Summer is just around the corner! Are you ready to shake off the winter blues and make 2021 your year for adventure? With one of Canada’s biggest playgrounds calling your name, there’s never been a better time to take a walk on the wild side and experience the thrill of white water rafting on the Kicking Horse River!
For over 30 years Hydra River Guides has welcomed rafters of all ages and experience levels to our River Base and helped them tackle the Kicking Horse safely while making memories with those they love. If you’re contemplating indulging your inner adrenaline junkie but aren’t quite sure what you expect yet, below are a few commonly asked questions to help you prepare for the adventure of a lifetime. Read on to learn more!
How Experienced Do I Need to Be?
First-time rafters are always welcome here at Hydra. Our guides are happy to welcome you to the river and will spend plenty of time getting you ready with safety instructions before you reach the raft. With our guidance, you’ll have no problem taking on the river.
Is Rafting Family/ Kid Friendly?
Yes, but only for children ages 12 and up, as well as weighing at least 90 lbs. The Kicking Horse is a faced pace river, and while we equip you with safety gear designed to minimize risk, the above factors are necessary requirements to ensure everyone’s safety.
What Do I Need To Bring With Me?
While you might be tempted to bring lots of gear, you’ll want to bear in mind that your space on the raft is quite limited, so sticking to the essentials is the best plan. Bring a bathing suit, towel and a bag for your personal belongings; we’ll provide the other essentials like wetsuits, booties, fleece sweaters, life jackets, and more! We’ll take pictures along the way, so you’re free to leave your phone or camera in the safety of one of the lockers at our private river base or in your vehicle.
Will I Go Overboard?
Possibly. While our guides are extremely experienced on the river and typically able to prevent this from happening provided all occupants are following their instruction, the nature of wild water does mean there is a risk you could get thrown overboard. For this reason, we strongly advise that you be able to swim, and for parents bringing children along, we ask that you ensure they understand how important it is to follow our guides’ instructions exactly. We ensure that all rafters have adequate safety gear before boarding the raft, and guides adapt each ride to the conditions of the river that day to minimize risk.
How Many People Per Raft? Can You Accommodate Groups?
Our Rafts typically include 8 rafters, plus a guide. We know that, with everything going on these days, many guests would like the option to stay within their own party when rafting for additional safety precautions. For that reason, we’re happy to carry our book-a-boat program over from last year, which allows groups of 4-8 rafters to book a private raft for an AM or PM departure. Learn more here!
How Long/When Is Your Rafting Season?
Our 2021 rafting season kicks off May 15 and will usually run all the way through mid-September depending on the weather as well as water levels. The Rockies can be fickle where seasons are concerned, so it’s best to book soon to avoid missing out on this incredible adventure!
Need more info? We’re here to help! Contact Hydra to learn more today!