Michelle A.
Yelp
I took part in one of the Living Social White Water Weekend Getaway packages that were offered in late July. So I am giving my review as a participant in the LS deal: it's your lucky day, you're getting the long version.
After making the over four-hour drive from Columbus, my group and I finally reached the camp grounds. The camp grounds were easy to see from the road, although knowing where to park was a little confusing. The checking-in process was easy enough--just make sure if you're part of this deal to ask for the actual River Expedition waiver: the person who checked us in forgot to ask us to sign it and we had to scrambled at the last minute to get it done--literally while we were on the bus to the river...
I choose the Rustic Cabin option for my boarding preference. By 'rustic' the outfitters mean two electrical outlets, one window, no lock, small quarters and one fire pit. I was lucky to have really mature roommates, or rustic would have turned into frustrate right quick! Because I had quiet roommates I got a great night's rest both nights I was on the campgrounds. I was protected to the elements and drunken debauchery about a half mile away at the "festive" campgrounds and was able to rest up for what more people need to realize is a physically intense day of rafting!
My biggest delight upon staying at the campgrounds is that the bathrooms were functional and clean! Even in the rush times, I never had to wait more than 5 minutes to do my biznaz. Guys, this is really short time in the girl world.
The morning of the raft my group and I were extremely disappointed at the continental breakfast...but honestly, I probably should not have expected much. The offerings were English muffins, glazed donuts, apples, bananas and coffee... where's the protein, folks!? Luckily I had brought some of my own food with me, or else I would have been famished the whole river trip.
Our group signed up for the Lower New River. You have to check in an hour before your departure--at this point you don't need to be ready to go, you just need to make sure all your paperwork is ready to go and that you're awake for the trip. The second--and final call--is about 20 minutes before your trip. Be ready to go at this point and my advice (as well as the staff's) is to not bring anything with you that you would not want to lose in the water.
For attire, I wore dry fit clothing, a dry-fit tank and dry fit capris. You want to wear more than just a bathing suit even if it is warm--you'll get cold when you hit the water and you'll be wishing you had clothes--even wet clothes--to keep insulated.
Before boarding the bus we donned helmets, life jackets and grabbed oars. The bus ride to the river was about 25 minutes long by my watch-less, cell phone-less guesstimation. When you get to the River make sure you take one last opportunity to go number one, which you can do in the woods nearby if you're lacking in shame and can run really fast.
You figure out who is going to be in your group of nine rafters on the bus. Once you reach the river you and your group will carry your raft down to the river: this is hard work! Once you're in the river you do some practice listening to guide commands. You will be yelled at like you're a soldier and when you make it down the stream safely, maybe even with dry hair you will thank your guide.
Our guide was Chaz and he was awesome! Very professional, amicable and concerned with getting us the safest trip possible, which our group appreciated. None of us wanted to be flipped or fall in and he honored our wishes.
Rafting was fun, and because the river was calm we were able to do a lot of swimming in our breathtaking surroundings.
Lunch was served about 2/3 into the river trip and we had a decent offering. Ladies eat first (wut wut!) and I had a loaded roast beef sandwich with some chili and a cookie. Lunch felt like it was about 40 to 50 minutes. Afterward we got in and did some more rafting and got the chance to go jumping off a 20 foot rock, which was pretty thrilling since you can't see through the water you're leaping into.
You end the trip by going through a manageable class V rapid. The day began at 10 and was done at 3. I believe we went though 18 rapids, class 1-5. For reference, you go through over 40 in the Upper or Lower Gauley during Gauley season.
After getting back to the camp we were able to watch a video recap of the trip. The video is not worth buying because the resolution quality is pretty poor, but it is fun to watch, root and laugh at your own raft.
Afterward, we all got dressed and had dinner while a blue grass band played. I really enjoyed this part and the meal was amazing: bbq chicken, ribs, brownie, cole slaw and a baked potato. Nice to finally have some protein!
I highly recommend this facility and plan to go back in the spring.