usually a cookout at the end. Other activities are sometimes featured for the non rafting members of your group (that’s where I’d be). Prices range from $60 and up per person, with discounts for kids. Some trips require a minimum age of 10, others 16 depending on the river and the type of release. There is usually no upper age limit. Wildlife viewing during the trip is an added benefit (if you have time!). Photos of your trip are offered at the end. Dam releases are scheduled 6 months in advance so it is easy to plan for the trip you want, though don’t expect your group to wait for you and don’t expect a refund if you’re late!
Ask the tour operator what river rating to expect. The rating starts at the calmest at class 1 to the death defying 6. You will not be taken on any class 6 whitewater! Class 2 requires basic paddling skill. Real whitewater starts at class 3 but will involve no real danger. Class 4 presents white water, drops, rocks and waves. This will be the highest class rating you will encounter in Maine trips. While class 4 is considered for “experienced paddlers” trip operators generally emphasize no experience is required.
Related Posts:
Filed under Day trips, Out on the water, off island by on Jan 8th, 2010. Comment.
Comments on Whitewater Rafting in Maine »
Rafting is fun, but can be very dangerous! On a raft trip with my daughters several years ago, both my husband and the guide fell out, leaving inexperienced rafters careening down the Kennebec alone. Luckily, everyone got ashore safely, but the girls refuse to go again. My husband, however, would go at the drop of a paddle!