Planning a whitewater rafting trip does not have to be difficult; it should be fun! Everyday folks have questions about what to expect and how to plan for their whitewater rafting trip to Maine with Northeast Whitewater. We make it easy for you to answer all of your questions when you call, but sometimes folks book with our online reservation system and need to be able to get their rafting questions answered and not get tied up on the phone. That’s what this blog post is all about. A helpful guideline of questions that tend to be the most asked questions when guests are planning their rafting trips. We hope you find our “rafting questions answered” tool, helpful as well! It’s’ our goal to make vacation planning tons of fun, yet super easy. Here are some of our most asked questions about our trip as guests begin planning their whitewater adventure!
When Does The White Water Rafting Season Begin & End?
Our season runs from May – mid October for moose watching tours, waterfall hikes and outdoor instruction programs; seven days a week. Our whitewater rafting season kicks off Memorial day weekend in May and runs until the last weekend in September. We offer daily rafting trips on our family friendly and #1 rafting trip, the Kennebec river, as well as our more adventurous whitewater rafting trip on the Penobscot River. Have you rafted these rivers?! If so, step it up to challenge the rapids on the South Branch of the Penobscot river Canada Falls section. This is a once in a lifetime trip offered 1 time each season!
How do I stay warm on the river?
Wetsuits are required in early Spring & Fall. You will want to wear a wetsuit on the river in early spring and we judge that by any river day prior to June 15 and anytime after September 15. That is when the rivers are much cooler, so we want you prepared to be wet and warm not wet and cold. If you don’t have your own wetsuit equipment, we rent full wetsuits (3mm farmer johns & 3mm tops), booties, and paddling jackets for $25 per person. No matter your size, Northeast Whitewater has the wetsuit for you! All sizes from extra small to extra large are available.
What should I wear on the river?
We recommend a bathing suit, sneakers or river sandals, sunglasses (with a strap especially for prescription glasses); contacts are fine. Synthetic active wear is highly recommended. DO NOT wear cotton or cotton blend clothing! Also, consider a warm hat, and wool socks in the spring and fall. And, don’t forget a towel and a change of clothes for the end of the day!
Can I change while on the river trip?
We recommend bringing extra clothing to change into at the end of your trip, especially if you get cold easily. This can be left on the bus. There is no riverside changing. Instead, Northeast Whitewater has a beautiful bathhouse available for guests to change and shower upon returning from your rafting trip.
Are there bathrooms at the lunch site?
There are bathroom facilities at the put in and take out of the river. We recommend going to the bathroom before you get on the river, since there are no bathrooms at the lunch site.
What can I bring with me?
We recommend that you do not bring valuables to the river or on your trip. Our vehicles are left unattended during the day and Northeast Whitewater does not take responsibility for your items left in our vehicles. Disposable cameras, bug spray, sunglasses, eye glass retainers (Chums), and sunscreen are available for purchase and can be secured to you, the raft, or put into the Guide’s drybag located on the boat. If you have required medication you can also bring that along and put that into the Guide’s drybag. Make sure that you lock all your valuables in your car, bring only what you need for a day on the river, and you can leave your car keys back at Northeast Whitewater at the front desk.
What if it rains?
ALL Northeast Whitewater trips happen rain or shine. We recommend dressing appropriately for the weather forecast expected on your trip. If you are rafting you will be getting wet anyway and too busy having fun to notice the rain!
If you found while reading this it has sparked some new questions in your mind, please feel free to give us a call at 207-695-0151 or contact us. We are glad to help with your vacation plans. Let us help plan your Moosehead Lake area things to do today!
