whitewater excitement california river rafting adventures · california river rafting excellence as...

SatisfactionGuaranteed

Over 150,000Happy Guests

Bestin Class

Bestin Class

SatisfactionGuaranteed

Over 155,000Happy Guests

Whitewater ExcitementCalifornia River Rafting Adventures• 30 Years of Rafting Experience• Over 155,000 Happy Guests• Best Value & Pricing

• Best American River Campground• Top-of-the-Line Equipment• Incredible Meals & Service

PRSRT STDU.S. Postage

PAIDPermit #25

Auburn, CA 95603

Why Choose Us?• Great Customer Care

• Best American River Campground

• Best Value & Pricing

• Friendly Certified River Guides

• Multi-Sport Packages

• Online Reservations

• Incredible & Abundant Meals

• Best Alumni Discount

• Top-of-the-Line Equipment

• Private Riverside Group Camp Sites

Whitewater Excitement, Inc.P.O. Box 5992 • Auburn, CA 95604

800-750-2386 [email protected]

Over 29 years of California River Rafting ExcellenceAs we celebrate over a quarter of a century in the rafting business, I would like to personally thank the over 155,000 guests who have rafted with us, many who return year after year. It has truly been a pleasure sharing all the excite-ment and adventures with you. River rafting in California is the ideal quick getaway for excitement, fun and the perfect way to cool off for everyone. We offer 1/2 day to 3 day relaxing rafting vacations 7 days a week, for a total beginner to experienced rafters only 45 minutes east of Sacramento in the heart of the “Gold Country.” Your outdoor adventure vacations will be even better with new tent Cabins and Bed & Breakfast Lodging, plus new multi-day packages from romance, adrenalin, multi-sport, family and more. For over 30 years, our mission at Whitewater Excitement is really quite simple — to make your rafting vacation with us a Five Star/Best in Class Experience — Guaranteed. Our commitment is to provide you the best in: • Guest Services • Equipment • Facilities • Well-Trained Certified Staff • Vacation Value

As another rafting season approaches, we look forward to sharing yet another year of fun, excitement, and best of all, fond memories that will last forever. I invite you to join us April - September for one of the most reward-ing and relaxing adventure vacations you’ll ever have. Experience the Whitewater Excitement “Best-in-Class” difference. Call us today! You’ll be glad you did.

See you on the river,

Norm Schoenhoff Founder & President

Book your trip online atwww.whitewaterexcitement.com

1-800-750-2386

Why We’re DifferentYour safety is our #1 commitment: Certified white water rafting river guides, many who have been with us for years.Top-of-the-line river rafting equipment: For your safety

and comfort we only use state-of-the art self-bailing rafts. Also for your comfort we offer FREE use of wetsuits and paddle jackets on all of our trips. Smaller, less crowded rafts equals more funPersonal attention: No matter if you are a first-timer or highly experienced, our friendly staff is dedicated to helping you have a great time on and off the river.Outstanding and abundant meals and beverages: Great meals with all the trimmings including vegetarian options. Deluxe picnic lunches, barbecued steak and chicken dinners, pancake, eggs and ham breakfast buffets.

Best Value & Pricing GuaranteedOur preferred guest discount is the best in the business! And to make your decision even easier — we will match any competitor’s offer publicized or quoted in writing.

Best Campground/American RiverOur deluxe private riverside campground is nestled in a beautiful quiet nature setting. Location matters! Look across the river at total wilderness, not someone’s house or another campground. We’ve got the best campground on the American River and we are proud of it.

What’s New This Year!• Comfortable Tent Cabins• Bed & Breakfast Trips• Story & Photo Contest• California Rafting Podcast: News, Specials & Fun• 2 - 6 day Multi-Sport, Romance, Adrenaline &

Family Packages

For more information and specials, see our newsletter and go to www.whitewaterexcitement.com/news07.htm

Register online for chances to win free rafting trips and learn about

more specials.

To keep up on WWE, their Staff & other rafting news, check our blog site at: www.californiariverraftingblog.net

• Hot showers• New spacious bathrooms• Shaded riverside campsites• Groomed tent sites• Private group areas• Volleyball pit

• Deluxe Tent Cabins• 2–6 Day Multi-Sport

Packages• Horseshoe pits• Shaved ice• Dedicated Camp Host

South Fork American River...fun for the first-timer or veteran!

The South Fork of the American River is one of the most popular rafting trips in the country — fun for the first-timer or veteran, and great for the whole family, too!

With its origin high in the desolation wilderness of the Sierra Nevada mountains, the South Fork has over 30 major rapids in its 21-mile stretch from near Placerville to Folsom Lake. There are a variety of different trips on the South Fork:

One-Day TripsWe offer three different one-day trips, each offering different sections of the river and river miles. All trips, except the half-day trip, include our famous riverside buffet lunch at our own private spot on the river. Also, we’ll have an ice chest full of cold drinks and snacks waiting for you on the bus ride back to the meeting point.

The Whole River TripThis trip covers the entire stretch of the South Fork, 21 miles, all in one day! Do you want to spend the whole day on the river?

This trip is a good choice. It starts early in the morning at Chili Bar and ends late in the afternoon at Folsom Lake. Rapids like “Meatgrinder,” “Triple Threat,” “Troublemaker,” and the American River Gorge await you on this exciting trip.

The Gorge RunStarting off with some mild bouncy rapids, and even a swim through “Floater’s Rapid” (if you wish), this section of the South Fork then builds and enters the American River Gorge, where rapids are almost non-stop from the beginning to the end.

The Chili Bar RunBeginning our run at Chili Bar and continuing 10 miles down to our base in Coloma, this action packed run starts off with a bang. Six miles of non-stop rapids such as “Meatgrinder”, “Racehorse Bend”, “Maya” and the Famous “Troublemaker” rapid await you. Lunch is included!

Half-day SpecialsFor those short on time, our half-day special are for you. We run either a morning trip on the upper section of the river from Chili Bar to our camp, or an afternoon trip from our camp to Folsom Lake. Both trips cover a little over 10 miles and are only $79 per person, Monday through Friday.

Two-Day TripsHow does this sound? Spend two days rafting, two nights of camping out, and enjoy five gourmet meals, all at our own private campground right on the river. Well, this is what is in store for you on our two-day trip. You’ll raft the “Gorge” section of the river your first day, and the “Upper Section” on the second day.

South Fork HighlightsDifficulty: Class IIISkill Level: Beginning to IntermediateThrill Level: Thrills & ExcitementTrip Options: 1/2 to 2-DaySeason: April - SeptemberMin. Age: 8 yearsComments: Great for Families & Groups


1-800-750-2386

Dear WWE

I just wanted to thank you all for a pleasant

adventure.

I bring a group up every year to Raft and it

was a blast to

go back to you guys and have such a great

experience. From

the moment we arrived we experienced friendly staf

f and

a smooth trip (except on the river)! Our guide M

ichelle was

talented and fun to raft with! We especially enjoyed th

e new

“tent cabins” and have to say as a non-cam

per...I would

camp in style at your campsite anytime! We look forward to

returning and seeing you all next year!!!

Happy Rafting, Marcia V.

Middle Fork American River...excitement for seasoned or first-time rafters!

The Middle Fork of the American River, flowing through one of the more remote canyons of California, has some of the best summer class III and IV rapids anywhere. The first rapid is “Good Morning.” If you are not already awake, you will be after that first splash of cold water hits your face. This river flows 18 miles through a very deep and isolated canyon that has many challenging class III and IV rapids.

World Famous Tunnel ChuteWithin the first few miles, you’ll encounter the “Tunnel Chute.” Blasted out by gold miners back in the 1800s to divert the river away from the famous Horse Shoe Bend, the river is squeezed into a 12-foot cascading spillway that continues for 100 feet. Then the river flows underground through a raftable tunnel. There isn’t anything like it anywhere! Once it has emerged from the tunnel, the Middle Fork races over five miles of rapids, climaxing in “Kanaka Falls,” a class IV maelstrom that will test each passenger to the fullest. The river now mellows and enters its quiet side where you’ll have a chance to relax and enjoy the scenic side of the Middle Fork. Near the end of the quiet side, the silence is interrupted by a deafening roar.

The river now enters the “Ruck-a-Chucky Falls” section of the trip. Here the river drops eight feet over a runnable waterfall, and then drops over a twenty-five foot, class VI, unrunnable waterfall that has to be portaged (where passengers will have to walk around while the guides use ropes to get the unmanned rafts over the falls). Once back in the rafts, the trip ends with a three-mile rush through the most demanding part of the trip. Rapids like “Tightsqueeze,” “Crystal,” “Parallel Parking,” and “Catapult” all come in quick succession.

One and Two Day TripsWe offer both one and two-day Combo Trips on the Middle Fork. Our one-day trip includes the entire 18 mile stretch of the river which is an all-day event that includes lunch. For our two-day combo trips, please see our Combo Trips page for more information. Both our one and two day trips on the Middle Fork should be attempted by active participants that are in good physical condition and good swimmers. Non-swimmers and children under the age of 13 are not recommended on the Middle Fork.

Comfortable Tent CabinsIf you love the outdoors and river rafting, but seek a higher level of comfort, you will love our new tent cabins located in our private campground on the American River. Each of our cabin tents features four comfortable cots. Sleeping bags with liners are available for rent. Combine our tent cabins, hot showers, bathrooms with your 1- or 2-day rafting trip with meals and you have got a California river rafting vacation you will love. All you need is your pillow Rates are $60 per night and sleep four.


1-800-750-2386

Middle Fork HighlightsDifficulty: Class III & IVSkill Level: Experienced or adventurous 1st-timersThrill Level: More thrills & ExcitementTrip Options: 1-Day to 2-DaySeason: April - SeptemberMin. Age: 14 yearsComments: Requires good physical condition & swimming ability.

Norm, Guides and Staff,

What a great experience. My son, daughter and I

rafted the

Middle Fork on July 7th. Our Guide was Andrew. He was

knowledgeable and attentive. He never missed a thing, even

when he was tossed out of the raft on the

Double Dip rapid,

he kept telling us “All Forward, All Back” unt

il he got back

in. During the gentle river times he kept the conver

sation

going so no one got bored. Lunch was great, so much food.

At the end of the day I was exhausted, but st

ill wasn’t

ready for the “ride” to be over.

Thank you for a grea

t day.

Vicki C. — Reno, NV

Merced River...near beautiful Yosemite National Park!

Tumbling from the high reaches of Yosemite National Park, the Merced River is one of the wildest trips we offer. Located just 31⁄2 hours from the San Francisco Bay area, and 6 hours from the Southern California area, the Merced is a great one- or two-day adventure. Crystal clear cascades like “Nightmare Island,” “Grand Slam,” and the giant “Ned’s Gulch” are only a few of the rapids in this 18-mile stretch of the river.

During the spring, the Merced really roars. The rapids become almost non-stop and require paddling crews that are experienced or adventurous first-timers, and all need to be in good physical condition for this demanding trip and you must have good swimming ability..

Also during the spring, the Merced’s canyon floor is blanketed with wildflowers. California poppies, redbud, and lupine make this area a very beautiful setting.

One Day TripsOne-day Trips begin at Redbud picnic site (the highest we can raft) and include the upper 31⁄2 miles of non-stop rapids that begin the trip with a bang. The river trip continues through part of the lower section of the Merced and ends with a flush through “Split Rock,” and “Corner Pocket,” both class IV rapids, just before the ending of the trip.

Wilderness Camping/Double RunsOur two-day trips also begin at Redbud and flow down to Railroad flat. This trip offers riverside “wilderness” camping that is right on the river in a very beautiful setting. On the following morning, we’ll tackle the lower section of the Merced that has the longest and biggest rapid, “Quarter Mile,” which requires our scouting the rapid before entering. Also, we’ll have to portage (carry our rafts) around North Fork Falls, an unrunnable 25-foot waterfall. We then have a lazy float into Bagby, the ending spot for our trip. With the undammmed nature of the Merced, water levels can change very quickly. At times, the lower section of the “Quarter Mile” rapid becomes too dangerous and at such times, we will raft the upper 22 miles again. All our Merced trips include the free use of wetsuits and rafting wind breakers for your comfort!

Merced Rafting and Yosemite National ParkWith Yosemite only 40 minutes away from our meeting point, it is a must visit for those rafting the Merced River. The season for rafting is also the best time to see the waterfalls of the park at their grandest. So come and spend a day rafting with us and a day viewing the spectacular Yosemite National Park.

Merced HighlightsDiffculty: Class IV +Skill Level: Experienced or adventurous 1st-timersThrill Level: Maximum ExcitementTrip Options: 1-Day to 2-DaySeason: April - July (depending on snow pack)Min. Age: 14 yearsComments: Requires good physical condition & swimming ability.

Only 40 minutes from Yosemite.


1-800-750-2386

Good afternoon,

I just wanted to give you some feedback on our wh

ite

water rafting trip we took on May 5th. My husband and

I had the enormous pleasure of rafting down the Merced

with the lovely Ann. We couldn’t have asked

for a better

guide! She had so much to offer with her vast knowledge,

experience, and tons of interesting stories. A

nn along with the

rest of your staff, really worked we will n

ever forget! What

a blast! We can’t wait to do it again! Thanks for eve

rything!

Sincerely, Jamie H.

Combo Whitewater Rafting Trips...experience the best of both worlds!

We have, over the years, pioneered combination trips. With our private campgrounds and variety of vans and buses, the flow of the trip is never inter-rupted. The South, North, and Middle Forks of the American River are excellent choices for combining two or three different river trips into one exciting adventure. There are many options available for trips that are from two to five days in length.

South and Middle ComboThis, next to the South Fork, is our most popular trip. We raft the “Gorge” section of the South Fork on the first day, and the entire section of the Middle Fork on the second day for a great two-day adventure.

Middle and South ComboRaft the Middle Fork first and the South Fork second in a reverse of our South and Middle Combo.

Middle/Middle 2 Day Combo AdventureFor those wanting the ultimate 2 day rafting trip, try rafting the ENTIRE Middle Fork both days, challenging the “Tunnel Chute” and the other class 4 rapids TWICE! Camping both nights will be at our South Fork Base camp and include 5 meals.

South and North ComboThis two-day trip includes the entire section of the South

Fork on the first day in order to get everyone ready and tuned-up for the challenge of the class 4 North Fork American river and the Chamberlin Falls Gorge on the second day. All 2-Day Combo Trips include 2 nights of overnight camping are at our private South Fork campground facility, and 5 meals. Wet suits and rafting windbreak-ers are also included with this package.

Try Our New...

3 Day South and Middle Combo Trip!

We also offer a South and Middle Fork three-day river trip. We raft the “Gorge” section of the South Fork the first day and the “Chili Bar” section of the South Fork the second day, and saving the best for last, we tackle the class 3-4 Middle Fork the third day. 3 nights of camping, and 8 meals included.


1-800-750-2386

Ann,Our group of 4 girls w

ould like to thank the entire staff of

Whitewater Excitement for an absolutely wonderful rafting

trip. The campground, equipment, van ride, lunch, and especially

our guide, Aaron, were PERFECT. Aaron was entertai

ning,

relaxed, and extremely competent & experienced at what he

does. We all agree that Aaron was the main reason our trip

was so exciting and memorable! The snacks and

cold drinks

at the end of the day were also a pleasant

surprise. We

will strongly recommend Whitewater Excitement to all our

friends & family and will see you in the future.

Thank you again for an amazing trip,

Kim D.

ULTIMATE 2-DAY COMBO TRIPS

A add more adventure to our Combo Trips and raft the

Whole River of the South Fork the first day.

Family Rafting...fun for all ages!


1-800-750-2386

Our Family Trips are a way the entire family can experience our whitewater rafting adventures and camping experiences, all in an atmosphere of fun and learning. We offer 2 Day Family Specials with kids ages 8 and up the second and fourth weeks in July and August. For each full paying adult, the kids go at HALF price. These 2 Day Family trips are a great opportunity for the entire family to share an adventure vacation together. We are proud to offer these family trips and to get the chance to share some special places and adventures with kids so that they might grow to love and cherish these rivers and can-yons and save them for generations to come.

Young Rafters AdventuresOur Young Rafters Adventures are for families with kids that are too young for our regular rafting trips. Easy, fun, and bouncy class 1 and 2 rapids that will give our younger rafters a taste of whitewater rafting. We begin our trip at Coloma State Historic Park, where gold was first discovered, and finish 7 miles downstream. We offer 1/2 day trips and also offer 1/2 day overnight packages that include rafting and camping at our own private campground. For families with younger kids, ages 5 and up, this is a great way to introduce them to rafting and camping. Please call us for more information.

Family Rafting HighlightsDifficulty: Easy class 1 + 2Skill Level: None requiredThrill Level: Great fun in the sunTrip Options: 1/2 to 1-day, plus overnight optionsSeason: Easy Class 1,2 and 3

April - September (depending on snow pack)Min. Age: 5 yearsComments: Fun for all ages!

North Fork American...the ultimate!


1-800-750-2386

North Fork HighlightsDifficulty: Class IV +Skill Level: Experienced RaftersThrill Level: Maximum ExcitementTrip Options: 1-Day to 2-Day CombinationsSeason: April - June (depending on snow pack)Min. Age: 14 yearsComments: Requires good physical condition and swimming ability.

Only 40 minutes from Sacramento.

Starting as a mild stream, the North Fork of the American River quickly gathers momentum and enters the class IV “Chamberlin Falls Gorge,” the most difficult of all the forks of the American. Running only in the early spring with the melting snow from the Sierras, the North Fork drops through a very steep gorge between house-sized boulders and over waterfalls that reach eight feet in height. Crystal clear water and rapids that seem endless are the trade-mark of this technical, challenging river. This is one of the most beautiful rivers in the Sierras and should be attempted by those with previous rafting experience and who are in good physical condition. Wet suits are a must for this trip and are included when you raft with us. We offer one-day trips on the North Fork of the American River. One-day trips cover nine miles and include a stop for lunch.

Excitement Costa Rica...welcome to Costa Rica EXCITEMENT!

Whitewater Excitement is proud to present Excitement Costa Rica (www.excitementcostarica.com), a white-water rafting company that Whitewater Excitement owner Norm Schoenhoff has teamed up with long time Costa Rican Guide and native Jorge Solano to start. Jorge is one of the original guides to raft the rivers in Costa Rica. He has helped bring rafting in Costa Rica to the high standards they are in the states.

To wet your appetite (no pun intended), check out the beautiful tropical scenery, wildlife, and thrilling river runs that await you when you book one of our Costa Rica whitewater rating trips. Excitement Costa Rica is the result of many years of experience and satisfied clients all over Costa Rica and California; totally commit-ted to give a quality service, with the highest standards, safety measures, total respect towards the environment, and excellent staff that will assure you that the goals of the trip will be fulfilled.

Rafting ToursOn this trips we invite you to an experience you enter in a mixture of adventure, nature and an Exchange cultural. We offer trip on 3 rivers in Costa Rica, with the Pacaure as the most popular and exciting of them all. The Pacaure offer some of the most thrilling rapids that come almost non-stop with a trip back in time through a remote jungle setting. One and two day trips are available with options to stay at the beautiful Pacaure River Lodge and add an exciting Canopy Tour, Horseback Riding, and Biking Adventures.

Irazú VolcanoTourThe tour starts 32 kilometers north-east from Cartgo city, first capital of Costa Rica, near the Irazu Volcano National Park main entrance. You will pass by a sub-conic and irregular shape volcano that extends approximately 500 km2 and reaches an altitude of 3432 meters above sea level. The Irazu is the tallest and biggest volcano in Costa Rica, and in clear days you will be able to see both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and lots of Costa Rica land.

Horseback Riding “Bajo del Tigre”Bajo del Tigre is the closest community of the Pacuare River accommodations, and on the journey to the little town you will have the chance to see different types of birds, sloths and flora like orchids, bromeliads, and heliconias, among others.

Canopy TourArriving to Santa Marta, a transport will transfer the clients 4 kilometers until the beginning of the canopy, where specialized guides will take charge of preparing to the whole group for literally to fly for the top of the trees, a good chat of security

and instructions and everybody ready for the adventure.


1-800-750-2386

Pacuare RiverClass III-IV This tour will take you through one of the most popular

and exciting rivers of the world because of the scenery, rapids, waterfalls and crystalline waters.

Sarapiqui RiverClass III The river section that you will enjoy is recommended for

beginners because of the low/medium difficulty of the river rapids.

Reventazon RiverClass III-IV This trip will take you through one of the most thrilling

and popular rivers of the country, the Reventazon River. This section known as Florida, is suitable for beginners.

Futalafu River in Chile (www.patagoniaelelments.com)Enjoy breathtaking and exciting tours of the highest quality in the best part of the Patagonia,Futaleufu - Chile. Professional and experienced guides will not only lead you up lush moun-tain sides, guide you down crystal clear whitewater and float you lazily through trout filled rivers, they will also introduce you to the friendly local community while you take part in the cultural activities of Futaleufu. Our team offers fun, safe and different adventure activities!

Which Trip Is Best for You?Our trips are suited for all age groups. Anyone from the age of 4 years and up may participate. Both young and young at heart have experienced our trips and have had the time of their lives. Those on the younger side and first-timers might want to try the South Fork of the American, then work up the difficulty ladder from there. Those adven-turous first-timers that are in good physical condition may want more of a challenge. Life jackets are worn at all times while on the river, so you need not be a great swimmer.

ReservationsTrips on the weekend fill the fastest, sometimes a year in advance on rivers like the Merced and Middle Fork of the American. On other trips, we have space up until a few days before the trip. Reservations may be made by calling our office. We advise you to call our office first to check if the date you choose is available. A deposit of 50% of your total trip fee is required to confirm your date. The full balance of your trip fee is due no later than 45 days prior to your trip. Full payment is required when a reservation is made within 30 days of your trip. Phone reservations are held, but not confirmed, for 10 days. If, by that time, your deposit has not been received at our office, your reservation may be canceled and your space booked on a first-come first-served basis.

Cancellations & RefundsPlease make sure that you understand our transfer and cancellation policy before you make your reservation. If you must cancel your reser-vation, all but a $50 per person cancellation fee will be refunded to you, provided that we have written notice of your cancellation in our office at least 60 days prior to your trip date. For cancellations made less than 60 days prior to your trip date, the entire trip fees are non-refundable in which case we encourage you to try to find a substitute for your space. Please understand that when you make a reservation with us for a particular trip, we are holding that space for you and are turning other clients away from those dates. If you decide to cancel, it is very hard for us to re-book those spaces so close to the departure date. We must be firm on our cancellation policy. Whitewater Excitement, Inc. reserves the right to cancel a reserva-tion due to insufficient reservations, weather, water flow, or for safety considerations. We are responsible only for the refund portion of the trip fees for that day’s portion of the trip. In the case of rain, the trip is only canceled in the event of a severe storm that continues or does not allow us to run a safe trip.

Group DiscountsWhitewater Excitement, Inc. offers discounts on all of our trips. One free trip is offered for each group of 12 (the 12th person is free). We also have special Corporate Rates for companies and organizations planning group trips (please call for these rates). Youths 16 and under receive a 10% discount off our normal rates. Only one discount per person.

Preferred Guest DiscountAs a way of saying thank you to our Past Guests who have rafted with us at Whitewater Excitement, Inc. in the last 3 seasons, we offer one free trip per 6 passengers. That means in a group of 6, only 5 pay while 1 goes free. If you are a Whitewater Excitement Past Guest, please let us know when you make your reservation.These discounts apply only to rates in this brochure.

Important ConsiderationsWhitewater rafting, like any other sport, requires some physical exertion. Because of this it is important for all participants to read the following:

• All rafters must be able to properly wear one of our life jackets which accommodate a torso circumference of up to 56 inches.

• Potential participants who have a history of allergic reactions to bee stings, asthma, epilepsy, heart trouble or any medical condition that would endanger them or diminish their employment on the trip, should first consult with their physician before making a reservation.

• For obvious reasons we discourage pregnant women from participating in our rafting trips.

ResponsibilityAt Whitewater Excitement, Inc., your complete enjoyment and consideration is our utmost concern. However, whitewater rafting, like any sport involving the forces of nature, involves some inherent risk and danger. Accidents and injuries can occur, and participant baggage can be lost or damaged. We therefore do not assume responsibility for injury or death to trip members, nor for loss of personal baggage, damage to cameras or other expensive items, or for loss of time or expenses incurred. In order to accommodate varying degrees of experience and physical conditioning we offer a wide variety of trips. Because we are not qualified to access your physical condition, we rely solely on your judgement to pick a trip that is suitable for your degree of experience and physical fitness. If you have any concerns about your physical condition you should first consult a physician before the trip. All partici-pants of the trip are required to sign an Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability form prior to departure. Please give us a call if you have any questions or concerns or would like a copy of this form.

InsuranceWe offer and strongly advise trip travel insurance which covers trip members for accident, injury, baggage, and cancellation claims. In cooperation with the Travelers, this low-cost insurance offers you protection from most occurrences. An application form is included in your trip information, or you may request one directly from our office.

Trip InformationUpon receipt of your deposit, you will receive a complete

trip information package containing your confirmation receipt,

directions to the meeting point with a map, what to bring, recommended places to stay in the area, and a copy of the assumption of risk forms that each member of the trip must fill out and sign prior to the trip.

Chartered BusFor many years, Whitewater Excitement, Inc. has offered round-trip luxury bus service from the Southern California area to all the rivers we run. This leave-the-driving-to-us service picks you up in the late afternoon and delivers you to our riverside campground at about 1:00 a.m. After the trip is completed, you again board an air-conditioned bus for the trip back home.

Alcoholic BeveragesWhitewater Excitement, Inc. does not permit, for safety reasons, any alcoholic beverages while on the river. We do, however, provide ice cold beer and local wines after the trip and with dinner. Excessive drinking and a river trip do not mix. Whitewater Excitement, Inc. reserves the right to terminate the trip of any person who we believe is creating a safety hazard to himself other passengers, or staff.

TippingAlthough tipping is not expected, if you feel that your guide went out of his way to make your trip very special, a small gratuity is a very nice way to say “Thank you for a great trip and a job well done.”

Permits/MembershipWhitewater Excitement, Inc. is a licensed, permitted outfitter that is granted a license to operate by the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, California State Parks, and El Dorado County which requires the following notice: the South Fork of the American River in its natural state would not normally have sufficient flows during the summer to support rafting or other floating activities as they are known today. Adequate flows result from releases from hydroelectric facilities located at Chili Bar and above. Such releases are made when necessary for power generation, and are not subject to the control of the County of El Dorado or commercial rafting companies operating permits from the County of El Dorado. Whitewater Excitement, Inc. is a proud member of America Outdoors, California Outdoors, Friends of the Rivers, and the El Dorado Professional Outfitters Association.

Scale of River DifficultyThe difficulty of a river is classified on a scale of I to VI, with Class VI indicating an unrunnable stretch of river. We have rated the rivers on which we operate according to the scale below describing each class. The difficulty of a river may vary significantly with fluctuations in water level. For example, the South Fork is normally a Class III, but in times of high water, the difficulty may increase to Class IV. The ratings listed refer to the rivers’ difficulties at normal, medium levels. On a professionally guided trip, beginners may handle a Class III river.

I: EASY. Waves are small; passages clear. No serious obstacles. II: MEDIUM. Rapids of moderate difficulty with passages clear. III: DIFFICULT. Waves are numerous, high, irregular; rocks; eddies;

rapids with passages clear though narrow, requiring expertise in maneuvering.

IV: VERY DIFFICULT. Long rapids; waves powerful and irregular; dangerous rocks; boiling eddies; powerful and precise maneuvering required.

V: EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. Long and violent rapids following each other almost without interruption; riverbed extremely obstructed; big drops; violent current; very steep gradient.

Whitewater Excitement Guide SchoolEach year Whitewater Excitement offers two whitewater guide schools for new prospective employees. Our guide schools are only for those seeking to work for us this spring and summer. We hire all of our new employees out of our schools. If you are interested in working for us this summer and have no prior commercial guiding experience, then our guide school is the place for you. Our schools are custom designed and geared for guides that will work for our company.

Spring & Summer 6-Day Guide SchoolsOur Spring School begins Memorial Day Monday, while our Summer School begins the 3rd Monday in June. If you are interested, give us a call at (530) 888-6515 to reserve your space or to get more information. We do limit the number of participants.


1-800-750-2386

Guide School Highlights• Turn your training into a fun & profitable summer job• Meet young people from all over the country• Make lasting friendships• Two 5-day schools to choose from• Earn a swift water certification• Work with one of California’s top companies

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