Frequently Asked Questions

Hudson River Gorge Trips: 

1123 Route 28

Warrensburg, NY 12885

Follow signs for parking, then head to the pavilion for check-in!

Sacandaga River Trips: Our sign and location are both visible as you approach on Lake Avenue.

1115 Lake Ave

Lake Luzerne, NY 12846

You’ll be most comfortable whitewater paddling in clothing that can get completely wet.  For spring and fall rafting, you’ll want synthetic long underwear and perhaps even a fleece or wool insulating layer, as well as a warm hat and socks.  For summer rafting, a bathing suit/shorts and a T-shirt will usually work fine, along with a cap and some sunblock.  Please ask one of our guides if you are not sure how to dress for the day’s weather.  If you have forgotten anything, our store is well stocked with polyester long underwear, socks, hats, glasses straps, sunblock, and waterproof phone cases.

What to Bring:

The Adirondack Mountains have four distinct rafting and whitewater paddling seasons.  While we will outfit you with a wetsuit and booties (spring only), you may need to bring additional clothing to wear under and over your wetsuit, depending on the time of year you come rafting.  Please review the list below and dress accordingly.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to give us a call.  If you are a trip leader, it is important that you supply this list to every member of your trip.  WWOC reserves the right to require or restrict certain clothing on trips when the weather conditions warrant.

EARLY SPRING (MID-MARCH THROUGH MID-MAY)

• Wool sweater/fleece sweater
• Wool gloves, socks, and hat
• Wool or polypropylene underwear
• Nylon spray top and pants
• Bathing suit (optional)
• NO COTTON

LATE SPRING (MID-MAY THROUGH JUNE)

• Wool or polypropylene underwear 
• Wool gloves, socks, and hat
• Wool sweater/fleece sweater
• Bathing suit (for under the wetsuit) optional
• NO COTTON

SUMMER (MID-JUNE THROUGH LABOR DAY)

• Bathing suit
• T-Shirt
• Old sneakers, water shoes, or sandals — no flip flops

FALL (MID-SEPTEMBER THROUGH OCTOBER)

• Wool Sweater/fleece sweater
• Wool polypropylene underwear
• Wool gloves, socks, and hat
• Nylon spray top and pants
• NO COTTON

YES!  We need to know every rafter’s medical history so we can care for them in an emergency, and as acknowledgement that they understand the inherent risks involved with whitewater rafting.  You can save time and sign the waiver beforehand, just click here to view and print it.

NO!  They will get wet and perhaps lost.  Lock valuables in your vehicle.  Turn your keys in at the office and we'll lock them up for you.

NO! All rafters must wear shoes, sneakers, or sandals (with a heel strap) that will stay on their feet. Flip-flops are not acceptable for this reason. The riverbed and shoreline are made up of rocks, gravel, etc., that can be very tough on bare feet. If you do not have appropriate footwear, water shoes, and sandals can be purchased in our store.

Like all outdoor adventure sports, whitewater rafting has some inherent risks.  We are very proud of our training level and safety record with individual and family white water rafting vacations. We provide helmets and PFDs to ensure your safety on the river.

We use 16 and 14-foot self-bailing rafts that hold as many as four to 10 rafters.

The river depth varies significantly from several inches to perhaps several feet.

Tips are an important part of your guide’s pay.  If you enjoyed your trip, feel free to tip your guide whatever you feel is appropriate.

17 Mile Hudson River Gorge:

You can review and order your pictures online at: Raft.zenfolio.com/ww

You rafted with Wild Waters Outdoor Center. You will need to know the date you rafted and your guide’s name.

Sacandaga River:

Fill out a photo order form after your trip. You’ll need to know the date and the name of your guide. We’ll mail your order within 14 days, satisfaction guaranteed. If you need to contact the photographer from your trip at a later date, our Sacandaga River photographer Sonni Woolley can be reached at sonniwoolley@bluetiehome.com . You can call the Sacandaga River Outpost at 518-696-3461.

This is one of the most common questions we get.  Both options are great and you will have a fun time whichever one you choose.  

Private Rafts are perfect for:

Groups of 4 or more.

Groups that have special needs or requests.

Groups that want to have their whitewater experience catered to their needs.

Shared rafts are great for:

Folks that want to meet new people.

Groups of 4 or less.

Folks open to new experiences on the river.

A great question!  If you have children younger than 8, then it is an easy question.  The Sacandaga River is your best and only option.  The Sacandaga is a great mixture of fun, excitement, and thrills for your whole family.  It is a great rafting trip for first-timers, and Wild Waters Outdoor Center guides are specially trained and experienced in providing families with a memorable trip. 

If your group consists of experienced whitewater enthusiasts, then we encourage you to book our 17-mile trip on the Hudson River Gorge.  It is an all-day affair with class 3-4 whitewater.

If everyone in your group is 8 or older, but you are still not sure if you are ready for the all-day trip, give us a call at  1-800-867-2335, and we will help you decide which trip is the best fit.  

Luckily for you, our guides know the Sacandaga river very well and are adept at providing just the right mixture of fun and adventure.  For the most thrills I would suggest a private raft instead of a shared raft.  This way your guide can give you the experience you are looking for!  Just be ready to paddle!  The harder you paddle the more fun!

If everyone in your group is 8 and older, I would suggest the 17-mile Hudson River Gorge.  This full-day (9:00 am to 3:30 pm) adventure features beautiful scenery, exciting whitewater, numerous swim areas, a riverside lunch, and great family memories. Again we would always suggest a Private raft option if you can so the guide can customize the trip just the way you want.

Both are great, easy, and secure.  If you are reserving during office hours, I would give us a ring at 1-800-867-2335.  This way, we can easily make sure that we can handle any special requests or concerns you may have.  You will also save on the booking fees if you call the office.