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Kern River Raft Rentals
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Raft on Your Own on the Kern River - The Ultimate Whitewater Experience for Bakersfield, Los Angeles and Southern California
Kern River Raft Rentals - Self Guided River Rafting on the Kern River
What You Get
Choice of 10-foot or 14-foot inflatable raft for 6-8 people.
Standard 3-hour raft rental, hourly rental or 24-hour rental.
Raft paddling skills overview & safety lesson.
Personal flotation device, helmet, paddles, safety throw ropes, tie-down straps & Kern River map.
Optional raft drop-off & pick-up at the Kern River.
Pricing & Pay
Purchase Online 24/7.
Reserve your group's raft by paying for your spot, then tell your friends to pay for their spots later.
3-hour rental bookings are for individual guest spots. Rafts can be rented between two or more guests.
Tiered pricing for 3-hour rentals available with discounts for groups of 15 or more.
We can beat any outfitter's Kern River Rafting Rental prices -- Just ask us!
Quick Facts
The "Lickety Split", Kernville Rapids run is about 3 river miles. Standard rental time is 3-hours.
The Kern River features Class I through Class V whitewater. "Lickety Split", Kernville Rapids run is Class II & Class III whitewater.
Rafts fit 2-8 people.
Age Minimim: 12 years old & up. Youth must have continuous adult supervision.
Important Considerations When Choosing a Self-Guided Kern River Rental
What to Expect
Personal flotation device & helmet fitting & orientation on how to properly wear them.
Raft paddling skills instruction for individual paddling & paddling as a team.
Comprehensive safety lesson including self-rescue, rescuing others & important actions to de-risk your trip.
River navigation orientation including Kern River obstacles, hazards, attractions & points-of-interest.
An exciting time rafting the famous Kern River!
Three FAQs & Answers
Q: My friends booked this rental. How do I join their party? A: When booking your spot, fill in the name of your group organizer on your Waiver. We will then know you are part of that organizer's group.
Q: What if members of my group drop out before the 3-hour trip? A: For the standard 3-hour rental, each guest pays for his/her own spot. As long as two members of your group arrive, you can go on the river. You are not required to pay for people who dropped out.
Q: Can my group rent rafts to go on any section of the Kern River? A: You may rent our rafts & go anywhere. Make sure to obtain required permits with the US Forest Service and/or other permitting agencies before the day of your rental.
Answers to more FAQs are sent in your Trip Confirmation email when your trip is booked.
Is Renting Right for You?
If you & your group have rafting experience (reading water & giving commands at the same time.)
If you want to enjoy an activity that requires solid teamwork between you & your group.
If you enjoy conquering whitewater on the Kern River your way, on your terms & on your own schedule.
If you have a group that loves whitewater rafting & the challenge of the Kern River, but you do not own a raft.
If you are a group that wants to run different sections of the Kern River without a hired river guide, then renting may be right for you.
Kern River Raft Rentals
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Kern River Rafting
ONE OF THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN KERN VALLEY, KERNVILLE & THE SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST
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The Kern River is Class I through V.
Know Before You Go
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Kern River Raft Rentals
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Rafts are the most difficult watercraft to maneuver since rafting is a group activity.
Rafting requires synchronized paddling from everyone. Commands are made by one person for the group to follow.
If you & your group have the skills to white water raft without a professional river guide, we have your river gear & raft rentals at great prices.
You must obtain a Kern River rafting permit with the US Forest Service.
Rafting on your own can be a great social activity that can bond your group through teamwork. It can be fun for families & friends.
Rather rent kayaks? We have kayak rentals too.
If you rent rafts & gear for your Kern River trip, there will be no river guide or life guard immediately available for rescues.
Strong swimming skills required.
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Kern River Raft Rentals Rates:
Hourly rates & 24-hour rentals available. If you want to run more sections of the Kern River or if you plan to camp & raft for multiple days, consider our 24-hour rental packages.
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With your rental, included are paddles, personal flotation devices, helmets, pump(s), tie-straps & safety gear.
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Located in Kern Valley, near Kernville, California, the Kern River is a 1-hour drive from Bakersfield and a 3-hour drive from Los Angeles & Orange County.
Before or after your river trip, explore Kernville & its many shops & restaurants, the Trail of 100 Giants, the Forks of the Kern, Lake Isabella & numerous wilderness hiking, biking, backpacking & camping options in Sequoia National Forest.
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Guests are responsible to cover costs for any lost or damaged river gear that has been rented.
If you are not a strong paddler or swimmer, consider reserving our Guided Kern River Rafting and Guided Kern River Kayaking trips.
With a Kern River raft rental, run several sections of the Kern, depending on your skill-level.
During a Kern River raft rental, take a run on Ewings Rapid, a Class 3 rapid in Kernville.
Kern River raft rentals are a great option if you don’t have enough river gear for group or you want to explore more.
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Not Sure What Trip You Want?
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We offer fully guided rafting & kayaking river trips and Do-It-Yourself raft & kayak rentals. Call us & we will help you decide what trip is best for you and your group. Call us for special rates for large groups.