Is rafting dangerous?
Will I need to sign a waiver?
What should I wear?
I can't swim. Can I still go rafting?
Who can go rafting?
What can a child under 6 do while the rest of the group goes rafting?
Do I need any experience?
How fit should I be to go rafting? Is it Strenuous?
Can I still go rafting if I have a medical condition such as allergies,
joint or back problems?
What are my chances of falling out of the raft?
Can I go rafting if I am pregnant?
Can I bring my camera?
Should I tip our guide?
Does Sun Country Raft Tours discriminate who it takes down the river?
Is rafting dangerous?
Sun Country Raft Tours has been running family fun raft trips since 1978 and have never had
a life threatening injury. We used professional guides and do everything possible to
maintain the level of safety on our trips. That said all outdoor activities possess an
inherent risk due to the fact that they take place in a natural environment as opposed to
one that is controlled. Though we do as much as we can to minimize the risk, there is a
risk that must be accepted in order to participate in a raft trip.
TOP
Will I need to sign a waiver?
Yes. All whitewater rafting guests 18 or older are required to sign our liability release waiver for themselves. Rafting guests under 18 are required to sign the liabilty release themselves but also need the signature of their parent or guardian. Youth and school groups are encouraged to print the releases here so that parents have an opportunity to read and sign the waiver for their child.
TOP
What should I wear?
We encourage you to dress for the weather. In warmer weather shorts, bathing suit, tee
shirt and footwear that will stay on your feet works great. In cooler weather some
synthetic fleece, polypro, capilene or wool are a good idea. In cooler weather try to avoid
cotton as it loses its insulating properties when wet. We do have splash gear available that
helps cut the wind and keeps you warmer and a bit dryer. On trips on the Upper or Lower
Deschutes splash gear rents for for a top and bottom. Splash gear is complementary on
the McKenzie and North Umpqua rivers. TOP
I can't swim. Can I still go rafting?
All of our guests are outfitted with a coast guard approved type V personal floatation
devices (lifejacket), giving you the bouyancy to float through the whitewater. It is more
important that you do not have a fear of water then to have the ability to swim. TOP
Who can go rafting?
Everyone ages 6 to 106! We like to say we take kids of all ages, if you are looking for a
splashing good time then let's go rafting. We are all about family fun!
TOP
What can a child under 6 do while the rest of the group goes rafting?
There are plenty of things for our future rafters to do while the rest of the group goes rafting. If you are staying in Sunriver check with Sunriver resort about Fort Funnigan and what programs they have available. If you are going to be staying in Bend or coming up to Bend from Sunriver for the day you can check out Kiddoz, Inc., and Bouncing off the Walls for activity schedules.
TOP
Do I need any experience?
No. All of our trips are professionally guided. Your guide will educate you on everything
you need to know to maximize the fun on your trip. TOP
How fit should I be to go rafting? Is it Strenuous?
If fitness is a concern for you we recommend either our Big Eddy Thriller or our All Day
Adventure on the Lower Deschutes, these trips require less active paddling. Our McKenzie
and North Umpqua trips require a good bit of paddling throughout the entire trip making them
more strenuous. TOP
Can I still go rafting if I have a medical condition such as allergies,
joint or back problems?
If you have a condition that you think may impact your trip our best advice is to ask you
doctor if it is okay for you to participate in a rafting trip. If your doctor gives you the
go ahead then we welcome you on our raft trips. TOP
What are my chances of falling out of the raft?
Our guides do everything they can to prevent folks from falling out of their rafts. Despite
our guides best efforts a small percentage of rafters find a way to fall out of their raft.
Often this is the high light of their trip! The best way to assure a positive outcome is to
listen to your guide when they are explaining how to brace yourself into the raft and also
what to do in the event that you do fall out. TOP
Can I go rafting if I am pregnant?
While we have no policy prohibiting pregnant women from going rafting it is highly
discouraged. Doctors typically say you can participate in activities that are familiar to
you, since rafting is not a very familiar activity for most folks we advise against it. It
is infrequent that guests fall out of the raft, but it does happen and swimmers'bodies may
come in contact with rocks. TOP
Can I bring my camera?
We recommend you leave your camera in the car. You will certainly be getting wet on your
rafting trip and unless your camera is waterproof it may not survive the trip. If want to
bring a camera we recommed a waterproof disposable camera(available at our shop), they take
decent pictures and will survive the trip. On the Big Eddy Thriller, McKenzie and North
Umpqua trips one of our photographers will take pictures of the rafts going through the
rapids that are available for purchase. On the Lower Deschutes there are several photo
services that take pictures at the key rapids. TOP
Should I tip our guide?
Always appreciated, never expected. Our guides get paid a decent wage to perform a good job
entertaining you and guiding you safely down the river. If that is all they did then no tip
is in order. You have chosen to go rafting with a company that is known for its high
quality guides and excellent customer service. If you feel that your guide provided
excellent service and went above and beyond to make your experience one to remember feel
free to show your appreciation. TOP
Does Sun Country Raft Tours discriminate who it takes down the river?
No Sun Country Raft Tours does not discriminate and is prohibited from doing so as a permittee under the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. "The USDA prohibits discrimination in its programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, poilitical beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. (Not all prohited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information should contact USDA's TARGET Center at 202-720-2600(voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call 202-720-5964(voice or TDD). USDA Forest Service is an equal opportunity provider and employer."
