FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What Kind of River Trip is for You?

Class I – II:  Float trip on moving water with some obstacles like waves and/or rocks that are can be easily avoided.  Anyone can go.

Class III:  Plenty of waves, big and small; exposed rocks; and rapids with clear yet sometimes narrow routes that require maneuverability in order to negotiate.

• Beginners
• Five year olds and older
• One hour to full day trips

Powerhouse Section

• 10 year olds and older.
• Half to full day trips.

Lower Kern, Class III

Class IV:  Longer rapids with bigger drops and more obstacles.  Narrower routes that require precise maneuvering and power in order to negotiate.     

• Beginner/Intermediate
• Half, one, and two day trips.
• 10 years old and older.

Lower Kern, Class IV

• Intermediate
• Half, one, and two day trips.
• 12 years old or older.

Upper Kern

Class V:  Most difficult whitewater that can be run.  Rapids are long and may have many parts. Drops are more frequent and powerful.  Often only one viable route that requires strength, precision, and skillful boat maneuvering in order to negotiate successfully.  All guests must demonstrate fitness and swimming ability in the pre-class V swim and must have previous whitewater paddling experience.

• Advanced
• 14 years old or older
• One day trips

Upper Kern, Thunder Run

• Advanced/Expert
• 16 years old or older
• two and three day trips

Forks of the Kern