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Some Frequently Asked Questions. Call us with any specific questions you have... We are happy to help.
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Q: Do I need experience to go on a river day trip or a multi-day river vacation or retreat?
A: You do not need any experience to join a guided rafting trip. Our trained and experienced professional river guides will assist you.
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Q: Can I bring young children?
A: Pro Rafting Tours can take children as young as five (5) years old on our Main Salmon River Vacations and our Provo River and Kern River day trips.
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Q: Do I need to know how to swim?
A: All Pro Rafting Tours guests must wear our Coast Guard approved PFDs, Personal Flotation Devices. If you fall out of your boat, the PFD is designed to float you face up in the water. Before all river trips, our guides give detailed safety talks, equip you with a properly-fitted PFD and show you how to properly position yourself while swimming in swift water and rapids.
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Q: Are all river trips and vacations that Pro Rafting Tours conducts entirely whitewater?
A: No. Our Main Salmon River Vacation and Retreat trips are on a “pool and drop” river. This means that the river's thrilling rapids are separated by stretches of calm, relaxing water, allowing you to time to float easily and enjoy. During our Main Salmon River Vacations and Retreats, we spend portion of the days in rafts and kayaks. Other parts of the days are spent relaxing at camp, swimming, playing games, walking, hiking, fishing, birding, wildlife viewing and doing what you want.
The Provo River is a dam-controlled Class I river. It is a perfect beginners' river and training river. Be mindful that the Provo River is narrow with quick turns and some man-made obstructions. It also has stretches of calm, relaxing water.
The Kern River "Lickity Split" section where we conduct guided trips is Class II and Class III. It also has calm, easy-to-float relaxing areas to recover and enjoy the scenery. Other sections of the Kern River run from Class I to Class V. Although we do not conduct commercial guided trips on other sections of the Kern River, please inquire about these sections if you are interested and we will be happy to provide information and resources.
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Q: What should I wear and what should I bring?
A: For our day trips, we recommend bringing: Water bottle, sunscreen & lip protection. A shade hat, sunglasses with secure strap, swim suit and quick-drying shirt and shorts (wear what is weather-appropriate and prepare for quick changes in weather.) River sandals with straps or sneakers that you don't mind getting wet. Dry clothes and shoes for after your trip. In cold weather and cold water trips, we can provide splash jackets and wet suits. If you bring a camera, assure it has an attached securing strap and flotation device and it is waterproof.
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Q: Do I need to be younger and do I need to be in good shape to river raft and kayak?
A: We take guests of all ages, up until their 90's and older. The main physical requirements for our trips are the ability to get in and out of inflatable rafts and kayaks. Ability to walk on slippery, unseen and uneven surfaces and the ability to hold on with one hand when in the boats. Weight restrictions may apply. Having a healthy physical condition makes the experience easier and more enjoyable. Guests with medical conditions, including pregnancy, should have a doctor's approval before taking a trip.
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Q: Does Pro Rafting Tours have licenses?
A: Yes. We are proud to hold permits with federal, state, county and local agencies, allowing us to conduct river trips on protected land and water that might not be accessible to most members of the public.
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Q: Should I tip my river guide?
A: This is a very frequently asked question. Yes, if you think your river guides have given you a great trip, a gratuity may be left with the trip leader to be shared with the crew. Tip amounts are completely your decision and our river guides really appreciate it.
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Q: While I am considering to book a river trip and vacation, is Pro Rafting Tours willing to provide me with names and contact information of previous guests who have agreed to be references?
A: Absolutely. Please call our Special Retreat Hosts at 801-404-8297 and we will share that information with you.